The International 2025 Day 1 betting preview & tips – September 4

The International 2025 kicks off on Thursday, September 4, with eight best-of-three Dota 2 clashes opening the group stage in Hamburg, Germany.

From defending champions Team Liquid to regional qualifiers like BOOM Esports and Team Nemesis, the first round offers both heavy favorites and sneaky underdog value. Here’s our full match-by-match betting preview.

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AURORA GAMING vs XTREME GAMING

Best Odds: Aurora -188.68 at BetOnline | XG +137 at SportsBetting
When: September 4, 2025 | 10:00 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

Aurora enter as a solid favorite, but Xtreme Gaming have the tools to extend the series. Both sides are prone to mid-game slips, which makes the over in the maps market a smart play. Aurora should edge it, though expect momentum swings and possibly a decisive third map.

TEAM FALCONS vs TEAM NEMESIS

Best Odds: Falcons -1250 at BetOnline | Nemesis +600 at BetOnline
When: September 4, 2025 | 10:00 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

Team Falcons is one of the strongest squads in the field after their deep Esports World Cup run (second-place finish). Team Nemesis earned their place via the Southeast Asia qualifier but lack the experience to trouble top-tier opponents. Back Falcons to claim a straightforward sweep, with little risk of an upset here.

TEAM SPIRIT vs WILDCARD

Best Odds: Spirit -2500 at BetOnline | Wildcard +800 at BetOnline
When: September 4, 2025 | 10:00 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

Team Spirit’s championship pedigree makes them the safest favorite of the round. Wildcard have shown flashes in smaller Dota 2 tournaments but simply isn’t at this level. With odds for a straight win too short and Spirit expected to be the dominant side, take them to claim the first kill of the series.

TUNDRA ESPORTS vs YAKUTOU BROTHERS

Best Odds: Tundra -5000 at BetOnline | YB +333 at BetOnline
When: September 4, 2025 | 10:00 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

Tundra Esports’ sudden roster change adds uncertainty, making this clash less predictable. Yakutou Brothers, late entrants from China, will be eager to make an impression. Tundra’s experience should see them through, but with top Dota 2 betting sites offering +100 for Yakutou to win a map, it is a tempting punt if their aggressive playstyle forces mistakes in drafting.

BETBOOM TEAM vs NIGMA GALAXY

Best Odds: BB -250 at BetOnline | Nigma +175 at BetOnline
When: September 4, 2025 | 13:00 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

BetBoom Team arrive with recent championship success, but Nigma Galaxy’s veteran lineup and passionate following can’t be overlooked. If Nigma Galaxy find early synergy, this could easily stretch to three maps. Taking the over in the maps market provides strong value, with BetBoom still the more likely winner thanks to form and recent consistency.

PARIVISION vs HEROIC

Best Odds: PARIVISION -500 at SportsBetting | HEROIC +333 at BetOnline
When: September 4, 2025 | 13:00 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

PARIVISION enter as a clear favorite in this clash, but HEROIC have upset potential if they land comfort picks. This looks like one of the round’s closer underdog plays. HEROIC at the +1.5 match handicap is worth a shot, especially if PARIVISION take some time to adapt to tournament conditions. Expect at least three maps.

TEAM LIQUID vs BOOM ESPORTS

Best Odds: Liquid -1666.67 at BetOnline | BOOM +700 at SportsBetting
When: September 4, 2025 | 13:00 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

Team Liquid, as defending TI champions, are expected to control this matchup from start to finish. BOOM Esports’ Southeast Asia qualifier run showed grit, but this is a huge leap in competition. Backing Liquid to cover the kill handicap is a good play, especially with their drafting depth and execution simply being too strong for BOOM to withstand.

TEAM TIDEBOUND vs NATUS VINCERE

Best Odds: Tidebound -277.78 at BetOnline | NAVI +200 at SportsBetting
When: September 4, 2025 | 13:00 CEST
Watch Live: Twitch

This is the round’s marquee clash. Team Tidebound are China’s top hope after winning Clavision Masters, but Natus Vincere’s rise from their junior squad is one of the year’s best stories. With top sportsbooks offering -163.93 for NAVI to win a map, it offers excellent value, with the Ukrainian squad more than capable of dragging this series to a decider.