The Aegis of Champions beckons, but before The International 2026's main event takes place in Shanghai, China, from 13 to 23 August, the 16 contenders must be decided. Valve has already revealed the seven direct-invite teams, and regional qualifiers will decide the other nine Dota 2 teams competing.

In this no-nonsense guide, we outline the vital details of The International 2026 Europe Closed Qualifier, so let's leap in.

Europe Closed Qualifier Details

First and foremost, the Europe Closed Qualifier for The International 2026 is an online event, taking place on European servers. The tournament runs from 21 to 28 June 2026, offering heaps of thrilling action. Teams are, after all, competing for just four spots in the main event.

That's the most of any regional qualifier, as Europe has long been seen as the most competitive region. The sixteen qualified teams will compete in a double-elimination bracket, where all matches are BO3, with four punching their tickets to Shanghai.

Check out the list of teams competing at the Europe Closed Qualifier for The International 2026 below, including how they qualified or if they were directly invited.

TeamQualification MethodTeam SpiritDirect InviteNAVIDirect InvitePARIVISIONDirect InviteMOUZDirect InviteNigma GalaxyDirect InviteVirtus.proDirect InviteL1GA TEAMOpen Qualifier #1Power RangersOpen Qualifier #1Rune EatersOpen Qualifier #1Yellow SubmarineOpen Qualifier #1VP.ProdigyOpen Qualifier #1Inner CircleOpen Qualifier #1Team Bald RebornOpen Qualifier #2MODUSOpen Qualifier #2Enj0yOpen Qualifier #24ikibamboniOpen Qualifier #2

The Closed Qualifiers are hosted by PGL. English-language viewers can tune in to the PGL_Dota2 Twitch channel or the PGL YouTube channel to watch all the matches.

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! We’ll take a look at each regional Closed Qualifier and later, the 16 teams competing for the Aegis of Champions.

Header image via Valve.