Streamer and analyst Yaroslav "NS" Kuznetsov observed why the group stage in Dota 2 tournaments often uses the Bo2 format. He believes it allows organizers to accumulate more viewing hours to report to sponsors.
"Unfortunately, we can't move away from the system with crappy Bo2s in groups. This format is beneficial and needed only for two things. First, it generates many viewing hours because there are lots of games and streams. This helps report to contractors, advertisers, or whoever ordered this. Second, it generates many bets. Lots of matches are pleasant for betting companies," Kuznetsov said.
Earlier, Ilya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk highlighted the main disadvantages of the Bo2 format compared to Bo3. In a best-of-three series, teams play more freely.
Kuznetsov is covering Riyadh Masters 2024. The championship runs from July 4 to 21 in Saudi Arabia. Teams compete for $5 million. In the playoffs, NS will host the traditional "Old Farts' Hub."