Every champion of The International from TI1 to TI13

The International 2025 will be the 14th iteration of the prestigious event, and we take a walk down memory lane to recall the champions of past.

We are merely a couple of weeks away from The International 2025 kicking off in Hamburg, Germany. After the first iteration of the event was held in Cologne in 2011, The International has come a long way. With various venues in multiple countries and continents, and prize pools beyond our wildest dreams, TI has grown to become the pinnacle of Dota 2. Over the years, we have seen some amazing plays, huge upsets, and the Aegis of Champions lifted by multiple teams.

With that said, we take a trip through the years and recall every winner and their moment of glory.

The International: Champions through the years

The International 2011 (TI1)

With a prize pool of $1,600,000, TI1 set the stage for what would become one of the biggest events in esports. Eventually it was Natus Vincere that became the inaugural champions, with many players that continue their Dota 2 fame and fandom into 2025.

The International 2012 (TI2)

The next iteration of TI moved us off to North America, where Seattle became our home for years to come. Having seen the dominance of Chinese teams through the years, TI2 was the first time they claimed their crown, with Invictus Gaming pipping Na’Vi at the final hurdle.

The International 2013 (TI3)

Possibly one of the biggest rivalries came to a head at TI3 with NaVi and Alliance going against one another. Having made it to yet another grand final, NaVi was disallowed from claiming their second Aegis of Champions by another roster which would become synonymous with Dota 2.

The International 2014

As the prize pool breached $10,000,000, TI was the talk of the world. With 19 teams up from the 16 of previous years, the stakes were high. However, this time, for the first time, Na’Vi never made it to the finals. Instead, CN was back on top as Newbee claimed a gigantic victory at TI4.

The International 2015 (TI5)

As we remained in NA, TI5 was massive, especially with Evil Geniuses taking the win. However, one of the most memorable moments would be the Echo Slam that won them the Aegis of Champions, as it was felt by millions of Dota 2 fans across the world.

The International 2016 (TI6)

With the prize pool reaching a gigantic $20,000,000, we had another absolutely amazing grand final at TI6. Wings Gaming went up against Digital Chaos in what would become a true underdog story. With the tournament seeming to alternate between Chinese winners and the rest, this time it was Wings who took a breathtaking win.

The International 2017 (TI7)

TI7 was another for firsts, as Team Liquid made a miraculous lower bracket run to take down Newbee in the finals. Having fallen to the lower bracket early in the main event, the team knocked out Team Secret, Team Empire, Virtus.pro, LGD Gaming, and LGD.Forever Young, before a clean sweep of 3-0 to become champions.

The International 2018 (TI8)

After a total of six straight years in Seattle, TI8 moved us to Vancouver, Canada, where a new era began. The era of OG, the ultimate underdogs from start to finish. Making it through to the European closed qualifiers through open qualifiers, OG shocked and stunned the world with their resilience. In a breathtaking grand final, they managed to overcome PSG.LGD – ending the alternate CN champion train.

The International 2019 (TI9)

Heading to Shanghai, China, TI9 topped out its prize pool close to $35,000,000. A finals matchup between Liquid and OG meant that one would become the first-ever two-time champion of TI. In the end, it was OG that became the victors, cementing their spot in Dota 2 history.

The International 2021 (TI10)

Originally set for 2020, TI10 was postponed due to the prevalence of COVID-19. Unfortunately, without a crowd, much of the hype around TI was not felt. But that did not stop the teams from putting on a show. Held in Bucharest, Romania, the tournament featured the craziest prize pool in Dota 2 history, with $40,000,000 on the line. Team Spirit came out ahead, denying PSG.LGD an Aegis of Champions once again.

The International 2022 (TI11)

Clement “Puppey” Ivanov, being part of the original NaVi winning roster at TI1, finally made it back to the grand finals at TI11. Unfortunately, his hopes of becoming champion again, this time with Secret, were shutdown in a magnificent sweep from Tundra Esports in the grand finals.

The International 2023 (TI12)

Spirit saw their second Aegis of Champions at TI12, after making a massive resurgence. The team’s near flawless run through the entire tournament put them up against Gaimin Gladiators in the finals, where they swept the series with ease.

The International 2024 (TI13)

Almost one year ago, TI13 kicked off in Copenhagen, Denmark. Having lost only to the reigning champions, Spirit, during the Group Stage, Liquid made a flawless pass through the main event. While GG returned to the finals, they were unable to make a dent in Liquid’s plays. Although a completely different Liquid lineup from the TI7 winning roster, this would be the second time the organisation has lifted the Aegis.

The International 2025 (TI14)

With only a few weeks remaining until TI14 kicks off, the tournament returns to Germany. With Hamburg as the setting this time, the 16 teams will be fighting for glory in the same way that they have in previous years. This time around, there are multiple three-time hopefuls, along with the two-time hopefuls – but included are a list of fresh faces which have never seen the prestige of TI for themselves.

As the countdown to TI2025 ticks down, we are beginning to feel the hype build. The teams are preparing and the fans are getting themselves ready for what is set to be yet another epic iteration of TI.