A new format can mean a lot of exciting matches coming our way.
The International 2025 is right around the corner, and the stage is set in Hamburg, Germany, for the most prestigious Dota 2 tournament of the year.
Starting September 4, 16 teams will play in a five-round Swiss bracket to determine who makes it to the playoffs. Each match will be a best-of-three, but every team will have to lock in as the first three teams to hit four match losses will be eliminated. Conversely, the first three to achieve four match wins will automatically move on to the next round. The remaining 10 will then face off to see which five teams will complete the playoff bracket.
Playoffs will be the standard double-elimination bracket that we all know and love. Matches remain a best-of-three until the grand finals, where a best-of-five will determine The International 2025 champion.
As usual, Valve is coming in full force for the production of their premier esports event. Multiple international streams are ready and set up for you to find right here.
The Philippines is Back
Filipinos have something to look forward to in The International 2025 as we once again have an all-Pinoy squad, Team Nemesis, playing on The International stage. The last time a full Filipino team made it to The International was TNC Predator in 2019.
Team Nemesis themselves are no pushovers as they qualified through the upper bracket of the Southeast Asia qualifiers. Made up of local heavyhitters and led by Polo “Raven” Fausto and coach Andrei “skem” Ong, Team Nemesis are looking to show everyone that the Philippines can still match the best Dota 2 teams in the world.
On the whole, it’s a better turnout for Filipino representation this year. Including the starting five of Team Nemesis, we’ve got a total of eight Pinoys playing in The International 2025. Much better than the one sole player we had last year.
Fun fact: that sole player was Eljhon “Akashi” Andales, who played for Talon Esports. Now he’s back with Team Nemesis for another shot at the Aegis of Champions.
Banner photo from Dota 2 The International.
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