Dota 2 facts · updated every day

How do teams get into big Dota 2 tournaments?

An invite or a qualifier: the two ways in.

Ways in
2
invite or qualifier
Qualifier steps
2
open, then closed
Big regions
6
each with its own qualifier

Where the 63 top teams come from

  1. Eastern Europe14
  2. Western Europe7
  3. China4
  4. Southeast Asia3
  5. North America1

Teams at The International2011–2026, Liquipedia

Our answer“Qualify or get invited!”

Windranger as a VIP host with a golden ticket next to the two-headed Ogre Magi, who holds a ticket too

Teams at TI 2026

16

Shanghai, invites and qualifier winners

  • First TI2011 · 16 teams
  • Biggest2023 · 20 teams
24pro team pagesplayers, coach and results · all teams
Top teams we follow
63
TI 2026 + big events
DreamLeague S30 EEU OQ1
15 more
teams that were not at TI
TI cities
8
since 2011
TI places so far
256
at 15 Internationals
102016 teams
201120122013201420152016201720182019202120222023202420252026
How do teams get into big Dota 2 tournaments?

By Kevin · updated October 5, 2026 · numbers updated every day

What is a direct invite?

An invite is a free spot in the main event. Organizers invite teams with strong recent results, for example the winners of other big tournaments. Invited teams do not have to play a qualifier.

What are open and closed qualifiers?

Most qualifiers have two steps:

  • Open qualifier: every team can sign up, also amateur teams. The best teams move on to the next step.
  • Closed qualifier: only invited teams and the best teams of the open qualifier play. The winners get a spot in the main event.

A real example: in October 2026, HULIGANI played the PARI Universe qualifier online. Only one team got a spot in the main event.

Why do qualifiers have regions?

Teams play qualifiers in their own region. Then the games are fair, because every team has a good internet connection to the game server. Common Dota 2 regions are Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, Southeast Asia, North America and South America.

How does a team get into The International?

For The International, Valve invites some of the best teams of the year. The other spots go to the winners of regional qualifiers. TI 2026 had 16 teams.

Questions players ask

Can an amateur team play in a big Dota 2 tournament?

Yes. Open qualifiers let every team sign up, and a strong amateur team can win its way into the main event.

What is a closed qualifier?

A closed qualifier is only for invited teams and the best teams of the open qualifier. Its winners get a spot in the main event.

More Dota 2 explained

Sources: Liquipedia: Dota 2. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.