The most prestigious tournament in the competitive Dota 2 scene, The International 2026, has officially revealed the list of teams that have received direct invitations to compete in Shanghai, China. Valve has awarded only seven direct invite slots this year, while the remaining nine spots will be determined through regional qualifiers.

The announcement immediately sparked discussion within the Dota 2 community, as several powerhouse teams secured their places at the event, while other notable contenders must fight their way through the qualification process. Here is the complete list of the seven teams invited directly to The International 2026.

The International 2026 Direct Invite Teams

1. Team Liquid

Team Liquid enters TI 2026 as one of the tournament favorites after delivering consistent performances throughout the competitive season. Their roster’s extensive experience at major events was a key factor behind Valve’s decision to grant the European organization a direct invitation. Liquid remains one of the most stable and successful organizations in the international Dota 2 scene.

2. Team Falcons

Team Falcons has maintained its impressive form since last season. As one of the strongest teams representing the Middle East and Europe, Falcons is considered a serious contender for the TI 2026 championship. Their consistent results across multiple Tier-1 tournaments made this direct invitation well deserved.

3. Aurora Gaming

Aurora Gaming emerged as one of the breakout teams of the 2026 season. The squad significantly improved its performances at major tournaments and secured victories against several of the world’s top teams. As a result, Valve included Aurora among the official invitees for The International 2026.

4. Tundra Esports

Tundra Esports returns to The International stage after demonstrating solid performances throughout the season. The former TI champions continue to feature experienced players capable of competing at the highest level of professional Dota 2.

5. Xtreme Gaming

Xtreme Gaming is the only Chinese team to receive a direct invitation to TI 2026. This creates significant expectations from the home crowd, who hope to see a local representative succeed on the Shanghai stage. Xtreme Gaming has delivered consistent results in international competitions throughout the year.

6. Team Yandex

While Team Yandex may still be a relatively new name to some Dota 2 fans, their performances during the 2026 season were enough to earn Valve’s recognition. The team impressed observers with strong results against several elite international opponents.

7. BoomBoys

BoomBoys has become one of the most talked-about teams in the community. The roster is essentially that of BetBoom Team but competes under a different name due to sponsorship regulations related to gambling. Regardless of the branding, the team’s lineup remains one of the strongest and most dangerous in the tournament.

The International 2026 Regional Qualifiers

The International 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 13–23, 2026, in Shanghai. A total of 16 teams will compete for the most prestigious title in professional Dota 2.

The remaining nine tournament slots will be decided through regional qualifiers beginning in June 2026. Beyond the invited teams, the Dota 2 community has also been discussing several high-profile organizations that failed to secure direct invitations and must now battle through the qualifiers, including Team Spirit, OG, Nigma Galaxy, and PARIVISION.

The Road to Shanghai

With the direct invites now confirmed, anticipation for The International 2026 continues to grow. The seven invited teams have already secured their places on Dota 2’s biggest stage, while dozens of other teams must navigate the challenging regional qualifiers for a chance to compete in Shanghai and fight for the coveted Aegis of Champions.

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