Valve’s The International is the most popular Dota 2 tournament due to its massive prize pool, and fans might want details on all the past TI winners.
Valve founded The International in 2011, and it soon became one of the best and most prestigious tournaments in all of esports. The first International came to attention due to the 1.6 million cash prize, the highest for any esports tournament at the time. Over the years, The International has seen some of the best Dota 2 players and teams go against each other to show their abilities and win. All of the top players and teams go above and beyond to try and lift the Aegis of Champions.
Here are all the past TI winners that have had their names written in the game’s history.
Valve has held TI annually since the championship’s inception, and these are all the winners from past events.
The annual Dota 2 championship The International gained massive attention and helped players show their skills to the world. The only exception in the annual event was the year 2020 in which TI was canceled due to worldwide issues. However, the international returned in 2021 and fans have been seeing their favorites fight to win since then.
The first TI was held in Cologne, Germany, and the winning roster included many top players. One of them was the Ukranian Dota 2 player Danil “Dendi” Ishutin as well as Estonian legend Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, who was a part of every International until TI 12. Navi claimed the first Aegis of Champions at TI 2011 as well as the $1 million prize.
TI 2012 was held in Seattle, Washington, and while the previous year’s team Natus Vincere put up a good fight, it ultimately lost. The winner in the TI 2012 was the Chinese team Invictus Gaming who won the $1 million prize due to several major outplays in teamfights.
TI3 was the first tournament to increase the base prize pool by introducing Dota 2’s compendium. The compendium increased the pool by $2.50 each time someone purchased it. Natus Vincere reached the grand final, but lost to the European team Alliance. The final game of the grand final is often touted as the greatest game of Dota 2 ever played.
The 2024 tournament marked two significant things for the past and future of TI winners. Firstly, it was the first tournament where the prize money truly soared to incredible heights. Secondly, it showed the domination of Chinese teams in the competition. The Chinese team Newbee defeated fellow CN juggernaut Vici Gaming with a score of 3-1. establishing itself as one of the greats.
The TI5 was the first the international won by a North American team. The American squad Evil Geniuses defeated CDEC Gaming in the finals and became the champions. Young superstar Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan established himself as a top mid laner despite being just 17 years old. EG offlaner Saahil “Universe” Arora’s $6 million Echo Slam dunk remains a part of Dota 2’s history.
The 2016 the international switched out Dota 2’s compendium with battle passes. 25% of their proceeds were added to the prize pool. TI6 saw the third Chinese winner of the tournament with an insanely creative drafying style. Chinese team Wings Gaming defeated Digital Chaos with a score of 3-1 in the shock grand final.
Valve changed TI by increasing the total number of teams from 16 to 18 in 2017. TI7 saw TI4’s winning team Newbee defeated by the European Team Liquid with a score of 3-0. The victory showcased the strength of one of the best captains, Team Liquid’s Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi.
The International 2018 saw an unexpected team displaying its strength and winning. OG, in no small part thanks to the leadership of captain Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, put up a fight written in the tournament’s history. The underdog of the tournament managed to defeat the Chinese team PSG.LGD and claim the prize.
TI9 saw something that made the winning team a legend in the tournament. OG, the winners of TI8, managed to continue the streak and won the 2019 TI. Their gameplay while more aggressive and unpredictable than others proved its worth by getting them a second win.
The international 2020 didn’t happen because of the world’s health emergency, which is why the next TI took place in 2021. The favorite team in T10 was the Chinese team PSG.LGD, but it was unable to win the grand final as it lost in unexpected fashion to young EEU squad Team Spirit.
TI11 showcased a new team reaching the grand final and dominating with a 3-0 score. Tundra Esports displayed strategic gameplay and cohesive teamwork that led to victory under the coaching of former TI winner Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling. The winners defeated Team Secret and lifted the Aegis of Champions.
TI12 saw another team win for the second time and dominate the tournament. Team Spirit showed its strength by reaching the grand final in dominate fashion. The final opponent Gaimin Gladiators put up a good fight, but was defeated with a score of 3-0.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.