Russian team wins Dota 2 tournament in Shanghai
One of the world's most prestigious esports tournaments, Dota 2 The International 2026, concluded its thrilling four day main stage on Sunday, with Russian team Team Spirit emerging as champions.
Esports has long ceased to be a mere pastime for the youth — today it is a global phenomenon uniting millions of people around the world. The International 2026 in Shanghai was not only a celebration for Dota 2 fans but also a vivid example of how virtual battles turn into cultural events attracting spectators from dozens of countries. When tickets sell out in five minutes and fans travel across continents to see their favourite teams, it becomes clear: esports is a new reality where excitement, strategy and community are woven into one.
The premier online Dota 2 championship drew a huge number of fans from around the world to the city. Dota's history spans more than two decades, and it is played by millions worldwide. This enduring global popularity is one reason why the tournament attracted so much attention: tickets to the main event sold out within five minutes of going on sale on 10 June, drawing devoted fans from 73 countries and regions.
"This is a dream for me, and we have a wonderful opportunity to first go to China, and then – it will be an international tournament. It's wow, it's incredible. I mean, it's something incredible," said Andrey Butov, a Dota 2 fan. "I've been playing Dota for about 10 years. I'm thrilled. Huge thanks to Shanghai for giving us this opportunity to come," said Sasha Naboka, another Dota 2 fan. The tournament's global scale also attracted international esports influencers eager to experience the city firsthand. "I just want to see Disneyland and go shopping, because it's Shanghai," said Dinara Nurseitova, a leading esports expert.
Beyond the intense gaming battles, the event blended esports with urban culture. In July, a special orchestra performance was held, and temporary installations were set up in Shanghai's largest shopping malls. "Many of our players are young people, and they want to learn about China and Shanghai. This tournament is a great opportunity to enrich their travel plans. They come to China not only to discover scenic spots but also to take part in their favourite competitions and explore local culture. This is a new lifestyle for young people," said Sam Gu, CEO of Perfect World.
The International tournament has been held annually since 2011 and is the premier event in the world of Dota 2, bringing together the best teams from all continents. The prize pool is traditionally crowdfunded through in game battle pass sales, making it one of the richest in esports. Shanghai, hosting the finals in 2026, reaffirmed its status as a global esports hub. In the first half of the year, the city hosted about a quarter of all offline esports competitions in China, and its number of esports clubs ranks first in the country. The success of the tournament not only attracted tourists but also contributed to the development of urban infrastructure, cultural exchanges and Shanghai's image as a modern, dynamic capital of digital entertainment.
As CCTV+ reports, Team Spirit's triumph and the spectacular atmosphere of The International 2026 provided a vivid confirmation that esports has firmly entered the mainstream. Shanghai, by hosting this tournament, once again proved its ability to organise world class events, attracting thousands of guests and creating a unique blend of technology, sport and culture. In the coming years, the city will continue to strengthen its position as a global esports capital, opening new opportunities for players, fans and the entire industry.
