The International 2026, Dota 2's premier annual tournament, kicked off in Shanghai on Aug 13, bringing together 16 top professional teams from around the world to compete for the Aegis of Champions until Aug 23.

Tickets had been purchased by fans from 73 countries and regions as of June 25, according to the organizers.

Shanghai first hosted TI in 2019. Its return seven years later makes Shanghai the only city other than Seattle to stage the tournament more than once.

The tournament pits two five-player teams against each other, testing not only players' real-time skills but also their decision-making in team composition, resource allocation, tactical execution, and teamwork.

From Aug 13 to 16, the 16 teams will compete in a Swiss-style Group Stage for eight places in the main event. The top eight will face off at the Oriental Sports Center from Aug 20 to 23 in the grand final.

Three Chinese teams — Xtreme Gaming, Vici Gaming, and Team Resilience — are competing this year. Chinese teams won TI in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Xtreme Gaming finished runner-up in 2025.

This year's visual theme features textures resembling embroidery, fabric, and gold thread, echoing designs in traditional Chinese embroidery.

A highlight of this year's competition is the employment of Chinese traditional handicraft into digital competition. By integrating embroidery, fabric, and gold thread into visual design of logos and posters, the tournament is introducing elements of Chinese aesthetics to younger global audiences through esports.

The tournament is also extending beyond the arena into Shanghai's commercial and public spaces.

The Oriental Sports Center Metro Station has been decorated with tournament-themed elements.

A themed pop-up store opened earlier at Bailian ZX on East Nanjing Road, followed by themed photo spots at New Bund 31, Super Brand Mall, 96 Plaza, and Shanghai No 1 Department Store.

More TI-themed activities will open at Shanghai Expo Culture Park, Expo Place, Wanda Plaza Wujiaochang, Bailian ZX at Wujiaochang, and Taikoo Li Qiantan.

Fans can also follow the tournament through official online broadcasts. Interactive features, including tournament predictions and team bundles, allow fans to complete tasks and earn event-exclusive cosmetics and membership benefits.

Source: Shanghai Observer