The International (TI) 2025 — Dota 2’s premier world championship — is almost here. From 4 to 14 September in Hamburg, Germany, 16 of the world’s best teams will clash across multiple stages for the coveted Aegis of Champions and a multimillion-dollar prize pool. Here’s everything you need to know about TI 2025.
Schedule & Format
Valve has introduced a revamped format for TI 2025, featuring a Swiss-format Group Stage and a Special Elimination Round, followed by the traditional Playoffs.
Phase 1: Road to The International (4–7 September)
• Group Stage: 16 teams play in a five-round Swiss bracket, with all matches best-of-three. Teams face others with identical win-loss records (e.g., 2-0 vs. 2-0).
• Advancement/Elimination: 4 wins = Playoffs spot; 4 losses = elimination. Three teams will advance directly after the Group Stage; three will be eliminated.
• Special Elimination Round: The 10 remaining teams face off in best-of-three matches — high seeds vs. low seeds — for the last 5 Playoff spots.
Phase 2: The International Proper – Playoffs (11–14 September)
• Format: All 8 qualified teams start in the upper bracket of a double-elimination bracket.
• Match Rules: Best-of-three matches, except the Grand Finals, which are best-of-five.
Teams
TI 2025 will feature teams from six major regions: Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, Southeast Asia, North America, and South America.
Direct Invites
• Team Liquid
• PARIVISION
• BetBoom Team
• Team Tidebound
• Gaimin Gladiators
• Team Spirit
• Team Falcons
• Tundra Esports
Regional Qualifiers
• Western Europe: Natus Vincere, Nigma Galaxy
• Eastern Europe: Aurora Gaming
• China: Xtreme Gaming
• Southeast Asia: Team Nemesis, BOOM Esports
• North America: Wildcard
• South America: HEROIC
Prize Pool
• Base Prize: US$1.6 million (provided by Valve)
• Crowdfunding: Supplemented by the TI 2025 Compendium.
• Champions’ Share: Historically 45% of the total prize pool.
Valve has not yet revealed the final amount for 2025, but the structure is expected to follow previous years.
