As The International 2025 approaches, the eager heartbeat of every Dota 2 enthusiast is pounding. With regional qualifiers completed and the world stage booked in Hamburg’s Barclays Arena from September 4–14, the time has come to reveal what’s in store: new Supporter Bundles that allow you to show team spirit, improved prize pool mechanics, and clever predictions that can mold your fantasy leagues or game plan.
From Bundles to the Prize Pool: What’s New at TI 2025
Valve is abandoning the usual Battle Pass setup this year, instead shifting to Supporter Bundles that both provide cosmetic flair and competitive effect. Every buy comes with loading screens, stickers, voice lines, and more, all made by your favorite teams or commentators. Most importantly, 50% of revenue is paid directly to the showcased team or talent, and 30% is contributed to the TI 2025 prize pool, increasing the minimum from $1.6 million and empowering fans with a more tangible stake in the game.
Most importantly, with this change comes one pleasant surprise: TI Fantasy and Predictions are now free for all. You don’t have to spend a penny to engage in Fantasy, Predictions, or to have leaderboards, throwbacks to the Compendium’s heyday.
Valve has also announced that Fantasy Leagues and Predictions are free for everyone, a refreshing throwback to the Compendium era where participation mattered more than purchases. Now, every fan can engage, regardless of their budget.
The Prize Pool: Larger and More Transparent
The initial prize pool for TI 2025 is the usual $1.6 million, but due to the bundle system, this will likely balloon in size. With 30% of all sales going into the pool, experts are already forecasting that the pool can reach into tens of millions come the grand finals.
This shift also brings a clearer form of giving. Fans have no doubt how their funds are divided, and teams see direct rewards for the support of the community. It’s no longer about simply winning, it’s about developing sustainability for the future of Dota 2 esports.
Why Bundles Over Battle Passes?
The Battle Pass has long been a TI tradition, but it also created a sense of paywall exclusivity. Bundles, on the other hand, feel more team-centric and community-focused. Instead of everyone grinding levels for cosmetics, players now have the power to support their favorite teams directly. For up-and-coming organizations, this financial injection could make the difference between thriving in the esports ecosystem and struggling to survive.
Compelling Predictions & Meta Trends
With no significant patch on the horizon prior to TI, the meta from recent international events such as EWC 2025, will simply persist. Classic heroes like Invoker, Phantom Lancer, and Beastmaster will be sure to reign supreme drafted strategies. Teams that deploy these into new plans will be at an advantage.
| Bold Predictions | |
| Predictions | Why it matters |
| Explosive Prize Pool | Bundles could elevate the TI 2025 Pool to record-breaking heights |
| Team Spirit as Favorites | Defending EWC champions and recent form bolster their TI outlook |
| Dark Horse Resurgence | Qualifiers teams from SEA or South America could break out |
| Meta Preservation | Teams already familiar with current hero trends may benefit most |
Participating Teams at The International 2025
The International 2025 brings together 16 elite teams, a mix of direct invites and regional qualifiers, each bringing their own storylines and strategies to Hamburg’s grand stage. From proven legends to rising underdogs, this year’s lineup guarantees a tournament filled with high drama and unforgettable clashes.
Direct Invites
- Team Liquid
- Parivision
- BetBoom Team
- Team Tidebound
- Gaimin Gladiators
- Team Spirit
- Team Falcons
- Tundra Esports
Regional Qualifiers
- NAVI Junior (Western Europe)
- Nigma Galaxy (Western Europe)
- Aurora Gaming (Eastern Europe)
- Xtreme Gaming (China)
- Team Nemesis (Southeast Asia)
- BOOM Esports (Southeast Asia)
- Wildcard Gaming (North America)
- Heroic (South America)
Conclusion: TI 2025 Is Going to Reinvent the Fan Experience
The International 2025 is not only a tournament, it’s the most community-driven Dota 2 event to date. From fan-driven bundles to free engagement tools and a celebrity-studded roster of teams, this TI gives the community the reins.
From the best-of-the-best challenges to last-minute qualifiers, Hamburg is ready to host a championship defined by heart, legacy, and choice. The question now isn’t merely who will emerge victorious, but how fans will be remembered for contributing to building this unforgettable instant.
