"Valve abandoned what made The International special", — analysts say about the biggest tournament of the year

Analysts Austin Cap Walsh and Avery SVG Silverman discussed the upcoming The International 2026, shared their predictions for the regional qualifiers, and identified what they believe is the biggest issue surrounding the year's premier tournament.

According to SVG, The International is gradually losing the atmosphere that made it a unique event in Dota 2 for many years. He noted that the tournament used to be accompanied by a Battle Pass, in-game events, and various forms of content, making the entire season feel like a build-up to the biggest championship of the year.

It no longer feels like TI season. It feels like there is just another tournament ahead. The atmosphere only starts to build once the event begins, when the pressure rises and the stakes become higher, but there is very little anticipation beforehand. The size of the prize pool also plays an important role.

Cap agreed with his colleague and added that the championship used to feel like a celebration for the entire Dota 2 community. In his opinion, Valve has abandoned many of the elements that helped maintain audience interest for months leading up to the tournament.

The analysts also shared their predictions for the regional qualifiers. In South America, they named LGD Gaming, Playtime and the Amaru Flame roster as the main favorites.

At the time of publication, those are the exact teams still competing for the region's only slot at The International 2026. LGD has already secured a place in the grand final, while Playtime and Amaru Flame will face each other in the lower bracket final to determine the second participant of the deciding series.

Speaking about the European qualifiers, the analysts are almost certain that PARIVISION and Team Spirit will secure their places at the tournament. In their opinion, Virtus.pro and Natus Vincere are the leading contenders for the remaining two slots. SVG, however, was skeptical about Nigma Galaxy's chances of qualifying.

I don't think Nigma will make it. I don't think they are good enough. Maybe they can surprise me, but right now I wouldn't bet on them. On top of that, I don't believe in SumaiL as a carry.

The European qualifiers will begin on June 21. A total of 16 teams will compete for four spots at the biggest tournament of the year.

The International 2026 will take place from 13.08.2026 to 23.08.2026 in Shanghai, China. The tournament will feature a starting prize pool of $1,600,000. Nine teams from regional qualifiers will join the seven directly invited participants. The closed qualifiers will be held from 15.06.2026 to 28.06.2026.

Earlier, Cyberscore reported on all participants of the Esports Nations Cup 2026 qualifiers.