The people behind the guide
We are an independent group of long-time Dota 2 watchers who wanted a straightforward, clutter-free companion to The International 2026 written for fans in the Philippines. Nobody is paying us to spin the coverage a certain way, and we hold no official link to the tournament or its organisers. We follow the same streams and read the same announcements you do, then write up what is actually confirmed in plain language. The goal is a guide you can rely on to keep fact and rumour clearly apart.
Our approach to the facts
The editorial line is simple: confirmed details only, with everything else marked as reported or not yet announced. An event this far ahead attracts a great deal of speculation, and we would sooner leave a slot empty than fill it with a guess. Whenever Valve confirms a date, a format tweak or a prize figure, we revise the relevant page and refresh the stamp at the top. Where nothing has been announced, we say exactly that instead of hinting at inside knowledge we do not have.
We rely on the official Dota 2 channels and well-regarded community trackers to verify what we publish, and we double-check numbers before they go live. Historical figures, such as earlier prize pools, appear as widely reported totals rather than as to-the-cent official records. When we get something wrong, we fix it openly. Being accurate matters to us far more than being first.
How this guide is funded
This site costs nothing to read because it is supported by affiliate links. If you use one of our call-to-action buttons to visit SpinBetter and sign up, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. That arrangement never alters the facts we report or the dates and figures shown on these pages. We point readers to SpinBetter as a sportsbook for esports markets, but whether to bet — and how much — is always entirely your call. Please treat any wagering as paid entertainment.
Independence and trademarks
This is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or associated with Valve Corporation, Dota 2, or The International in any form. All trademarks, game names, logos and brand identities mentioned here remain the property of their respective owners and are used purely for identification and commentary. Nothing on these pages should be read as an official statement from the tournament or anyone who runs it.
A word on safer play
We take safer gambling seriously. Every content page links out to independent support organisations, and our guidance consistently stresses budgets, limits and keeping perspective. Wagering on esports should add to the thrill of an event, not turn into a way of chasing losses. If it stops being fun, we encourage you to walk away and contact the services listed on our responsible gaming page. You must be 18 or older to gamble.