The International (TI) is the peak of competitive Dota 2. This event brings together the world’s best teams to battle for the coveted Aegis of Champions title and offers the chance to bet on all matches of the Dota 2 2025 tournament. The tournament has set a landmark for prize pools and viewership over the years.
This year, it will return with a bang, featuring a new host city and renewed anticipation for the performances of different players. Valve, the publisher of the Dota 2 game, has officially confirmed that The International 2025 (TI14) will be held in Hamburg, Germany. It will commence from September 11th to 14th of this year at the famous Barclays Arena.
This event signifies a major moment in the history of the tournament. It is so because it brings back The International to Germany for the first time since its inaugural edition in Cologne in 2011. Over the years, the event has been hosted across different eSports hubs like Seattle, Singapore, Shanghai, Vancouver, Bucharest, and most recently, Copenhagen in 2024. Now, Hamburg is set to be the next city to witness the greatest showdown of this Dota 2 tournament.
Event Destination
The Barclays Arena is situated in Hamburg. This is one of Germany’s most popular indoor arenas, and it is known for hosting large-scale sporting events, concerts, and international esports tournaments. It boasts a seating capacity of 16,000 and will offer a grand setting for the high-stakes action of the event.
Hamburg is a vibrant city with a rich gaming and eSports culture. The choice for this location is strategic because Germany has long been a pioneer for European eSports. The country is home to some of the biggest gaming events like Games in Cologne and past ESL One Dota 2 tournaments. By choosing Hamburg to host the event, Valve aims to expand the reach of the event and, at the same time, honour its historical roots in Germany.
Qualification & Format
At the moment, specific details about the qualification process of TI14 are yet to be released. However, it is expected to follow a similar structure to the previous editions. So, usually, The International features the following pre-event.
- Direction invitations to top-performing teams from the major events.
- Teams from various regions (Western Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, China, Eastern Europe, and South America) compete for a limited number of slots — to make the regional qualifiers.
- Low-tier and rising teams combat for a chance to enter the region qualifiers —- open qualifiers.
The 2024 TI13 format saw a reduction from 20 teams to 16. This permitted a more compact and competitive tournament. If a similar format is maintained, the TI14 will feature a group stage followed by a double-elimination playoff bracket. This indicates that teams will have to fight for survival until the Grand Finals.
The Journey to TI 2025
Before The International, the competitive season is characterized by major tournaments. These pre-events offer chances for various teams to refine their strategies and build a presence. There are a couple of events players can and should look forward to before the main tournaments. They are as follows.
- FISSURE PLAYGROUND #1. This will be held in January 2025 in Serbia. It offers an early chance for teams to test new strategies and compositions.
- BLAST Slam II. This is scheduled for February. It is a premier event that features elite teams competing for supremacy.
- Dream League Season 25. This will happen in February as well. It is a top-tier league event that helps to determine the strongest candidates heading into the latter part of the season.
These tournaments offer fans a preview of the dominant teams. Likewise, it serves as a stepping stone for squads looking to qualify for The International. So, don’t miss these!
Prize Pool Expectations
One of the tournament’s biggest upsides has always been its record-breaking prize pools. It is traditionally funded through The Battle Pass. This is an in-game crowdfunding system where a portion of sales contributes to the total prize. TI10 (2021) offered $40 million in prizes, the highest ever in the history of this tournament. Subsequently, TI11 (2022) offered a $18.9 million prize to the winning team.
However, TI12 (2023) was at $3.1 million because Valve decided to deviate from the Battle Pass Funding that helped significantly increase the prize pool's value significantly. In recent years, this decision to scale back in Battle Pass contributions has led to lower prize pools. For TI14, it remains to be seen whether Valve will reinstate a crowdfunding model or introduce a new monetization system altogether. Regardless of the prize pool value, winning The International is still the highest honour in Dota 2. Earning this victory extends beyond just monetary reward.
What to Expect
The International is more than just a tournament. It is a celebration of Dota 2 and its global community. So, you can anticipate world-class production and immersive experience all through. In addition, fan-centre events like meet-the-player sessions, cosplay competitions, and purchase of exclusive TI14 merchandise and collectables. Every year, The International provides unforgettable moments with epic storylines like OG’s Cinderella run in 2018-2019, Team Spirit’s shocking win in 2021, and Tundra eSports’ dominant performance in 2022. Surely, you can look forward to another chapter in Dota 2’s history during TI14.
Ticket Information and Viewing
Valve is yet to release details on ticket sales. However, based on previous years, you can expect multiple ticket tiers, including single-day passes and VIP experiences. Likewise, early access for Dota Plus subscribers or Battle Pass holders and online streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and Steam TV are some arrangements formats. With the event scheduled for September 2025, you can expect ticket announcements in the coming months.
An Unmissable Spectacle for Any Gaming Enthusiast
The International 2026 will be a milestone event. This is evident through the return to its roots in Germany and its continued tradition of displaying the best Dota 2 talents around the globe. With Hamburg as its host city, you can anticipate an electrifying atmosphere, high-stakes action, and unforgettable moments. TI14 promises to be one of the biggest eSports events of the year, whether you are a seasoned fan or a newbie. So, stay tuned for more updates and prepare to witness history unfold in Hamburg as we get closer to September 2026.
