The International 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of Dota 2’s most prestigious tournament, bringing together the world’s elite teams to compete for the Aegis of Champions. This year’s main event will take place August 20-23 at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China.
Sixteen of the strongest Dota 2 rosters will battle for supremacy, with teams earning their spots through multiple pathways. Direct invitations go to top-tier organizations, while the remaining slots are contested through Open Qualifiers (June 9-12) and Regional Qualifiers (June 15-28). Before the Shanghai showdown, qualified teams must navigate a Swiss-style Group Stage (August 13-16) to secure one of eight coveted spots in the main tournament bracket.
The road to The International embodies the essence of professional Dota competition. Teams must blend raw talent, unwavering determination, and strategic sacrifice to reach the pinnacle of esports. Every decision carries weight, every performance matters, and the margin between triumph and elimination remains razor-thin.
As the competitive season progresses throughout the year, regional battles will intensify across the globe. Pro teams are already heating up the calendar as they prepare for their chance to prove themselves worthy of standing alongside the world’s finest on Dota’s biggest stage.
Ticket information for The International 2026 will be announced soon. Keep an eye out for updates as Shanghai prepares to host one of competitive gaming’s most celebrated events.