Puppey returns as a coach, SumaiL hints at retirement, China’s chance at redemption: the best storylines going into The International 15

After a grueling sequence of qualifiers, we’ve lastly locked within the 16 groups competing at The Worldwide 15, which goes to be Dota 2’s greatest match of the yr.

For those who’re a kind of seasonal viewers who solely comes out of your cage for TI, listed here are a number of the most vital storylines to observe. 

There are various gamers who’re thought-about legends of the sport, however Clement “Puppey” Ivanov is hands-down probably the most influential figures in Dota 2 historical past. He was the one participant to seem in 11 TIs in a row, doing so from 2011 to 2022. 

Since his unequalled streak ended, Puppey has missed the 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions of the sport’s greatest occasion, however the huge man is lastly again this yr. Nevertheless, he received’t be enjoying because the legendary assist and captain we’ve recognized him for, as he’ll be occupying the teaching position below PARIVISION. 

The 2025 – 2026 season is the primary time he’s taking the teaching helm, and although PARIVISION had a fairly disastrous begin to the yr, the group has since stabilized and is even trying like one of the best group on the earth over the previous couple of months. It actually feels just like the roster is lastly gelling below Puppey’s supervision. 

The benchmark for PARIVISION this yr is fairly clear – the roster completed third final yr with their former coach Filipe “Astini” Ribeiro, so something higher than bronze is the aim. And from what I’ve seen up to now, I feel they’re a severe favourite to win all of it. 

Puppey could also be certainly one of Dota’s greats, however he doesn’t have what a number of the individuals this yr have – two Aegises and a hope for a 3rd. 

There are six three-time hopefuls coming into TI15, and these very proficient e-gamers are: 

I’ll be trustworthy, judging by Group Spirit’s turbulent season up to now, I’m not liking Yatoro and Collapse’s probabilities of taking it this yr. Nevertheless, Mira, 33, and the dynamic duo of Group Falcons are undoubtedly within the dialog.

I wouldn’t say Aurora, 1win Group, or Group Falcons are heavy favorites heading into the occasion. However with TI, the favorites by no means win, so these guys are undoubtedly inside attain of claiming a 3rd TI win.

2026 may actually be the yr, and if any of them handle to do it, they’re mechanically getting into the GOAT debate. 

Whereas we’ve promising rookies and folks gunning for a 3rd Aegis this yr, there’s one participant we would not see for much longer. 

Dota 2 legend Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan, who barely certified for The Worldwide 15 with Nigma Galaxy, despatched out a cryptic message on X after surviving the European closed qualifiers to succeed in this occasion. 

His publish reads: “Made it to TI, in all probability the final one. Grateful for the assist. See you all in China.”

So, you don’t should be Sherlock to inform that he’s presumably asserting his retirement, both after this TI or earlier than the subsequent. 

The neighborhood’s King made waves at TI5 by turning into the youngest participant to ever win The Worldwide, bagging the Aegis at simply 16 years outdated with Evil Geniuses. Time actually flies, as a result of it’s been a decade since – and the child who as soon as shocked your entire world is now a attainable farewell. 

Sadly, I don’t fancy Nigma’s probabilities in any respect this TI, and there’s a robust chance they received’t even make it out of teams. But when this actually is SumaiL’s final dance, I’d love for him to a minimum of exit with a bang. 

It’s actually no secret that Chinese language Dota has been in a significant stoop. This area actually used to win TI each different yr, and now they’ve been in a drought since 2016.

To not point out, there’s additionally a severe lack of a brand new era – we’re nonetheless seeing the identical veterans competing again and again. Two of the gamers who received China’s final TI are nonetheless competing this yr: Zhang “y`” Yiping and Zhang “Faith_bian” Ruida, who received TI6 below Wings Gaming, are set to play in Shanghai below Vici Gaming. 

If China needs to revive its Dota scene, its time is now. The occasion is held on house soil, and so they’re fielding three groups on the match – 4 for those who depend the legendary LGD Gaming group, although they’re fielding a full South American roster.

TI15 in Shanghai is the proper probability to draw or inspire a brand new wave of expertise who will ultimately change these vets who’ve been preventing for over a decade. The query is, do these Chinese language representatives have what it takes to make a deep run? In my eyes, solely Xtreme Gaming – who obtained a direct invitation – has an honest shot.  

Gamers and groups apart, there was some controversy over ticket gross sales for the occasion. Information broke out that TI15 tickets bought out in simply three minutes, which could sound like an enormous W at first, however there have been threads upon threads on Reddit claiming that the majority of them have been doubtlessly scalped or purchased out by clankers. 

Many followers didn’t get their tickets and talked about how the method felt a little bit scuffed, with some even failing regardless of utilizing a number of units. Then, they noticed tickets being resold for a number of instances the value just some hours later. 

Though this example sucks for the diehard followers who actually wished to look at the occasion in particular person, all these scalping shenanigans higher be price it – if I don’t see a full stadium roaring at each match, I’m going to crash out.

The Shanghai Oriental Sports activities Middle has a venue capability of 18,000, so it higher not disappoint.