Dota 2 The International 2026 — Stockholm Wins Host Bid

Avicii Arena, August dates, and the prize pool model is back to compendium-funded.

Stockholm wins the TI 2026 host bid. Avicii Arena, August window, and the prize pool model is reverting to compendium-funded after three years on the fixed-pot model that Valve introduced post-pandemic. The competitive scene is broadly positive on the change.

The compendium model historically pulled $30-40M into the event prize pool at peak. Even at half that, it is the largest pure-prize esports event by dollar. The Stockholm venue and a European-friendly window also lift broadcast viewership versus the prior Riyadh runs.

The structural read on Valve is that the company is signaling it still cares about competitive Dota at the top end. The format and prize-pool walkback specifically counters two years of complaints from the pro circuit.