The wait is finally over. The International 2026 is set to kick off in Shanghai, bringing together 16 of the world's most formidable Dota 2 squads. With the Aegis of Champions on the line, the atmosphere at the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center is already electric as teams prepare for a grueling Swiss-style group stage starting August 13.
The field is a mix of established titans and hungry underdogs who fought through a brutal qualification process. Valve opted for a selective approach this year, handing out seven direct invites based on consistent performance throughout the 2025-26 competitive season, while nine additional spots were earned through regional qualifiers.
The Contenders
The direct invites feature the heavy hitters we have come to expect at the top of the bracket. Team Falcons, the defending champions, lead the charge as they look to secure a historic back-to-back title. They are joined by perennial powerhouses like Team Liquid and Tundra Esports, alongside Aurora Gaming, BoomBoys, Xtreme Gaming, and Team Yandex.
However, the regional qualifiers proved that no team is safe. The European bracket was particularly fierce, resulting in high-profile squads like Team Spirit and the rising PARIVISION securing their passage to China. The full list of 16 participants is as follows:
- Direct Invites: Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Tundra Esports, Aurora Gaming, BoomBoys, Xtreme Gaming, Team Yandex
- Regional Qualifiers: Team Spirit, PARIVISION, Nigma Galaxy, HULIGANI, RESPECT, Team Resilience, Vici Gaming, OG, GamerLegion, LGD Gaming
What to Watch For
The narrative surrounding LGD Gaming has shifted dramatically in the final hours before the event. Following the disqualification of their player TaiLung due to competitive integrity concerns, the organization made a high-profile roster adjustment, bringing in a seasoned veteran to stabilize the squad. Meanwhile, all eyes are on 18-year-old prodigy Satanic, who spearheads the PARIVISION lineup in what could be his breakout TI performance.
The Swiss-style group stage is designed to punish slow starts. With every match being a best-of-three, teams cannot afford to experiment once the action begins. Only the top eight will advance to the main stage, where the intensity shifts to a double-elimination format.
As the tournament gets underway, keep an eye on our MyEsports predictions to see how the experts weigh these matchups. Whether it is a Cinderella run or a dominant performance by the favorites, the next ten days in Shanghai will define the 2026 season.