BLAST Slam VIII group stage opens with $750K prize pool

BLAST Slam VIII began its Dota 2 group stage on September 29 with 16 teams instead of the previous 12, all series best-of-three. The prize pool dropped to $750,000, with $270,000 for the champion; the Malta LAN playoffs run October 8-11.

• Field expanded from 12 to 16 teams in four GSL groups
• Prize pool is $750,000, down from $1 million at past BLAST Slams
• Champion earns $270,000, runner-up gets $135,000
• Malta LAN playoffs October 8-11, grand final is best-of-five