alec_it's not like valve has some hatred for tf2 players. it would just be a waste of money to have a tf2 international on account of the small turnout it would get
How much money do Valve gain or lose by running The International though? I imagine directly the lose money. The initial prizepot they put out, on top of running the tournament doesn't seem like anything they could make back from the event itself. Unless they are selling some crazy number of tickets, idk what the capacity is of wherever it is.
They most likely run the tournament to keep the game growing, much like half the reason LoL is alive is because Riot continues to run the top level of the game. More people coming to play the game = more ingame revenue. TF2 is no different in that they make their money from in-game purchases.
On top of that, Gabe Newell is literally a billionaire. A billionaire. Valve probably makes a very sizable amount compared to what he is worth, if not more. I understand that you don't just throw money around because you have it, but they could triple the largest prizepot TF2 has ever had and hardly even notice it.
I think the fact 6v6 conflicts with their vision of the game is an obstacle we won't ever overcome and you shouldn't expect to.
tl;dr I'm not an economist so probably don't listen to me