From Aug. 2 to 5, Astana will host an international Dota 2 tournament as part of the multisport Games of the Future 2026. The competition will take place at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, the press service of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported.
The prize pool is $1 million.
«Sixteen teams from China, Kazakhstan, Southeast Asia, South America, Eastern Europe and other regions will compete for the title. The participants include world champions, finalists of The International, Dota 2 premier annual tournament, and players with years of experience competing in major international events,» the ministry said in a statement.
Kazakhstan will be represented by the Rune Eaters team, consisting of Danial Alibaev, Abdimalik Sajlau, Alim Bespaev, Aibek Tokayev and Nikita Ostakhov.
Dota 2 is one of the world’s most popular esports games. In each match, two teams of five players compete against each other. The objective is to destroy the opponent’s base while defending their own. The game requires strategic thinking, quick reflexes and teamwork.
«In the group stage, the 16 teams will be divided into four groups of four. Matches will be played in a best-of-three (Bo3) format, with the first team to win two games claiming the series. The playoffs will be played in a single-elimination format, meaning a series loss ends a team’s participation in the tournament. The grand final will be played in a best-of-five (Bo5) format, with the champion determined by the first team to win three games,» the ministry added.
The tournament is expected to become one of Kazakhstan’s biggest esports events this summer. For Dota 2 fans, it will also be a rare opportunity to see world-class players in person and cheer on their favorite teams.
