The English language casters for the South American DPC league play have organized a strike "due to bottom-tier pay."

Although professional Dota 2 in the South American region seems to have been on the rise in the last few years with more teams competing on International levels and taking historical results. 

  • Read Rise of South America; A historical road trip

In fact, well-known Western organizations such as Alliance and Evil Geniuses have ventured into the region, picking up teams to compete at the highest levels. 

  • Read Evil Geniuses officially announce full South American roster

But not everything in the region is on the up-and-up, looking all rosy. 

EPL initially owned the English broadcast rights, however, they were transferred to BTS Brazil on January 15th. 

Suddenly, things in the SA region broadcasts were literally heading south at neck-breaking speed. 

For the DPC 2023 season, the South American Division I league play had a lapse without any official broadcasts streamed in the English Language.​​There was also a lapse in Tour 1 Div2 coverage because BTS Brazil hadn't found anyone to cover it. They tried to get community caster coverage to fill the gap before MoonStudio took over in Week 2.

It was clear that the quality of the broadcasts and production had taken a significant hit and things were very messy. 

Talent is an integral part of what MAKES the games meaningful to spectators, it is what drives the fans to crave watching the broadcasts brought to life.  

But the SA viewership experience was abysmal, making it difficult for fans to enjoy or even watch the matches. 

The reasons why have now been brought to light by analyst-coach-caster-host, Murielle "Kips" Huisman, shedding light on all of the behind-the-scenes circumstances. 

Two years ago we even explored the struggles of Dota 2 talent in the overall landscape and scene. 

  • Read Dota 2 talent; How the voices behind the broadcasts need to be heard

So seeing things escalate to such conditions and circumstances is even more disheartening. Instead of improvements, it seems to be going to hell in a handbasket. 

This is not the first time that Tournament Organizers in the South American region have been called out for issues regarding payment or conditions. 

PT casters have been reporting poor conditions and concerns for some time. 

Last year, teams and players from South America were still waiting for their prize pool money from 4D Esports for Dota 2 DPC 2022 Season Tour 3 months later. 4D Esports was the organization that hosted Division I and II for all three tours of the DPC 2021-22 season in South America.

  • Read South America DPC teams still waiting for payment for Tour 3

DPC SA 2023 Tour 3 Division 1 runs from May 14 to June 4, with eight teams fighting for a $205,000 prize pool and two Bali Major slots.

  • Read Bali Major to be held at luxurious AYANA Estate in July