The stage is set in Shanghai. As the Oriental Sports Center prepares to host The International 2026, the air is thick with the kind of unpredictability we haven't seen in years. With 16 teams converging for the most prestigious trophy in Dota 2, the $2.8M+ prize pool is only part of the story. From the dominant runs of Team Vision to the chaotic, last-minute roster drama surrounding LGD Gaming, this year’s The International is shaping up to be a classic.
The Heavy Hitters and the "Rejects"
The conversation starts with the favorites. Team Vision enters as the team to beat, riding high on a consistent season and a commanding victory at the Esports World Cup. They look like a well-oiled machine. Right behind them, Team Yandex and BoomBoys (BetBoom) have proven they can dismantle anyone on their day.
Then, there is the defending champion, Team Falcons. They are looking to etch their name into history as the second team to win back-to-back TIs. While they’ve looked a bit shaky in recent months, counting out a roster with this much pedigree is a dangerous game.
The LGD Gaming Chaos
The biggest talking point heading into the opening matches is undoubtedly LGD Gaming. The shock ban of their 17-year-old star, TaiLung, just days before the event sent the scene into a tailspin. In a move that feels ripped from a script, they’ve brought in the legendary Topson as a stand-in. Watching a retired two-time champion jump back into the fire to help a South American-heavy roster is exactly the kind of narrative that makes TI special.
What to Expect
The tournament kicks off with a high-stakes Swiss-system group stage. With only 16 teams, there is zero room for error. The meta is wide open, and the gap between the top-tier invitees and the qualifier squads feels smaller than ever. Keep a close eye on squads like Nigma Galaxy, who are hungry to prove that their veteran core still has the magic.
Whether you are tracking the favorites or looking for that one underdog to ruin your bracket, the action in Shanghai is going to be relentless. Check out our MyEsports predictions to see who we’re backing for the opening series.