League of Very, Very Rich Legends

A number for you: $5 million.

A context for that number: the total prize pool for the tournaments dubbed 'Season Two' of League of Legends.

It's not one prize however, but split between numerous "local, national and international tournaments to foster and grow the League of Legends eSports scene." Still: that's a big old cheque.

As the recent purchase of a Dota team for $16 million also demonstrated, eSports ain't no gigglin' matter: this is serious business, able to earn those who excel at games a small fortune, and in turn drawing huge sponsorship deals. No wonder Valve seem so keen to get in on it with their own Dota 2 and, apparently, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

Question is, does this new enormo-prize pot signal that Riot Games aren't about to lie down and let Dota 2 steamroller 'em? And what happens once Blizzard finally unleash their own 'Blizzard Dota' for StarCraft II? WAR IS COMING.

Also coming: season two of LoL, this Autumn.

Thanks, Jukka.