Xiao8 will be serving at The International 2026

Former Xtreme Gaming coach Zhang Xiao8 Ning will attend The International 2026 as a talent in the Chinese broadcast studio. His support bundle has appeared in Dota 2.

Chat wheel phrases from Xiao8:

“Play every game like it's your last, and don't be afraid to lose”

“Let's go go go! Be careful out there, be careful out there”

Xiao8 is no stranger to commentating at TI. He also served as an analyst and caster at The International in 2018, 2019, and 2024.

As a reminder, Zhang Ning left XG shortly before TI15. The organization’s representatives did not disclose the reasons why the legendary coach left the team, but they thanked him for his time with the team and the achievements he helped secure.

As a coach, Xiao8 helped Xtreme and LGD Gaming finish as runners-up at The International 2021 and The International 2025, and finish in the top 3 at The International 2023.

Zhang Ning also achieved significant results at TI as a player. He won The International 2014 as a member of Newbee and placed third at The International 2012 and The International 2015 under the LGD tag.

The International 2026 will take place from 13.08.2026 to 23.08.2026 in Shanghai, China. Sixteen teams will compete in the tournament, and the prize pool has already exceeded $2,500,000.

Earlier, Cyberscore presented the top favorites for The International 2026, as selected by analysts.