The International 2026 is set to crown the next champion of Dota 2 as the premier esports tournament reaches its 15th milestone. The world’s elite teams will converge in Shanghai from August 20-23 to battle for the prestigious Aegis of Champions at the Oriental Sports Center.
The competitive journey to Shanghai begins well before the main event. Sixteen teams will earn their spots through a combination of direct invitations, Open Qualifiers scheduled for June 9-12, and Regional Qualifiers running from June 15-28. This multi-tiered qualification system ensures representation from top teams while providing opportunities for emerging rosters to prove themselves on the international stage.
Once teams arrive in Shanghai, they will face a rigorous Swiss-style Group Stage from August 13-16. This format determines which eight teams advance to the main event, maintaining the competitive integrity that has defined The International for over a decade.
The road to Shanghai demands absolute dedication from competitors worldwide. Every strategic decision, every mechanical play, and every moment of preparation shapes whether a team can stand among Dota’s finest. The margin between glory and elimination has never been slimmer at The International.
Ticket information for the Shanghai event will be released closer to the tournament date. In the meantime, the global Dota competitive scene is heating up with intense regional matchups as teams across all continents battle for qualification spots. The next chapter of esports history is being written, and The International 2026 promises to be unmissable.