The anticipation is building for The International 2025 (commonly called TI 2025 or TI 14), the fourteenth edition of Dota 2’s premier world championship tournament. This year, the event returns to Germany, taking place at the renowned Barclays Arena in Hamburg from September 4 to September 14, 2025.
Fans and competitors alike are gearing up for more than a week of intense esports action, as the world’s best 16 teams vie for the coveted Aegis of Champions and a hefty prize pool of $1.6 million USD.
New Format: The Road to The International
TI 2025 introduces a significant change to its earlier format with the debut of a Swiss-system for the Group Stage, marking a departure from the classic round-robin approach.
The tournament is split into two main phases: The Road to The International and The International proper (the playoffs). Similar to the online poker games found in newest online casinos recommended by Poker Choice, this format promises intense face-offs and rivalry games.
The International 2025: Playoffs and Championship Glory
Sixteen teams compete in a five-round Swiss bracket, where teams with identical win-loss records face each other in best-of-three series. To advance to the playoffs, teams must win four matches.
Those who lose four times are eliminated. Following the Group Stage, the top three teams advance directly to the playoffs, while teams placing 4th to 13th enter a Special Elimination Round. There, the ten remaining teams face off in best-of-three matches, with five winners moving on to the playoffs and the rest eliminated—leaving eight teams in total to progress.
Playoffs (September 11 – 14):
The International itself features a double-elimination bracket consisting of the eight playoff qualifiers. One notable tweak this year is that all eight teams will begin in the upper bracket, rather than some starting lower as in past editions. Matches will be best-of-three, except for the Grand Finals, which is an epic best-of-five showdown to determine the ultimate Dota 2 world champion.
Teams to Watch
TI 2025 features a lineup of 16 elite teams from six major regions worldwide—Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, Southeast Asia, North America, and South America. Half of these teams are direct invites awarded by Valve based on their season performance, while the other half earned their spots through rigorous regional qualifiers held in June.
Key invited teams include:
- Team Liquid
- PARIVISION
- BetBoom Team
- Team Tidebound
- Gaimin Gladiators
- Team Spirit
- Team Falcons
- Tundra Esports
Top qualifiers representing their regions:
- Western Europe: NAVI Junior, Nigma Galaxy
- Eastern Europe: Aurora Gaming
- China: Xtreme Gaming
- Southeast Asia: Team Nemesis, BOOM Esports
- North America: Wildcard
- South America: HEROIC
This roster ensures captivating matchups and fresh narratives, with some teams returning after long absences and others aiming for their first championship title.
What to Expect
The International 2025 promises to uphold its reputation as the most prestigious and lucrative event in esports. The infusion of the Swiss-system format is expected to bring more dynamic, meaningful competition in early rounds, potentially reducing dead rubber games and offering fans nonstop excitement.
Held in Germany, the birthplace of the original TI event in 2011, the tournament draws on its rich esports heritage while showcasing the global growth of professional Dota 2.
With a packed schedule, from the intense group and elimination stages to the high-stakes playoffs culminating in the Grand Finals, TI 2025 is set to deliver unforgettable moments for players and spectators worldwide.
For those unable to attend in person, the action will be broadcast globally, allowing millions to witness the drama and skill that only The International can provide. Like the newest online casinos recommended by Poker Choice, you can enjoy the thrill of the game without leaving the comforts of your own home.
