Hot on the heels of another successful Dota 2 The International, Valve has announced the tournament will be returning to Shanghai, China, after a seven year absence.
Valve president Gabe Newell dropped the news prior to presenting The International 2024 title to Team Falcons after the excitement of the 14th edition event concluded in Hamburg, Germany over the weekend.
“I want to thank everyone in Germany for making The International such a success,” he said.
“I have an announcement to make before we crown a new champion.
“We all share our love of the game with an international community, and I’m excited to announce that next year’s International will also be returning to a previous location. I hope to see you there.”
Dota 2 sources soon after confirmed the event would be in Shanghai for the first time since 2019, with this a major boost for the game and esports in China, which has declined in popularity because of stricter gaming control and greater choice.
The International has been hosted in Bucharest, Romania, Singapore, Seattle, Washington Copenhagen and Denmark, prior to being played in Germany this year.
Dota 2 is one of the bigger esports games in Asia and several other countries were rumoured to be hosting, prior to the announcement, with the Philippines and Malaysia floated as potential alternatives.
Dates for the 2026 The International will be released early next year, while betting will open in the months leading up to it, when there is some exposed form.
