Dota theme from the orchestra, choreographic number and Gabe's speech - The International 2026 opening ceremony

The International 2026 hosted the opening ceremony. Before the first playoff match, the crowd was entertained with music and dancing, and Valve owner Gabe Newell also gave a speech.

The show began with a performance of the Dota 2 theme song by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Then a dance group performed a choreographic number for the audience. After the participating teams were introduced on stage, Gabe Newell gave an opening speech. As in the last few years, he was not present in person, but recorded a video.

Gabe Newell

The first to play in the playoffs of The International 2026 are 1win Team and Team Spirit. At the start of the main part of the tournament, its prize fund is $3,197,673.