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The International 2026 brings the world's leading Dota 2 teams to Shanghai for the biggest event of the competitive season. The tournament runs from 13 to 23 August, with 16 teams competing for the Aegis of Champions.
Shanghai is hosting The International again after previously staging the event in 2019. The 2026 field combines established organisations, former TI champions and teams that secured their places through regional qualifiers.
The International 2026 Schedule
The competition begins with The Road to The International, which determines the eight teams that advance to the main playoff bracket. According to the tournament schedule, the opening phase takes place from 13 to 16 August, followed by the playoffs from 20 to 23 August. The grand final is scheduled for 23 August.
- 13–16 August: The Road to The International
- 20–23 August: playoffs
- 23 August: grand final
Additional tournament information and official updates can be found on the Dota 2 website.
Which Teams Are Playing at TI 2026?
A total of 16 teams qualified for the event. Seven received direct invitations following their performances during the season, while nine reached Shanghai through regional qualifiers.
The directly invited teams are Aurora, BoomBoys, Iron Wing, Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team Yandex and Xtreme Gaming. The qualifier field includes Team Spirit, TEAM VISION, Nigma Galaxy, HULIGANI, Team Resilience, Vici Gaming, OG, GamerLegion and LGD Gaming.
The lineup creates an interesting mix of experienced championship contenders and newer projects. Chinese representatives Xtreme Gaming, Vici Gaming and LGD Gaming will also have the advantage of competing at a home International.
How Does The International 2026 Format Work?
The opening stage uses a Swiss-system format involving all 16 teams. Series are played as best-of-three matches. The top three teams qualify directly for the playoffs, while teams placed fourth through 13th continue into the elimination stage.
Five additional teams qualify from the elimination stage, creating an eight-team playoff field. The final phase uses a double-elimination bracket. Matches are best-of-three, with the exception of the grand final, which is played as a best-of-five.
Main Favourites for The International 2026
There is no single overwhelming favourite heading into Shanghai. Several teams have won major tournaments during 2026, while others can rely on extensive experience from previous editions of The International.
Team Vision
Team Vision arrive as one of the strongest contenders after winning DreamLeague Season 29 and the Esports World Cup 2026. The roster also finished third at TI 2025, giving it valuable experience from a deep run at the tournament.
Team Yandex
Team Yandex will make their TI debut after an impressive season that included victories at PGL Wallachia Season 7 and BLAST Slam VII. Their results put them among the leading contenders, although The International will provide a new test under significantly greater pressure.
BoomBoys
BoomBoys enter the tournament after winning PGL Wallachia Season 8 and reaching the Esports World Cup 2026 final. They also finished fourth at TI 2025, meaning the roster already knows what it takes to compete deep into the event.
Team Falcons
The defending champions remain impossible to overlook. Team Falcons won The International in 2025, although their 2026 campaign has been less dominant. Championship experience still makes them a dangerous opponent when the decisive matches begin.
Team Spirit and Team Liquid
Two-time champions Team Spirit remain among the most experienced teams in Shanghai after winning TI in 2021 and 2023. Their best major result of 2026 before the tournament was a runner-up finish at DreamLeague Season 29.
Team Liquid also enter TI with significant momentum. The two-time International-winning organisation claimed BLAST Slam VI and 1w Essence II during 2026, strengthening its position among the teams capable of making a deep playoff run.
MrBit Odds for The International 2026
Before the tournament, MrBit lists Team Vision as the leading contender for the title. The outright winner odds provided for the main favourites are:
- Team Vision — 3.50
- Team Yandex — 4.50
- BB Team — 4.50
- Team Falcons — 9.00
- Aurora — 9.00
These prices reflect expectations before the decisive stages and can change as the tournament progresses. Betting odds should not be interpreted as a guarantee of any result.
What to Expect From TI 2026
The International remains one of the most unpredictable tournaments in competitive Dota 2. Team Vision and Team Yandex arrive with strong 2026 results, while experienced organisations such as Team Falcons, Team Spirit and Team Liquid have already demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure.
Xtreme Gaming could also be a team to watch. The Chinese roster finished as runner-up at TI 2025 and will now compete in front of a home audience in Shanghai, although its 2026 results have been less consistent.
For further tournament coverage, schedules and competitive statistics, readers can consult Dota 2, Liquipedia Dota 2 and Valve's Dota Pro Team Registration portal.
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