Legends clash in Hamburg: TI 2025 rewrites Dota history

After more than a decade, TI is back in Germany! This year’s International lands in Hamburg, with group stages played off-stage and the final battles set for the 16,000-seat Barclays Arena, September 4–14. The best Dota 2 squads in the world are coming—get ready for next-level plays and legendary clashes! 

This year introduces a Swiss-system format for the group stage, replacing the traditional round-robin. The top three teams advance directly to the playoffs, while the bottom three are eliminated, and the remaining teams compete for the final spots. 

TI 2025 is stacked with 16 teams — 8 directly invited thanks to their insane runs this season, and 8 more grinding their way through regional qualifiers. With powerhouses like Team Liquid, Team Spirit, and Gaimin Gladiators in the mix — all packing Tier-1 titles already this year — we’re set for some next-level Dota. 

The prize pool starts at $1.6 million and grows through Battle Pass contributions, although community funding has declined in recent years. 

Fans can watch live on Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, with Chinese audiences able to follow on DouYu, Huya, and Bilibili. Co-casting from studios and content creators will offer alternative perspectives for viewers. 

With new formats, fierce competition, and top teams in peak form, TI 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent Dota 2 history.