The International 2025

CompletedTier S

The International 2025 is considered the most remarkable edition in the history of modern Dota 2 tournaments, as it witnessed the return of the "Aegis of Champions" to the European continent, specifically to the city of Hamburg, Germany. This edition was not just a tournament, but a celebration of 14 years since the event that transformed the concept of esports globally.

Dota 2Sep 4, 2025 – Sep 14, 2025Hamburg, Germany

$2,881,791Valve ,PGL

Format

1. Group Stage (The Road to The International)

Date: September 4th – 7th, 2025

Format: A 16-team Swiss-system bracket.
Match Rules: All matches are played as Best of 3 (Bo3).
Advancement:
Top 3 Teams: Secure a direct spot in the Playoffs.
4th to 13th Place: Proceed to a high-stakes Elimination Round.
Bottom Teams: Are immediately eliminated from the tournament.

2. Elimination Round

This special stage determines the final contestants for the main event.

Objective: The remaining teams fight for survival in a condensed bracket.
Outcome: Only 5 teams advance to join the top seeds in the Playoffs.
Elimination: All other teams are knocked out of the competition.

3. The Playoffs (The International)

Date: September 11th – 14th, 2025

Bracket Style: Double-elimination bracket (Upper and Lower Brackets).
Match Rules:
Standard matches are Best of 3 (Bo3).
Grand Final: A grueling Best of 5 (Bo5) series to determine the world champion.