The International begins

Over the course of five intense days, sixteen teams battled fiercely through the playoff rounds, showcasing remarkable skill and determination. Each match was a test of strategy, teamwork, and individual prowess, as these teams fought for a chance to compete at the main stage of the tournament. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eagerly cheering for their favorites, creating a vibrant backdrop to the high-stakes action. After a grueling series of matches, eight teams emerged victorious, earning their coveted spots in the tournament’s main event. In the upper bracket, Team Liquid, Cloud9, Tundra Esports, and Gaimin Gladiators demonstrated exceptional play, consistently outmaneuvering their opponents. These teams not only showed their skill in execution but also their ability to adapt to various strategies employed by their adversaries. Team Liquid, known for their strong synergy and strategic depth, capitalized on their experience, making calculated decisions that often turned the tide of battle in their favor. Cloud9 brought their trademark aggression to the matches, leveraging quick decision-making and outstanding execution to overwhelm their opponents. Meanwhile, Tundra Esports displayed a versatile playstyle, seamlessly transitioning between aggressive and defensive tactics, which kept their rivals guessing.
Gaimin Gladiators, with their innovative strategies and exceptional teamwork, proved to be a formidable force, consistently pushing the boundaries of gameplay. In the lower bracket, BB Team, Team Falcons, Aurora Gaming, and Xtreme Gaming fought valiantly to secure their places. These teams faced the pressure of elimination, but their resilience shone through. BB Team relied on strong individual performances, often pulling off clutch plays that turned matches around. Team Falcons showcased their adaptability, quickly learning from their mistakes in earlier rounds to improve their gameplay in subsequent matches. Aurora Gaming focused on a balanced approach, combining strong team coordination with individual skill. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure was key to their success. Finally, Xtreme Gaming embraced a high-risk, high-reward style, often going for bold plays that left spectators on the edge of their seats. Their daring strategies paid off, allowing them to secure a place in the main event.
The Road to The International: Celebrating the Teams and Event Details
Congratulations to all eight teams that are now gearing up to compete for the Aegis of Champions at The International! The first battles at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen promise to be thrilling, as they kick off on Friday, September 13th! The pre-show for The International will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the opening ceremony at 11:00 AM. Shortly after, the highly anticipated match between BB Team and Team Falcons will commence. For those looking for the full schedule of events, you can find it here. Each day of the tournament, from Friday through Sunday, the arena doors will open at 9:00 AM, two hours before the first match begins. To enter, simply scan your ticket from Ticketmaster (for convenience, consider saving it in your Android or Apple wallet). Remember to scan your ticket again upon exiting the arena; otherwise, you won’t be able to re-enter. If you need directions to the venue, you can find detailed instructions here. Just a few minutes’ walk from the arena are metro and train stations, making it easy to access the event. For public transport schedules, check out Rejseplanen.dk.

Upon arrival, you can show your ticket and receive a commemorative badge at two locations inside the arena: near the entrance on the first floor and near the main entrance on the second floor. Each day features a separate badge that must be linked to your account, giving you a chance to receive the Treasure of the Crimson Witness. These treasures are randomly distributed among attendees when the first blood is spilled in each game. This year, they contain exclusive tournament versions of Immortal items for Night Stalker, Meepo, Disruptor, Luna, and Templar Assassin! For the millions of Dota fans around the world planning to watch The International online, we’ve compiled a list of streaming options below. The tournament will be broadcast in multiple languages across various platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, and SteamTV.
Twitch: Watch the tournament live with commentary from various channels offering insights and analysis.
YouTube: Catch all the matches and highlights on Dota 2’s official channel.
SteamTV: For a seamless viewing experience, tune in via SteamTV, where you can also engage with the community.
What to Expect As the tournament unfolds, fans can look forward to high-stakes matches filled with strategic plays and unexpected twists. The pressure is immense, as each team vies not only for victory but also for the honor of lifting the Aegis — a symbol of excellence in Dota 2. The atmosphere in the arena will be charged with excitement, as fans cheer for their favorite teams and players.
TEach of the competing teams has unique strengths that have brought them to this prestigious event:
Team Liquid: Known for their strategic depth and adaptability, they are perennial favorites.
Cloud9: With a roster that boasts incredible synergy and quick decision-making, they are a formidable opponent.
Tundra Esports: Their versatile playstyle keeps opponents guessing and makes every match unpredictable.
Gaimin Gladiators: Innovative and aggressive, they have shown remarkable skill throughout the playoff rounds.
In the lower bracket, teams like BB Team, Team Falcons, Aurora Gaming, and Xtreme Gaming are also set to make their mark. Their journey through the playoffs has been filled with resilience and tenacity, promising exciting matches as they seek to prove themselves on the grand stage. For attendees, the experience at The International goes beyond just watching the matches. There are opportunities to meet fellow fans, engage in discussions, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Dota 2 community. With merchandise stalls, food vendors, and interactive booths, the Royal Arena will be buzzing with activity. As we count down to the opening match, the excitement continues to build. Whether you’re watching from the arena or tuning in online, The International promises to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the best of Dota 2. Prepare for an epic showdown and may the best team emerge victorious!
