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Seven Teams Earn Invites To The International ‘Dota 2’ Tournament

The seven teams directly invited to The International 2026 have been revealed along with all the information on the qualifiers.

Forbes 2 min read 6/10
Seven Teams Earn Invites To The International ‘Dota 2’ Tournament
Key Takeaways
  • Valve has directly invited seven teams to The International 2026, including top Dota Pro Circuit performers from the spring tour.
  • The prize pool for TI2026 currently stands at $30 million via Battle Pass sales, with final estimates exceeding $45 million.
  • Regional qualifiers for the remaining 16 slots will take place in North America, South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, and Southeast Asia.
  • Previous two-time champions Team Spirit have not yet secured a direct invite, forcing them into the Eastern European qualifier.
  • The International 2026 is scheduled for late October, with the host city still unannounced—speculation points to Seattle or Singapore.
The International 2026 invites are out, and seven elite Dota 2 teams have secured their spot in gaming’s most lucrative tournament. Valve announced the seven directly invited teams for The International 2026 on May 26, setting the stage for a massive battle in the fall. The remaining slots will be determined through regional qualifiers. The International has been the pinnacle of Dota 2 since 2011, with prize pools exceeding $40 million in recent years. The invited teams include top performers from the Dota Pro Circuit and recent major winners. Qualifiers will be held in six regions, giving dozens of teams a shot at the biggest event of the year. This early announcement gives teams time to prepare and fans a glimpse of the potential championship contenders. The International 2026 is expected to take place in late October, with location yet to be announced. As the Dota 2 season intensifies, these seven The International 2026 invites signal a shift in the competitive landscape. Teams that dominated the spring tour have earned direct entry, while others must fight through grueling qualifiers. The prize pool for The International 2026 already surpasses $30 million based on the Battle Pass sales, with projections to exceed $45 million. This makes every match high-stakes, as teams vie for a share of the largest prize pool in esports history. The announcement also reignites debates about the invite system. In previous years, Valve overhauled the Dota Pro Circuit, reducing the number of direct invites. This year’s seven-team slot is a middle ground, balancing merit with regional representation. Analysts note that including teams from China, Europe, and Southeast Asia ensures global appeal. For the invited squads, the news brings relief and pressure—they can skip the qualifiers but must maintain form. For fans, the reveal sparks speculation about who will claim the Aegis of Champions. The International 2026 invites have set the stage for a thrilling race to the final. With qualifiers starting next month, the esports world watches closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Valve has directly invited seven teams based on their performance in the Dota Pro Circuit spring tour. The official list includes top contenders from major regions such as China, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

The International is Valve's annual Dota 2 world championship, first held in 2011. It features the largest prize pool in esports history, funded by crowd-sourced Battle Pass purchases.

In addition to the seven direct invites, 16 more teams will earn spots through regional qualifiers across six regions: North America, South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, and Southeast Asia.

The International 2026 is scheduled for late October 2026. The exact dates and venue have not yet been announced by Valve.

The prize pool for The International 2026 currently exceeds $30 million from Battle Pass sales, with projections estimating a final total over $45 million, potentially breaking previous records.

The invites set the stage for the biggest Dota 2 event of the year. Directly invited teams have time to prepare and strategize, while the qualifiers create intense competition for the remaining slots.

Topics

The International 2026 Dota 2 esports tournaments Valve gaming competitive gaming prize pool qualifiers

Original source

www.forbes.com

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