The International 8 qualifiers, format announced

The Dota Pro Circuit has concluded, and now it’s time for the culmination of the Dota 2 season: The International 8, taking place late August in Vancouver. Eight teams have already qualified, and now, it’s time for the rest of the event’s seats to be filled.

Valve has officially shared the qualifier format and slots for this year’s mega-tournament, with six regions each receiving at least one spot at the event. Anyone can give the dream a shot in their region’s Open Qualifiers, but they must fight through the best of the best in the Main Qualifiers.

Here are the number of slots for each region’s respective Open and Main Qualifiers:

North America

• Six Open Qualifier teams advance to Main Qualifiers
• Eight teams play in Main Qualifiers
• Three teams advance to TI8

Europe

• Five Open Qualifier teams advance to Main Qualifiers
• Eight teams play in Main Qualifiers
• One team advances to TI8

China

• Six Open Qualifier teams advance to Main Qualifiers
• Seven teams play in Main Qualifiers
• Two teams advance to TI8

Southeast Asia

• Six Open Qualifier teams advance to Main Qualifiers
• Eight teams play in Main Qualifiers
• Two teams advance to TI8

South America

• Six Open Qualifier teams advance to Main Qualifiers
• Main Qualifier comprised of only those six Open Qualifier teams
• One team advances to TI8

Commonwealth of Independent States

• Six Open Qualifier teams advance to Main Qualifiers
• Eight teams play in Main Qualifiers
• One team advances to TI8

Interestingly, Europe has received only one extra slot for the main event, while North America has three. Valve is typically not transparent about these invites, but regardless of the reasoning, both of these regions will be a bloodbath — especially Europe, traditionally one of the more competitive regions.

These numbers bring TI8’s total up to 18, their typical amount.

It may seem like a lot for a double-elimination, but Valve is bringing back their group stage elimination format. In short, all 18 teams play in the group stage, and the bottom in each group is eliminated from the event. If the event is like prior years, this will lead into a full double-elimination format at the main event, during which fans will fill the Rogers Arena to watch.

This format ensures that teams from all over will be able to participate, fight against the best and get a slice of the prize pool in some shape or form.

If you want to participate, grab your friends and register quick — the Open Qualifiers start June 14. And if you’re just excited to spectate, the Main Qualifiers run from June 18 to 25.