Dota Auto Chess is a custom game that has been attracting a crazy amount of attention lately. It’s so crazy that the game has over 1.2 million subscribers. That’s right. 1.2 million subscribers. And just as I type this, there are over 130ooo players in game, making a case for Dota Auto Chess to burst out of Dota 2 and be a game of its own.

Seeing the popularity of Dota 2 Auto Chess, streamer BSJ decided to stream a $500 Dota Auto Chess Tournament for his subscribers.

We are confirmed doing a Dota Chess tourney on Saturday for subscribers! Prize pool will be 500 dollars thanks to a generous contribution from my former manager Shion. It will start at noon PDT aiming to end before the major. Hope to see you guys there

— BSJ (@BananaSlamJamma) January 17, 2019

But there was a surprise, not only for the people planning to take part, but for BSJ himself. Valve saw the BSJ’s plan and decided to add to the prizepool by making it 10 times what is was!

The BSJ Subscriber Dota Auto Chess tournament has officially become Valve Sponsored! The prize pool has now been raised from $500 to $5000 dollars! We will be aiming to start on Saturday at noon PDT. All subscribers are welcome. Tune in tonight if you have any questions.

— BSJ (@BananaSlamJamma) January 17, 2019

So the first Dota Auto Chess tournament will be held  on the 18th of January 2019, right before the Chongqing Major. If things go well, we might soon see a Major for a custom gaming developing in the shadows of Dota 2…