TI 2025 Playoffs
The International 2025 has moved into its decisive stage with eight teams remaining after an intense group phase in Hamburg. The Swiss-format qualifiers narrowed the field from sixteen competitors, setting the stage for the playoff bracket that will determine this year’s champion.
The lineup features a mix of established organizations and surprising contenders. Xtreme Gaming and Team Tidebound represent China, while Western Europe fields Nigma Galaxy, Team Falcons, PARIVISION, and Tundra Esports. BetBoom Team carries the flag for Eastern Europe, and HEROIC emerges from South America, marking a diverse and competitive top eight.
Recap of the Road to The International
The lead-up to the playoffs produced several unexpected turns. Na'Vi, a young roster that had impressed during the Western European qualifiers, exited far earlier than anticipated. Defending champions Team Liquid also fell short, along with Team Spirit, despite their consistent presence in recent finals.
At the same time, two teams few predicted to advance made it through. HEROIC, often known for early exits in premier events, secured a playoff spot. Nigma Galaxy also returned to the main stage for the first time since 2019, marking a significant comeback.
Some regions faced disappointment. The Southeast Asian representatives, Team Nemesis and BOOM Esports, both dropped out before the main event. Wildcard Gaming from North America also failed to progress beyond the Swiss stage, leaving the region without representation.
A notable trend emerged in the draft and itemization phase. The Helm of Dominator unexpectedly became central to several strategies. In one case, PARIVISION fielded lineups where five heroes—including a support Monkey King—purchased the item, showcasing how flexible the evolving meta had become.
TI 2025 Playoffs Schedule and Viewing Options
The playoff stage features eight teams in a double-elimination bracket. All match times follow Central European Summer Time (CEST). Fans can watch every series live through official Dota 2 streams on Twitch and YouTube, as well as directly in the in-game client under the Watch tab.
September 11 – Opening Round
| Time | Matchup | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | Xtreme vs. Tundra | 2 – 0 |
| 13:00 | HEROIC vs. PARIVISION | 0 – 2 |
| 16:00 | Falcons vs. TideBound | 2 – 0 |
| 19:00 | BBTeam vs. Nigma | 2 – 1 |
September 12 – Elimination Matches
- 10:00 | HEROIC vs. Tundra
- 13:00 | TideBound vs. Nigma
- 16:00 | Xtreme vs. PARIVISION
- 19:00 | Falcons vs. BBTeam
September 13 – Key Bracket Matches
- 10:00 | Lower Bracket Round 2 – Match 1
- 13:00 | Lower Bracket Round 2 – Match 2
- 16:00 | Upper Bracket Final
- 19:00 | Lower Bracket Round 3
September 14 – Final Day
- 10:00 | Semifinal
- 13:00 | Grand Final
TI 2025 Prize Fund Allocation for Groups and Playoffs
The International 2025 prize fund has surpassed $2.59 million as of September 11, with contributions continuing through compendium sales. Distribution follows a tiered structure, rewarding teams based on final placement in the playoffs. The champion secures the largest share, while lower placements still receive guaranteed payouts.
Breakdown of earnings:
| Placement | Prize (USD) | Percentage | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | $1,101,008 | 42.5% | TBD |
| 2nd | $336,826 | 13% | TBD |
| 3rd | $233,122 | 9% | TBD |
| 4th | $155,450 | 6% | TBD |
| 5th – 6th | $129,524 | 5% | TBD |
| 7th – 8th | $103,598 | 4% | TBD |
| 9th – 13th | $46,582 | 1.8% | Yakutou, Aurora, Wildcard, Liquid, Spirit |
| 14th – 15th | $25,936 | 1% | BOOM, Navi |
| 16th | $12,963 | 0.5% | Nemesis |
This structure ensures that every team leaves with earnings, while higher placements claim a significantly larger portion of the pool.
