The International 2025’s astrologic opening leaves fans star-struck

Michael Hassall Published September 11, 2025

The main event of The International 2025, TI14, began today (Sep. 11) in spectacular fashion with its incredible opening ceremony. Greeted by raucous applause by the fans in attendance at the Barclays Arena in Hamburg, Germany, the ceremony was a true celebration of the game we know and love.

Fans inside the arena for the start of TI14 could barely contain their excitement as proceedings began, chanting and cheering the countdown to the start of the event. After a video introducing the event played, the real lightshow and ceremony started.

TI14’s cosmic opening ceremony shows Dota fans the stars

TI14 Opening Ceremony (Image via JAXON.GG/Michael Hassall)

It began with an orchestral symphony, backed by a choir, (performed by the Landesjugendorchester Hamburg and Landesjugendchor Hamburg) playing classic Dota 2 songs. During the suite, interjections and musical references were abound, with the leitmotif of Dota 2’s unforgettable Crownfall event sprinkled in (better known by some as the theme from Artifact). There were even hints of past TI themes and other Dota 2 music throughout.

During the music, the arena was illuminated by the wristbands of fans – each seat had been given a light up bracelet that flashed on cue – and by the starry scene played on the screens. The cosmic theme has been entirely embraced, as images of players in the form of constellations flashed on the screen. Fans sat in awed silence for the ceremony.

Then the music shifted to something even more familiar: The main Dota 2 theme, reaching a crescendo before the light show and visuals peaked, leaving the fans to cheer and applaud the incredible set.

The Landesjugendorchester Hamburg perform at TI14 (Image credit: JAXON.GG/Michael Hassall)

As the orchestral score came to a close, another video, showcasing the history of The International, played. This one highlighted the fact this was the first international in Germany since the first, 15 years ago.

Then it was time for us to welcome the eight teams to The International‘s main stage. Xtreme Gaming, Tundra Esports, PARIVISION, HEROIC, Team Tidebound, Team Falcons, BetBoom, and Nigma Galaxy. There were cheers for each team (and some boos), but by far, the loudest cheers came for Nigma Galaxy, who seem to have become an underdog fan favorite.

But it really couldn’t be The International without one man opening proceedings: Gabe Newell. Yes, Gaben himself did grace us with a video to officially open TI14, sharing with us his memories of the first TI, and how the tournament made him fall in love with Dota even more. He also told fans that he still played the game every day, even if he was flamed, had profanities yelled at him, and told to uninstall. And with that, TI14 had officially started.

Gaben officially opens TI14 (Image Credit: JAXON.GG/Michael Hassall)

A hint of something in Dota 2’s future?

Inevitably there were perhaps some hints of something to come sprinkled in the TI14 Opening Ceremony. It’s just speculation, but with Oracle’s orb floating high above the arena, and star signs and constellations filling the arena, it feels apt to try and predict some things. During the orchestral sequence there were some unfamiliar tunes. Could this all be some kind of soft reveal of a new hero or event?

Then there’s the aesthetic itself for this year’s International: The star-studded theme, with stone pillars engraved with runes in the arena, seems to hint at something. Perhaps Nemistice related? Whatever the case, this opening ceremony was certainly something to remember, and the perfect way to start The International 2025.

More on The International 2025

• Get all the latest with Michael’s TI14 Hamburg visitors’ guide.
• Which playoffs teams are favorites to win The International?
• How the Dota 2 TI prize pool developed over the years.

Featured image credits: JAXON.GG/Michael Hassall