The wait is over. Valve has officially dropped the opening fixtures for The International 2025, the season-defining Dota 2 event where legends are made and dynasties tested.
Headline Matches to Watch
Stream A. Source: Official Website
Team Liquid, last year’s champions, will begin their title defense against BOOM Esports, who clawed their way into the tournament through the Southeast Asian qualifiers. Expect fireworks right from the start.
Team Spirit—winners of the Esports World Cup and already two-time Aegis lifters—kick things off versus Wildcard, fresh off a third-place run at the European Pro League Season 28. A true clash of pedigree versus ambition.
Stream B. Source: Official Website
Tundra Esports, who finished third in 2024, are back with a last-minute roster shuffle just days before the Group Stage. They’ll open against Yakutou Brothers, a Chinese squad stepping in after Gaimin Gladiators withdrew in late August.
Meanwhile, NAVI—the 2011 champions looking for a deep playoff push—face Team Tidebound. The Chinese side arrives red-hot after lifting the Clavision Masters 2025: Snow-Ruyi trophy.
Stream D. Source: Official Website
Team Falcons, still stung by their near-miss at the Esports World Cup, lock horns with Team Nemesis, who stormed through two of three Southeast Asian qualifiers. Revenge story or upset alert?
Stream C. Source: Official Website
Format Breakdown
The International 2025 begins on September 4th with a two-phase structure: Group Stage and Playoffs.
- Group Stage: All 16 teams compete in a Swiss system, with matchups based on win-loss records.
- Advancement: The top three teams go directly to the Playoffs. Teams ranked 4th–13th battle in the elimination round.
- Playoffs: Eight teams face off in a double-elimination bracket to decide who lifts the Aegis.
The Road to the Aegis
With Liquid defending, Spirit chasing a third Aegis, NAVI eyeing a comeback, and underdogs like Yakutou Brothers hungry for glory, The International 2025 is shaping up to be a classic. Strap in—this ride starts now.