League of Legends World Championship
15 October – 14 November 2026
The International 2026 — Odds, Facts & Betting Guide
Expected September 2026 · Oriental Sports Center, Shanghai, China
Exact dates have not yet been confirmed by the organisers. This page will be updated as soon as they are.
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The International is the world championship of Dota 2 and historically the richest tournament in esports, funded in part by community contributions. The 2026 edition's main event is at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China, expected in the second half of the year with qualifiers from June.
Team Falcons are the defending champions after winning the Aegis of Champions in 2025. Sixteen teams compete through direct invites and regional qualifiers, drawing major betting interest worldwide.
Where to find the latest odds
All odds are indicative only and subject to change. New customers only. T&Cs apply. 18+.
The International: fast facts
- The International is the annual Dota 2 world championship, run by the game's developer Valve.
- The 2026 main event is at the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China.
- It has historically carried the largest prize pool in esports, boosted by community crowdfunding.
- Team Falcons are the defending champions after beating Xtreme Gaming in the 2025 grand final.
- Sixteen teams qualify via direct invites and regional qualifiers.
- The winning team receives the Aegis of Champions trophy.
Past winners
| Year | Winner | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Team Falcons | Beat Xtreme Gaming in the grand final |
| 2024 | Team Liquid | Won The International in Copenhagen |
| 2023 | Team Spirit | Second Aegis, won in Seattle |
| 2022 | Tundra Esports | Dominant run in Singapore |
| 2021 | Team Spirit | Won the largest prize pool in esports history |
| 2019 | OG | First team to win back-to-back Internationals |
| 2018 | OG | Fairytale first title |
| 2017 | Team Liquid | Won in Seattle |
| 2016 | Wings Gaming | Chinese champions |
| 2015 | Evil Geniuses | North American champions |
How to bet on The International
The International is the flagship Dota 2 betting event. Outright markets are headed by the strongest invited teams, but the game's depth and the tournament's long format mean upsets are common, giving each-way and underdog markets genuine appeal.
Series and correct-score markets on individual best-of-three and best-of-five matches are the core in-tournament bets. Drafts, patch changes and team form all move prices, and the meta can shift the balance significantly between series.
Dota 2 is a complex game and its betting rewards real familiarity. If you don't follow the competitive scene closely, keep any bet small and within a budget set in advance.
Popular markets
- Outright winner
- Series winner
- Correct score (best-of-three/five)
- Group stage qualification
- Region of winner
The International 2026: your questions answered
When is The International 2026?
The 2026 International main event is in Shanghai, expected in the second half of the year with qualifiers from June. Exact dates will be confirmed by Valve and this page updated.
Who won The International in 2025?
Team Falcons won The International 2025, beating Xtreme Gaming in the grand final to claim the Aegis of Champions.
Where is The International 2026 held?
At the Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China.
Why is The International famous for its prize pool?
It has historically been the richest tournament in esports, with much of the prize pool crowdfunded by the Dota 2 community.
How many teams play at The International?
Sixteen teams, qualifying through direct invites and regional qualifiers.