The Swiss stage of The International 2025 has wrapped up after four action-packed days at the Barclays Arena in Hamburg, narrowing the field to just eight teams who will continue their journey into the main event playoffs.
The format brought plenty of drama as reigning champions and seasoned veterans fought their way through five rounds of best-of-three series, each match carrying the weight of survival in Dota 2’s most prestigious tournament. Every victory meant one step closer to playoff glory, while every loss pushed teams to the brink, delivering the kind of tension and excitement fans expect from TI.
All Dota 2 teams qualified for TI14 playoffs
This year’s Swiss system replaced the more traditional group stage, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition. Pairing teams with identical win-loss records against each other every round created a fair but punishing test of consistency.
From Sept. 4 to 7, all 16 teams gave everything they had, but only half of them emerged strong enough to claim their place in the double-elimination playoff bracket. The stage is now set for the ultimate showdown, where the remaining contenders will battle for survival and the chance to cement their names into esports history.
Here’s the full list of the eight teams that will be vying for the Aegis of Champions on the main stage, as well as how they got through the Swiss stage to make it into the playoffs:
| Team | Roster | Qualification method |
|---|---|---|
| Xtreme Gaming | Ame, Xm, Xxs, XinQ, poloson | 4-0 score in the group stage |
| BetBoom Team | Pure, gpk~, MieRo`, Save-, Kataomi | 4-0 score in the group stage |
| Team Tidebound | shiro, NothingToSay, Bach, planet, y` | 4-1 score in the group stage |
| HEROIC | Yuma, 4nalog, Wisper, Scofield, KJ | Defeated Yakutou Brothers in the elimination round |
| Nigma Galaxy | Ghost, SumaiL, No!ob, OmaR, GH | Defeated Aurora Gaming in the elimination round |
| PARIVISION | Satanic, No[o]ne, DM, 9Class, Dukalis | Defeated Wildcard in the elimination round |
| Tundra Esports | Crystallis, bzm, 33, Saksa, Whitemon | Defeated Team Liquid in the elimination round |
| Team Falcons | skiter, Malr1ne, ATF, Cr1t-, Sneyking | Defeated Team Spirit in the elimination round |
The International 2025 playoffs format
The double-elimination playoff format at The International 2025 sets the stage for some of the most intense Dota 2 competition of the year. Unlike the Swiss stage, where teams had room to recover from early setbacks, the main event offers little forgiveness. A single stumble in the lower bracket spells the end of a team’s run, raising the stakes for every match and ensuring that only the strongest squads survive.
Securing a spot in the upper bracket is a massive advantage, giving teams breathing room to avoid immediate elimination while building momentum toward the grand finals on Sept. 14. That best-of-five showdown will decide not only who lifts the Aegis of Champions but also who secures the largest share of the prize pool.
For the eight teams who have made it through the brutal Swiss stage, the mission has shifted from survival to outright dominance. Each roster entering the playoffs will have to rely on its tactical depth, mechanical skill, and ability to adapt under pressure. Having endured four grueling days in Hamburg, these squads have already proven they belong among the very best, and now they stand just a few victories away from cementing their legacy in esports history.
