Dota 2's TI10 Will Enlist The Help Of World-Renowned Video Game Psychiatrist Dr. K
Dr. Alok Kanojia, aka "Dr. K" of 'Healthy Gamer', a world-renowned gaming psychiatrist, has confirmed that Valve have asked him to be involved with Dota 2's The International 10 - the most lucrative esports event in history.
Known throughout the gaming world for promoting positive mental health, combating video game addiction, and even helping some colossal streamers such as Imane "Pokimane" Anys speak out about the impacts of being in the limelight 24/7, Dr. K has built up a huge reputation through streaming on Twitch and being a social media advocate.
Having built one of the world's most successful mental health platforms, helping thousands of onlookers with advice and techniques to stay healthy whilst gaming, the Psychiatrist has confirmed that his schedule will be shifted slightly as he has been asked to assist in TI10.
Taking to Twitter, he said, "It's crazy, it's one of the most unique and amazing opportunities I've had in my life."
"It feels unreal. What I'm about to do is almost impossible, or arguably has been impossible for someone like me - a boomer. Going and participating in some way, having some hand in the outcome of an esports tournament, is unheard of. It's great and I'm super hyped."
It's not yet clear what Dr. K's role in the event will be, although it is likely he will be on hand to assist players who are struggling mentally as the tournament unfolds. With the biggest prize money in esports history up for grabs, the players will undoubtedly be feeling large amounts of pressure, which can often lead to anxiety and/or depression depending on the outcome.
Dr. K's most known methods of assistance is through "a combination of evidence-based interventions, meditation and Ayurveda, neurochemistry research, and peer-based coaching", all of which could be handy for players competing at the highest level.
TI10 is set to unravel on October 7, where over the span of ten days, 18 teams of five will be whittled down to one victor, who will walk away with a combined $18million - just under half of the gargantuan prize pool.