Puppey returns as a coach, SumaiL hints at retirement, China’s chance at redemption: the best storylines going into The International 15

After a grueling sequence of qualifiers, we’ve lastly locked within the 16 groups competing at The Worldwide 15, which goes to be Dota 2’s largest event of the yr.

For those who’re a type of seasonal viewers who solely comes out of your cage for TI, listed here are a number of the most essential storylines to observe.

There are various gamers who’re thought-about legends of the sport, however Clement “Puppey” Ivanov is hands-down one of the vital influential figures in Dota 2 historical past. He was the one participant to look in 11 TIs in a row, doing so from 2011 to 2022.

Since his unequalled streak ended, Puppey has missed the 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions of the sport’s largest occasion, however the large man is lastly again this yr. Nevertheless, he received’t be enjoying because the legendary help and captain we’ve recognized him for, as he’ll be occupying the teaching position below PARIVISION.

The 2025 – 2026 season is the primary time he’s taking the teaching helm, and although PARIVISION had a fairly disastrous begin to the yr, the group has since stabilized and is even wanting like the most effective group on the planet over the previous couple of months. It actually feels just like the roster is lastly gelling below Puppey’s supervision.

The benchmark for PARIVISION this yr is fairly clear – the roster completed third final yr with their former coach Filipe “Astini” Ribeiro, so something higher than bronze is the aim. And from what I’ve seen up to now, I believe they’re a critical favourite to win all of it. 

Puppey could also be one in every of Dota’s greats, however he doesn’t have what a number of the members this yr have – two Aegises and a hope for a 3rd.

There are six three-time hopefuls coming into TI15, and these very gifted e-gamers are: 

I’ll be trustworthy, judging by Staff Spirit’s turbulent season up to now, I’m not liking Yatoro and Collapse’s probabilities of taking it this yr. Nevertheless, Mira, 33, and the dynamic duo of Staff Falcons are undoubtedly within the dialog.

I wouldn’t say Aurora, 1win Staff, or Staff Falcons are heavy favorites heading into the occasion. However with TI, the favorites by no means win, so these guys are undoubtedly inside attain of claiming a 3rd TI win.

2026 would possibly actually be the yr, and if any of them handle to do it, they’re routinely coming into the GOAT debate. 

Whereas now we have promising rookies and folks gunning for a 3rd Aegis this yr, there’s one participant we’d not see for much longer. 

Dota 2 legend Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan, who barely certified for The Worldwide 15 with Nigma Galaxy, despatched out a cryptic message on X after surviving the European closed qualifiers to succeed in this occasion.

His submit reads: “Made it to TI, most likely the final one. Grateful for the help. See you all in China.”

So, you don’t should be Sherlock to inform that he’s presumably saying his retirement, both after this TI or earlier than the following. 

The neighborhood’s King made waves at TI5 by changing into the youngest participant to ever win The Worldwide, bagging the Aegis at simply 16 years outdated with Evil Geniuses. Time actually flies, as a result of it’s been a decade since – and the child who as soon as shocked your complete world is now taking a look at a potential farewell. 

Sadly, I don’t fancy Nigma’s possibilities in any respect this TI, and there’s a powerful chance they received’t even make it out of teams. But when this actually is SumaiL’s final dance, I’d love for him to at the very least exit with a bang. 

It’s actually no secret that Chinese language Dota has been in a significant hunch. This area actually used to win TI each different yr, and now they’ve been in a drought since 2016.

To not point out, there’s additionally a critical lack of a brand new technology – we’re nonetheless seeing the identical veterans competing over and over. Two of the gamers who received China’s final TI are nonetheless competing this yr: Zhang “y`” Yiping and Zhang “Faith_bian” Ruida, who received TI6 below Wings Gaming, are set to play in Shanghai below Vici Gaming.

If China desires to revive its Dota scene, its time is now. The occasion is held on dwelling soil, and so they’re fielding three groups on the event – 4 if you happen to depend the legendary LGD Gaming group, although they’re fielding a full South American roster.

TI15 in Shanghai is the right likelihood to draw or inspire a brand new wave of expertise who will finally substitute these vets who’ve been preventing for over a decade. The query is, do these Chinese language representatives have what it takes to make a deep run? In my eyes, solely Xtreme Gaming – who acquired a direct invitation – has an honest shot.

Gamers and groups apart, there was some controversy over ticket gross sales for the occasion. Information broke out that TI15 tickets offered out in simply three minutes, which could sound like an enormous W at first, however there have been threads upon threads on Reddit claiming that almost all of them have been probably scalped or purchased out by clankers.

Many followers didn’t get their tickets and talked about how the method felt a bit scuffed, with some even failing regardless of utilizing a number of gadgets. Then, they noticed tickets being resold for a number of occasions the value just some hours later.

Though this example sucks for the diehard followers who actually needed to observe the occasion in particular person, all these scalping shenanigans higher be price it – if I don’t see a full stadium roaring at each match, I’m going to crash out.

The Shanghai Oriental Sports activities Heart has a venue capability of 18,000, so it higher not disappoint.