The International 2025: The Greatest Battle in Dota 2 Esports History

← Back

 

The world's Dota 2 elite is preparing for this year's season pinnacle. The International 2025 starts September 4 as the biggest esports event of the year, where the planet's 16 best teams will fight for the prestigious Aegis of Champions trophy and world champion status.

Tournament Format and Path to Victory

This year's edition brings a traditional yet demanding format divided into three key phases. The group stage utilizes a Swiss system where all 16 teams gradually face opponents with similar win-loss records. The top three teams advance directly to playoffs, while teams in positions 4-13 must navigate the elimination phase.

The elimination portion determines five additional qualifiers who join the direct qualifiers. A total of eight teams then compete in the playoff phase with double elimination, where every match can decide the fate of favorites.

Defenders vs. Challengers

Team Liquid arrives at the tournament as defending champions with ambitions to achieve a historic third title for the organization. Their opening challenge against BOOM Esports from Southeast Asia could reveal the current form of the European masters.

Team Spirit perhaps represents the greatest threat to the defenders. Two-time International champions and recent Esports World Cup winners demonstrate consistent peak-level performance. Their opening bout with the Wildcard team will test their readiness for another title.

Tundra Esports enters the tournament after dramatic changes - a last-minute roster adjustment just three days before the start signals possible internal issues. Last year's bronze medalists will face Yakutou Brothers, who replaced the withdrawn Gaimin Gladiators.

Return of Legends

Natus Vincere represents sentiment and history. Winners of the inaugural 2011 tournament seek a return to prominence after years of mixed success. Their opening match against Team Tidebound will be the first test of the legendary organization's current ambitions.

NAVI symbolizes the golden era of The International's beginnings, when the tournament primarily served as promotion for the emerging Dota 2 game. Their potential success would represent a beautiful story of returning to roots.

Economic Aspects and Prize Pool

The tournament's financial structure has undergone dramatic changes since the introduction of the crowdfunding model in 2013. While the record prize pool reached an incredible $40 million in 2021, recent editions have seen a significant drop to $2.6 million in 2024.

The funding system through Battle Pass, where 25% of revenue goes directly to the prize pool, still functions, but the community is clearly investing less than in previous years. This trend raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the current model.

Aegis of Champions as Symbol of Excellence

The iconic trophy represents more than just a cup. Designed with a combination of Norwegian and Chinese aesthetics, crafted from bronze and silver by Weta Workshop, known from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The names of all winners are permanently engraved on the back, creating a physical chronicle of tournament history.

Miniature versions of the trophy are sometimes given to owners of high-level Compendiums, connecting the fan community with the tournament's prestige.

Evolution of The International

From humble beginnings in Cologne during Gamescom 2011, the tournament has evolved into a global phenomenon. Originally serving as promotion for Dota 2, it now represents the pinnacle of the esports calendar with international reach.

Geographic diversification since 2018 has brought the tournament to Vancouver, Shanghai, Bucharest, and other cities, strengthening the competition's global character. The most successful organizations OG, Team Spirit, and Team Liquid with two titles each demonstrate the high competitive level.

Expectations and Predictions

This year's edition promises exceptional drama due to the balance among top teams. The absence of a clear favorite creates space for surprises and unexpected stories. The combination of experienced veterans and young talents could create unforgettable moments.

The strategic diversity of current Dota 2 meta allows for various playstyles, increasing result unpredictability. Teams with innovative approaches could surprise even established favorites.

The International 2025 represents another chapter in the evolving story of esports, where tradition meets innovation and where every match can change history.

Photo: Red Bull

More information: 24live.com