The International 2025 is one of the most important esports events, and every winner etches their name into the history of Dota 2. Beyond the title of world champions, the victors are awarded the Aegis of the Immortal and a significant prize pool. Discover the participants, format, and all the key highlights of TI 2025 in this blog.
The International 2025 Format and Dates
The International 2025 will take place from September 4 to 14 at the Barclays Arena in Hamburg, Germany. The tournament follows its classic format but also introduces certain innovations. It is divided into three stages: Group Stage, Elimination, and Playoffs.
- Group Stage (Road To The International) – September 4–7. In the group stage, 16 teams will play in a single group. The top 3 advance directly to the playoffs, teams placing 4th–13th proceed to the Elimination round, while the rest are eliminated.
- Elimination round – 5 teams advance to the playoffs, the rest are eliminated.
- Main Event – September 11–14. The playoff matches will be played in a Double-elimination bracket Bo3, with the Grand Final in Bo5.
This format avoids overloading teams while allowing them to showcase the highest level of play.
Participants of The International 2025
There are 16 teams at TI 14. Of these, 8 received a direct invitation and 8 went through the hard way of qualifications.
Team | Roster | Region |
Team Liquid | miCKe, Nisha, SaberLight, Boxi, Insania | Western Europe |
PARIVISION | Satanic, No[o]ne-, DM, 9Class, Dukalis (C: Astini) | Eastern Europe |
BB Team | Pure, gpk, MieRo, Save-, Kataomi` (C: boolk) | Eastern Europe |
Team Tidebound | shiro, NothingToSay, Bach, planet, y` | China |
Team Spirit | Yatoro, Larl, Collapse, rue, Miposhka (C: Silent) | Eastern Europe |
Team Falcons | skiter, Malr1ne, ATF, Cr1t-, Sneyking (C: Aui_2000) | MENA |
Tundra Esports | Crystallis, bzm, 33, Saksa, Whitemon (C: MoonMeander) | Western Europe |
Yakutou Brothers | flyfly, Emo, Beyond, BoBoKa, Oli | China |
Natus Vincere | gotthejuice, Niku, pma, Zayac, Riddys (C: TheHeartlessKing) | Eastern Europe |
Nigma Galaxy | Ghost, SumaiL, No!ob, OmaR, GH (C: KuroKy) | Western Europe |
Aurora Gaming | Nightfall, kiyotaka, TORONTOTOKYO, Mira, panto (C: G) | Eastern Europe |
Xtreme Gaming | Ame, Xm, Xxs, XinQ, xNova (C: xiao8) | China |
Team Nemesis | Akashi, Mac, Raven, Jing, Erice (C: skem) | Southeast Asia |
BOOM Esports | JaCkky, Armel, Jabz, TIMS, Jaunuel (C: Mushi) | Southeast Asia |
Wildcard | Yamsun, RCY, Fayde, Bignum, Speeed (C: BliNcc) | North America |
HEROIC | Yuma, 4nalog, Wisper, Scofield, KJ | South America |
The International 14 Prize Pool
The initial prize pool of TI 14 traditionally amounts to $1.6 million plus 25% from this year’s Compendium sales. At the beginning, the TI prize pool has already exceeded $2 million and continues to grow gradually. The International has always been the highest-paying tournament in esports, and this year it also has the chance to reclaim the top spot if it surpasses the $3 million mark set at Dota 2 EWC 2025,
What to Expect from the International 2025
The International always attracts a lot of attention, and this year’s TI is no exception. Ahead of the tournament, the Compendium was released, and Gaimin Gladiators withdrew from the event, with Yakutou Brothers taking their place. We analyzed the results of all Dota 2 Teams participating in The International 2025 and compiled the top 10 contenders for victory at TI 14. This list will also help you make better Compendium 2025 Predictions and earn more points.
- Team Spirit – champions of TI 2021 and TI 2023, one of the strongest Dota 2 teams in recent years. Team Spirit consistently reaches the top positions at majors, demonstrating stability and winning experience. Their chances for victory at this year’s tournament were reinforced by their 1st place at EWC 2025.
