Ranking the Best International Dota 2 Tournaments

In the esports scene, some events are merely competitions. However, others are the polar opposite, defining a generation of players, creating legends, and offering prize pools so vast they reshape lives overnight. The Dota 2 international tournaments are the latter.

However, not all international tournaments are equally highly prized. So, what separates good tournaments from the best ones? From the impossible comeback, the meta-shattering strategy, and the excited crowd witnessing Dota 2 history. This is our ranking of the best international Dota 2 tournaments of all time.

Ranking Criteria

Big prize pools do tend to grab attention; however, they don't present the entire picture. Because of this, we’re judging these events on a richer set of qualities:

• The Storyline: Was there a compelling narrative, such as an underdog fairytale, a rivalry for the ages, or a redemption arc?
• Gameplay and Meta: Did the tournament feature innovative, exciting Dota? Or was it somewhat predictable?
• The Grand Final: A legendary tournament needs a legendary conclusion. We’re looking for nail-biting, back-and-forth series that stretched out to their full length.
• Cultural Impact: How did the event change the perception of Dota 2 and esports as a whole?

With that settled, let’s get to the main discussion.

Top Dota 2 International Tournaments

5. The International 2011 (TI1)

At the time, a million-dollar prize for a video game seemed like something from another universe, yet The International 2011 changed that. It represented the first time Valve revealed their game at Gamescom in Germany, while simultaneously launching a tournament with a $1.6 million prize. The million-dollar tournament prize set an unprecedented standard that shook the video gaming industry, with the Ukrainian Dota 2 team Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) defeating EHOME to establish a professional Dota 2 standard that remains strong today.

4. The International 2016 (TI6)

During a particular period, Dota 2 evolved into a game where teams stuck to strict patterns. Teams discovered effective strategies that they then maintained through endless repetition. Wings Gaming then entered the scene. The Chinese squad approached Dota gameplay through innovative strategy, which presented a revolutionary aesthetic. Wings Gaming used their extensive hero selection to create what appeared as chaotic drafts, but they ultimately turned into graceful in-game shows. The TI6 championship victory by Wings Gaming showcased the limitless scope of Dota 2 gameplay. It also reminded everyone that, at its core, this game functions as a playground for all players.

3. The International 2021 (TI10)

A year-long delay led to Bucharest becoming the host of esports history's most enormous prize pool: $40 million. Everyone directed their attention toward the giant PSG.LGD, as they looked ready to secure their Aegis, finally. Yet a newcomer from the Eastern European esports scene, named Team Spirit, had other ideas. The lower bracket journey of Team Spirit showed a remarkable display of the strength and energy of their young players. Team Spirit ended up shocking the world by defeating PSG.LGD in the Grand Finals with a 3-2 scoreline to create a cinematic upset. Team Spirit’s triumph proved that in Dota 2, legacy is earned, not given, and that a new generation was ready to claim the throne.

2. The International 2013 (TI3)

Ask any veteran fan about the most unforgettable Grand Final, and many will say TI3. The Na’Vi versus Alliance showdown at TI3 marked the standard of intense rivalry, full of distinctive game styles and player personas. Alliance's strategic split-pushing faced off against Na'Vi's teamfight experts. The game series stretched to five matches, which concluded with the most iconic Dota moment known as the "Million Dollar Dream Coil." Modern analysts still review that game today. It was, in short, perfect Dota.

1. The International 2018 (TI8)

The greatest Dota 2 tournament of all time doubles as one of sports history’s most remarkable stories, no argument accepted. The year leading up to TI8 saw OG face a sudden roster collapse, which required them to assemble a new team from zero. At the same time, a stand-in debuted in the open qualifiers. You heard that right, they had never played a professional tournament before. They were the analysts’ last pick, a team nobody believed in.

What followed was their unity and faith alongside an unbeatable determination to avoid defeat. Every match saw them pull off impossible comebacks through unexpected gameplay approaches. And of course, their mental resilience shocked all their rivals.

Their 3-2 Grand Finals triumph against PSG.LGD marked the perfect Cinderella story in competitive Dota 2. The event reminded every player that human elements, such as trust, passion, and the spirit of esports, can overcome any odds.

Runners Up

The International 2022, backed by Valve, esports lines by GG.BET and the Dota 2 community were also another fan favorite. Praised for its high production value, an additional format with a Last Chance Qualifier, and a great live atmosphere despite venue limitations. The competitive storylines were strong, with underdog teams making deep runs, legendary players clashing, and Tundra Esports claiming their first Aegis epically.

Similarly, the International 2014 brought Dota 2 to Seattle’s KeyArena, drawing one of the biggest live esports crowds at the time. The tournament is remembered for Newbee’s improbable lower-bracket run, culminating in a decisive 3–1 victory over Vici Gaming.

Other Major Tournaments

While The International has been the absolute leader, the Dota 2 competitive scene consists of multiple events. The Dota Major Championships operated from 2015 as Valve-sponsored competitions, establishing milestones that guided teams toward The International. The three cities of Frankfurt, Manila, and Boston established themselves as competitive testing grounds for aspiring teams.

However, the recent rise of third-party tournament organizers has also delivered spectacular events. The Riyadh Masters at the 2024 Esports World Cup, for instance, offered a massive prize pool and brought together the world’s best teams for a mid-season showdown.

How Tournaments Have Changed

From a $1.6 million high starting point to an unbelievable $40 million peak, the financial scale of these events is crazy. This growth has turned professional gaming into a legitimate and lucrative career.

Beyond the money, the game itself has transformed. The “deathball” meta of TI4, where teams grouped up and pushed relentlessly, gave way to the wild, creative drafts of TI6. The strategic depth has only increased, and each major tournament introduces new ideas and heroes to the forefront, keeping the game fresh for both players and viewers.

Becoming a Pro Dota 2 Player

All legends began their path by taking one initial step before becoming main-stage competitors, although it remained a challenging journey. These players developed their abilities while they studied the game and gained insights from experienced players.

Do you find motivation from witnessing tournament runs and hearing about championship winnings? A fresh chapter in Dota’s legacy is there for ambitious players like you to compose.

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