How to watch The International 2026 in Shanghai

Shanghai becomes the center of Dota

Players and broadcast talent have arrived in Shanghai for The International 2026. Over the next two weeks, the city will host the biggest Dota 2 competition of the season. Sixteen qualified teams enter the group stage to pursue the Aegis of Champions, but only eight will advance to the next phase.

That makes the opening matches more than a preliminary ranking exercise. Every series can affect a team’s route through the event and its chance of staying alive. The first days should therefore matter both to supporters following established favorites and to viewers hoping to identify an unexpected contender.

What viewers should do before the first stream

Valve’s announcement serves as a final reminder to finish Fantasy rosters and lock first-round predictions. A balanced Fantasy approach can look beyond famous stars and consider consistent players whose teams may play more matches during the group stage. Checking every slot before the deadline is an easy way to avoid losing potential points.

Predictions also benefit from looking past team names. Recent form, the likely bracket path and possible opponents can all change the picture. Viewers should read times in their own time zone and verify selections before they lock. Anyone planning to watch replays without spoilers may also want to mute social notifications while matches are live.

Streams, Shanghai activities and the Secret Shop

The official information brings together online viewing options and Dota activities for fans spending time in Shanghai before broadcasts begin. In-person visitors should check entry requirements, travel time and event hours in advance, then follow official channels for late schedule changes. That preparation is especially useful across a two-week event with several moving parts.

The Secret Shop provides another focus for fans looking for tournament merchandise. Availability and purchasing options may differ by location, so links from the official event page are safer than unverified third-party listings. Using the announced channels also reduces the risk of counterfeit products or misleading storefronts.

Players who plan to trade a Dota 2 account or in-game items during the tournament can use GameinShop with escrow protection for a safer transaction.