The Dota 2 competitive calendar for 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most extensive in the game’s history, with over ten Tier 1 tournaments boasting prize pools of $1 million or more already scheduled. The packed schedule will test the endurance of professional teams and provide fans with a constant stream of high-level competition.
The year begins with a tournament in Malta, running from February 3rd to February 15th, featuring twelve participating teams. What we have is immediately followed by another event, featuring sixteen teams, from February 16th to March 1st, with the location currently unconfirmed.
As spring arrives, Bucharest, Romania, will host a tournament from March 7th to March 15th, again with sixteen teams competing. Later in March, from the 22nd to the 29th, ESL One Birmingham 2026 will take place in Birmingham, United Kingdom, also featuring sixteen teams. According to Esports Insider, this event is already generating discussion about potential “dark horses” and standout players.
April sees another tournament in Bucharest, Romania, from April 16th to April 26th, with sixteen teams. May will feature a tournament with sixteen teams from May 13th to May 24th, location to be determined. A second event in Malta, running from May 26th to June 7th, will host twelve teams.
The summer schedule includes a significant event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 6th to July 18th, attracting twenty-four teams. August will see competition move to Shanghai, China, from August 13th to August 23rd, with sixteen teams participating.
The fall season begins with a tournament in Bucharest, Romania, from September 9th to September 27th, featuring sixteen teams. Malta will again host a tournament from October 5th to October 11th, with twelve teams. Another event is scheduled in Malta from November 23rd to November 29th, also with twelve teams.
The calendar includes key events such as the BLAST Slam series, PGL Wallachia, and DreamLeague, alongside the two largest annual events: The International 2026 and the Esports World Cup 2026. The Esports World Cup 2026, as reported by Esports Charts, will feature a $75 million prize pool.
Tournament dates and formats are subject to change, as organizers adjust to logistical challenges and evolving tournament regulations.
