Early in June, we reported on Valve revealing the direct invites for The International 2026, featuring the best Dota 2 esports teams in the world. A total of seven (7) teams received direct invites, leaving nine (9) spots yet to be filled.

To get the final 16 teams that will compete at The International 2026, taking place in Shanghai, China, from 13 to 23 August 2026, there are regional qualifiers. In this guide, we'll share the most important details of The International 2026 China Closed Qualifier.

The China Closed Qualifier for The International 2026 runs from 15 to 18 June. It takes place on the Chinese servers, where a total of eight teams will compete for two coveted spots at the main event.

There are three (3) teams who have received direct invites to The International 2026 China Closed Qualifier, namely:

• Vici Gaming
• Roar Gaming
• Team Resilience

Yakutou Brothers also received a direct invite, but due to recent roster changes, didn't meet the minimum requirements to keep the invite. They'll have to battle through the Open Qualifiers.

Filling the five other slots in the China Closed Qualifier are those who make it through one of the Open Qualifiers. Open Qualifier #1 runs from 9 to 10 June, and Open Qualifier #2 runs from 11 to 12 June. That means you've got a whole lot of Dota 2 esports action to enjoy this week.

The event is hosted by tournament organizer PGL. English-language viewers, therefore, can easily tune in to the PGL_Dota2 Twitch channel or the PGL YouTube channel to watch all the matches unfold live.

Stay tuned to Esports Central as we'll bring you results and coverage of the biggest Dota 2 events leading up to The International 2026 and beyond! Yes, we'll take a look at each regional Closed Qualifier until we have all 16 teams competing for the Aegis of Champions.

Header image via Valve.