Win Condition Episode #8: The road to The International 2026

On the latest episode of Win Condition, we got a chance to finally look at direct invites to The International, and some big changes.

Valve has finally handed out the direct invites to The International 2026, and with that we also saw information on ticket sales, as well as the initial teams in the regional qualifiers for the prestigious Dota 2 event. However, these invites definitely came with a lot of talk, as some teams which were seemingly a shoo-in for one were left out of the mix.

Read more: The direct invites for The International 2026 have been announced

Alongside this, we got the chance to discuss the return of LGD Gaming, and the currently ongoing BLAST Slam VII, and Tundra's possible exit from Dota 2.

Win Condition: All aboard The International Hype Train

The International 2026 is quickly approaching, and this past week has begun the hype for the tournament, as Valve announced the direct invites. Seven teams were confirmed for the event, but this has created a lot of talk, with the regional qualifiers now seeing a strange split. While North America may not have a strong showing currently, South American Dota 2 is seeing a big rise. However, these two regions have been only given a single qualifier slot, while China receives 2, in addition to Xtreme Gaming’s direct invite.

This discussion went on into the European region too, with the combination of Eastern and Western Europe into one consolidated qualifier. Looking at the entire system, it feels as though there needs to be some structure from Valve that is known to the public of where the direct invites come from. With that said, we can conclude that Valve had already decided the direct invites to TI before DreamLeague Season 29 had begun.

The return of LGD Gaming

One of the biggest stories of the past week has been the return of LGD Gaming to the Dota 2 scene. But, with their return, the organisation has moved out of the CN region and taken on the ex-HEROIC roster under their banner. We look at the resemblance to Newbee taking on Forward Gaming back in 2019 and how they were dropped again following TI. As it stands, LGD are already making a magnificent showing at BLAST Slam VII, but our stance on the organisation sticking around is clear.

Read more: LGD Gaming return to Dota 2, signing the ex-HEROIC roster

Tundra’s exit

While it has been now confirmed, Tundra Esports exit from the Dota 2 scene was a hot topic during the podcast. With the team’s brilliance shown across the year so far, it seems as though the team decided that their roster was to be released. Now, we know, that the team have been acquired by 1w Team and will stick together for the foreseeable future.

Read more: Tundra Esports release their Dota 2 roster

Buy and Sell

Buy and Sell this week looked towards TI, including the direct invites, the qualifiers, and the snubbed teams. As we enter the road to TI, there is a lot to unpack from everything going on, and this is our take on many of the pressing matters.

Wrapping up Episode 8 of the Dota 2 Win Condition, we looked at everything coming our way, including TI qualifiers, the Esports World Cup, and the culmination of BLAST Slam VII.

The full episode of Win Condition: Dota 2 and our previous episodes can all be found on the rdy.gg YouTube Channel and Spotify.