The International 2025 is preparing to open in spectacular fashion, with fans around the world eagerly awaiting what promises to be one of the most memorable ceremonies in esports. The opening ceremony will officially mark the beginning of TI 2025’s main event with the final eight teams that made it through the group stage.
This year’s edition carries an added layer of history, as the Barclays Arena in Hamburg, Germany, plays host to the opening. The choice of venue marks a symbolic return to the country that helped launch Dota 2’s competitive legacy, with Germany hosting the very first International at GamesCom back in 2011. Fourteen years later, the event comes full circle, returning to German soil with a far grander stage, a global audience, and a legacy that has grown into one of esports’ defining spectacles.
Here’s everything you need to know about The International 2025’s opening ceremony.
TI 2025 opening ceremony schedule
Sept. 11 will mark the official start of The International 2025 playoffs, and the day is set to begin with a carefully planned schedule that builds anticipation from the very first moment. At 2:30am CT, the pre-show coverage kicks off, bringing fans in with analyst desk breakdowns, live commentary, and team introductions that set the stage for the battles ahead.
The excitement then shifts into full gear at 3am CT, when the official opening ceremony begins. Known for its spectacle and energy, the ceremony is always one of the most anticipated moments of the tournament, blending showmanship with esports tradition. Shortly after, at approximately 3:30am CT, the first playoff matches will begin, officially launching the main event of Dota 2’s most prestigious competition.
The main event will span four days, running from Sept. 11 through 14, and it all leads to the Grand Finals on Sunday. This year’s format follows a double-elimination bracket, ensuring that teams have more than one chance to prove themselves on the big stage. With only eight teams left standing, every series carries enormous weight, as each squad battles not just for survival, but for the right to lift the Aegis of Champions.
With the prize pool and the legacy of The International on the line, this year’s condensed four-day format promises an intense, high-stakes experience from start to finish. Fans can expect non-stop action, unforgettable moments, and a finale worthy of Dota 2’s grandest stage.
Where to watch TI 2025
The International 2025 will be broadcast across multiple streaming platforms, making sure fans around the world can follow every moment of the opening ceremony and the tournament itself. With Dota 2’s global community continuing to grow, accessibility has become a priority, and this year’s coverage is set to reach audiences like never before.
Here are all the platforms to watch the entire ceremony and all the matches live. We have also included direct links to channels.
- Twitch: Primary English broadcast with interactive chat features from the Dota bot.
- YouTube: Official Dota 2 channel with livestreams as well as all the VODs in case you miss out on the live action.
- Steam: In-client viewing through the Dota 2 game client (This link will go live once the pre-show begins).
As with every International, official broadcasts will also be available in Russian, Chinese, and Spanish. This ensures fans can experience the action in their preferred language, making the tournament truly global.
Alongside official streams, community and co-streams hosted by popular community figures like Gorgc and Ceb will also play a major role. These broadcasts add personality-driven commentary and unique perspectives, giving fans different ways to enjoy the tournament beyond the standard feed. This wide variety of coverage options ensures that The International 2025 will be one of the most accessible and engaging editions in the history of competitive Dota 2.
