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SUMMARY:Dota 2: The International
DESCRIPTION:Dota 2: The International is the most prestigious esports tournament in the world\, renowned for its record-breaking prize pools and the highest level of competitive Dota 2 play. Organised by Valve Corporation\, The International brings together the best teams from every region to compete for the Aegis of Champions. The 2026 edition takes place from 13 to 23 August. \n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is Dota 2: The International?\n\n\n\n\nThe International\, commonly known as TI\, is the annual world championship for Dota 2\, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Valve. It is widely regarded as the most important event in the Dota 2 competitive calendar and one of the biggest tournaments in all of esports. The event features a group stage followed by a double-elimination playoff bracket\, with teams of five players competing in best-of-three and best-of-five series. The International’s prize pool has historically been crowdfunded through the sale of in-game Battle Passes\, with total purses regularly exceeding $30 million. \n\n\n\n\n\nWhen is The International 2026?\n\n\n\n\nThe International 2026 runs from Thursday 13 August to Sunday 23 August. The group stage typically occupies the first several days\, with the main event playoffs beginning mid-tournament. The grand final is expected on the closing day\, Sunday 23 August. \n\n\n\n\n\nWhere is The International 2026 held?\n\n\n\n\nThe venue for The International 2026 is to be confirmed by Valve. Previous editions have been held in cities including Seattle\, Vancouver\, Bucharest\, Singapore\, and Bali. The tournament has rotated between regions in recent years\, with Valve typically announcing the host city several months before the event. The main event playoffs are held in a large arena setting\, while group stages may take place in a studio environment. \n\n\n\n\n\nKey Contenders\n\n\n\n\nThe International consistently features the strongest teams in professional Dota 2. Team Spirit\, the TI11 champions\, remain a formidable force\, while Team Liquid and Tundra Esports have established themselves as perennial contenders. Chinese organisations such as PSG.LGD and Xtreme Gaming bring deep tactical expertise\, and emerging rosters from South America and Southeast Asia continue to challenge the established order. The long format of the tournament rewards teams with versatility\, adaptability\, and strong drafting across multiple patches. \n\n\n\n\n\nHow to Watch\n\n\n\n\nThe International is broadcast free of charge on multiple platforms. Valve’s official stream is available on Twitch and YouTube\, with dedicated broadcasts in English\, Russian\, Chinese\, and several other languages. Fans can also watch in-client through the Dota 2 game itself\, which offers unique features such as player perspective views and real-time statistics. There is no pay-per-view requirement\, making The International one of the most accessible major esports events worldwide. \n\n\n\n\n\nHistory\n\n\n\n\nThe first International was held in 2011 at Gamescom in Cologne\, Germany\, with a then-unprecedented prize pool of $1.6 million. Since then\, the tournament has grown into the flagship event of competitive Dota 2. TI10\, held in Bucharest in 2021\, set a record with a prize pool exceeding $40 million. The Aegis of Champions\, awarded to the winning team\, has been lifted by legendary organisations including Natus Vincere\, Alliance\, OG (the only two-time champions)\, and Team Spirit. The tournament’s history is defined by dramatic lower bracket runs\, unexpected upsets\, and iconic plays that have become part of esports folklore. \n\n\n\n\n\nTickets\n\n\n\n\nTickets for The International are made available through Valve’s official channels once the venue is confirmed. Demand is extremely high\, and tickets for the main event playoffs typically sell out within minutes. Midweek group stage tickets\, where available\, are generally more accessible. Fans are advised to follow the official Dota 2 social media accounts and website for ticket sale announcements. \n\n\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\n\n\n\n\n\nHow is The International prize pool funded?\n\n\n\n\nThe prize pool is partly funded by Valve and partly crowdfunded through the sale of in-game Battle Passes. A percentage of each Battle Pass purchase is added to the prize pool\, which has historically resulted in totals exceeding $30 million. \n\n\n\n\n\nHow many teams compete at The International?\n\n\n\n\nThe International typically features between 16 and 20 teams\, qualified through a combination of Dota Pro Circuit standings and regional qualifiers. The exact format may vary from year to year. \n\n\n\n\n\nCan I watch The International for free?\n\n\n\n\nYes\, all matches are broadcast free of charge on Twitch\, YouTube\, and within the Dota 2 game client. There is no subscription or pay-per-view required. \n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is the Aegis of Champions?\n\n\n\n\nThe Aegis of Champions is the trophy awarded to the winning team at The International. It is one of the most iconic trophies in esports\, and the names of all previous champions are engraved on its surface. \n\n]]>
URL:https://sporting-events.org/event/dota-2-the-international/
CATEGORIES:Esports
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