The “immortal design” of professional Dota 2 is heading back to one of its most storied battlegrounds. Valve has officially announced that The International 2026 will celebrate its 15th Anniversary in Shanghai, China, bringing the quest for the Aegis of Champions back to the Oriental Sports Center from August 20–23.
The International 2026: Location and Venue
Seven years after the legendary TI9, Shanghai once again takes center stage. This year carries the added weight of a decade and a half of history, as the 15th edition of The International promises to be a masterclass in high-stakes competition.
For the Chinese fans—long considered some of the most passionate in the world—this represents a homecoming and a chance to see their local heroes fight to reclaim the glory on home soil. It will take place on August 20-23 at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai.
The Road to the DOTA2 TI 2026
The journey to the main stage is a grueling gauntlet designed to filter out all but the elite. The competitive calendar is already set:
- Open Qualifiers: June 9–12
- Regional Qualifiers: June 15–28
- Swiss-style Group Stage: August 13–16 (Shanghai)
In a high-pressure twist, the 16 qualifying teams will first battle through a Swiss-style Group Stage upon arriving in China. Only eight slots are available for the main event, meaning half the field will face heartbreak before even stepping in front of the arena crowd.
As the Dota 2 community knows, TI is more than just a tournament; it’s where talent, dreams, and sacrifice are woven together. Every missed “Black Hole” or perfectly timed “Aegis snatch” becomes part of the game’s tapestry. With the Oriental Sports Center serving as the backdrop, the 2026 season is shaping up to be the most intense yet.
The International 2026 Tickets
Ticketing information is expected to drop in the coming months. For now, the global Dota circuit is already heating up as teams across all regions begin the long climb toward the world’s biggest stage.
Will China reclaim the Aegis at home, or will a new dynasty emerge in Shanghai? Stay tuned.
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