TI15’s opening ceremony weaves a tapestry of emotion for Valve’s storied title

Michael Hassall Published 20/08/2026

The main stage of The International 2026, TI15, kicked off today with the traditional opening ceremony heralding the start of the biggest celebration of Dota 2 on the calendar.

On Aug. 20 fans in Shanghai, China, and at home, were treated to a rousing 11-minute series of performances and video packages, introducing TI15’s main stage show. Here’s how the magic unfolded:

TI15’s incredible opening ceremony wows fans

The ceremony began with a graphic which quite literally wove a tapestry of Dota 2 history, voiced over by voice of The International, John Patrick Lowrie. The theming of tapestry, weaving, and traditional Chinese textiles was on full display here with Lowrie describing the golden threads of fate which weave stories about Dota 2 champions into history.

With the tapestry complete, an exhilarating orchestral score by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, led by Dota 2’s primarily conductor and composer, Tim Larkin, began. Echoing both the classic Dota 2 score, its iconic introduction music, and the sounds and melodies of host-nation China, the musical interlude enthralled audiences.

Image credit: Valve

But the wonders didn’t end there, as a series of emotive dances, incorporating martial arts-style moves, and more traditional dance closer to ribbon dancing filled the stage. The incredible performers showcased the action and passion of Dota through their movements, before finishing with a series of incredible stunts and flips.

Another video package followed, explaining the legacy of the Aegis of Champions. The video showcased all of the previous champions, before welcoming fans and The International to Shanghai. The eight finalist teams were then introduced and had their walk out before the moment many had been waiting for.

Gaben thanks fans as he welcomes them to a celebration of Dota 2

If you’re like us, TI doesn’t really start until you’ve heard Gabe “Gaben” Newell, co-founder and president of Valve, welcome us to The International. In a pre-recorded video, Newell explained that it had been 15 years since he welcomed fans to the first edition of The International, and the since then Dota 2 has changed a lot.

Image credit: Valve

He explained that the game had evolved, and so had the Aegis itself, now engraved with the names of 58 different champions, before explaining that one thing doesn’t change: The determination of the competitors.

Gaben closed his welcome message by thanking Shanghai for hosting them, and all the fans, in the arena and watching at home, for joining the celebration of Dota 2. A heart-warming sentiment during the most important Dota 2 event of the season.

TI continues until Aug. 23, where one of the eight remaining teams will lift the Aegis of Champions

Featured Image credit: Valve

Michael Hassall

About Michael Hassall

Michael is an eight-year veteran of games writing and has been playing games for as long as he can remember. With bylines across the internet, he has used his expertise to cover esports, prediction markets, mainstream gaming, streamers and more.

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