Dota 2 TI 2026 — Stockholm wins host bid, compendium model returns

Avicii Arena, August dates, and the prize pool model is back to compendium-funded after three years of fixed pots.

Stockholm wins the TI 2026 host bid. Avicii Arena, August window, and the prize pool model is reverting to compendium-funded after three years on the fixed-pot model that Valve introduced post-pandemic. The competitive scene is broadly positive on the change.

The compendium model historically pulled $30-40M into the event prize pool at peak. Even at half that, it is the largest pure-prize esports event by dollar. The Stockholm venue and a European-friendly window also lift broadcast viewership versus the prior Riyadh runs.