On January 22, Valve officially revealed the schedule and venue for The International 2025, the most prestigious event in the Dota 2 competitive circuit. After more than a decade, this legendary tournament is making its long-awaited return to Germany.
Tournament Dates and Venue
The International 2025 is set to take place in Hamburg from September 1 to 14, with the final stage unfolding at Barclays Arena. The format remains consistent with past iterations, featuring 16 of the world’s finest teams. These squads will earn their spots either through direct invitations or by securing victories in regional qualifiers. While Valve has yet to announce the specific dates for the qualifiers, they are expected to be scheduled for mid-summer.
Germany’s History with The International
Germany holds a special place in The International’s history, having hosted the inaugural edition in 2011 when the event debuted in Cologne. Since then, Europe has welcomed the tournament twice—once in 2021 in Bucharest and again in 2024 in Copenhagen.
Although Germany is recognized as a key player in the European esports scene, Hamburg doesn’t have the same reputation for large-scale tournaments as Cologne, Berlin, Frankfurt, or Leipzig. The last major Dota 2 event to be held in Hamburg was ESL One Hamburg 2017, making this upcoming International a significant moment for the city.
Dota 2 (image via Getty)A Packed Esports Calendar in 2025
The esports calendar for 2025 is already shaping up to be packed with top-tier competitions. Fans can find a comprehensive list in the “Esports Calendar 2025” or by browsing the tournaments section on Esports Charts.
Apart from The International 2025, at least 11 other global LAN events featuring prize pools of $1 million or more have already been confirmed for the year. Notably, none of these tournaments will take place during the summer, allowing teams to dedicate their full focus to preparing for the World Championship. Meanwhile, the community eagerly awaits the announcement of Riyadh Masters 2025, which is expected to be part of the Esports World Cup series, maintaining its usual position on the competitive calendar.
The International’s Most-Watched Tournaments
Among all the editions of The International, the most-watched remains The International 2021, which took place at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event reached an all-time peak viewership of 2,741,514 concurrent spectators. Since then, no other iteration has managed to surpass the 2,000,000 mark in peak viewers, cementing its record as the most-viewed tournament in Dota 2 history.
Team Liquid, The International 2025 (image via Getty)The Significance of The International 2025
The return of The International to Germany is a major milestone for both the country and the global esports community. As one of the most celebrated tournaments in gaming history, the event brings together players, fans, and organizations from all over the world. Hosting it in Hamburg not only revives Germany’s presence in competitive Dota 2 but also solidifies its position as a premier destination for esports events.
Valve’s decision to bring the tournament back to Germany highlights the region’s growing influence in the esports scene. The Barclays Arena in Hamburg, known for its ability to host large-scale events, will serve as the perfect venue for the thrilling matches and unforgettable moments that The International is known for.
What to Expect from The International 2025
Fans can look forward to intense competition as the best teams in the world battle for the prestigious Aegis of Champions. With the tournament’s legacy of producing some of the most legendary moments in esports, The International 2025 is expected to deliver yet another historic chapter in Dota 2’s competitive scene.
The anticipation for the tournament is already high, and as more details emerge regarding the teams, qualifiers, and prize pool, the excitement will only continue to grow. Whether watching from the stands in Hamburg or tuning in online, fans around the world will be eager to witness another incredible edition of The International.