- Tundra Esports – champions of TI 2022. This season they are showing a high level of play. The team has an experienced and balanced roster, capable of adapting to any meta. Among the main achievements of the European squad this year are victories at FISSURE PLAYGROUND 1, BLAST Slam II, and III.
- PARIVISION – one of the main sensations of the current Dota 2 season. The team quickly broke into the list of the best and secured many victories this year. In 7 out of 12 tournaments in which PARIVISION participated this year, they reached the top 3, including a bronze medal at EWC 2025.
- Team Liquid – winners of TI 2024. Regular finalists and champions of major tournaments, with a star-studded roster that always shows strong results at TI. Despite rather inconsistent performances this season, it was at LAN tournaments where Liquid demonstrated a high level of play, which will be an advantage at The International 2025.
- Team Falcons – another sensation of recent seasons. The team has strong financial support and a powerful roster. Recently, they unexpectedly secured silver at EWC 2025 and claimed victory at FISSURE Universe: Episode 6.
- BB Team – a strong team from Eastern Europe with an aggressive playstyle. Throughout the season, they have demonstrated a solid level of play. At the last TI, the team finished in the top 8.
- Team Tidebound – one of the best Chinese teams with a star-studded roster. For the team, this is their first season, and they have made significant progress, achieving important victories that earned them an invitation to The International 2025. Their main achievement so far is 1st place at Clavision Masters 2025: Snow-Ruyi.
- NAVI – the legendary Ukrainian team is returning to The International. The slot for TI 2025, just like at EWC 2025, was secured by NAVI Junior, who later became the organization’s main roster. Although the current squad doesn’t yet have big victories, they are definitely determined to delight their huge fan base.
- Aurora Gaming – a fairly strong team from Eastern Europe. They don’t stand out for anything specific, but they consistently deliver decent results. Thanks to roster changes this year, Aurora Gaming managed to show better performances and even secured 3rd place at FISSURE Universe: Episode 5.
- Nigma Galaxy – A team with well-known players who, despite the lack of major achievements this season, secured many victories against strong opponents. A big advantage for Nigma Galaxy is their stable roster: Kuroky and GH have been with the team since 2019, while SumaiL, No!ob, and OmaR joined Nigma Galaxy in 2023 and 2024 respectively. During this time, the squad has developed strong synergy, and their teamwork is at a very high level.
The teams listed above are the favorites to win, and their matches will definitely be exciting to watch. However, it is important to keep in mind that at The International, any team can pull off a surprise and claim victory.
Facts about The International 2025
The International 2025 promises to be the most exciting tournament of this season, and here are some facts that make it special.
First of all, for the first time in the history of The International, the Swiss System will be used. Previously, TI group stages were played in a round-robin format or with other formats, but this year Valve decided to change the approach. The Swiss System allows stronger teams to be determined with fewer matches and makes the weight of each game greater.
Another major event was the withdrawal of Gaimin Gladiators from the tournament. The team, considered one of the strongest in recent years, unexpectedly refused to participate. Their place was taken by Yakutou Brothers. This replacement has already caused a wave of discussions and added intrigue to the upcoming tournament.
A gift for players was the release of the Compendium, which has always been an integral part of The International. In 2025, it is free for all players but still offers no fewer rewards. Moreover, if you make it into the top 1500 players by earned points, you will receive a free physical copy of the Aegis of Immortal. In addition, you can win a free Dota Plus subscription and even an Arcana of your choice.
Final Thoughts
The International 2025 will undoubtedly go down in the history of Dota 2. The new format, the unexpected withdrawal of Gaimin Gladiators, the unique Compendium, and the large prize pool make this year’s tournament special. Fans can expect exciting matches, and new legendary stories, and very soon we will find out who will lift the Aegis of Immortal above their head and claim the title of world champion.
Xtreme Gaming
Tundra Esports
PARIVISION
Heroic
Team Tidebound
Team Falcons
BetBoom Team
Nigma Galaxy 
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