Valve publishes its TI 2026 viewing and Secret Shop guide

Valve published its TI 2026 viewing guide on August 12, one day before The International opened in Shanghai. The official update gathers broadcast access, fantasy roster reminders, first-round predictions, local activities and Secret Shop information in one place.

TI 2026 viewing guide: what changed

The practical value is consolidation. Group-stage Dota produces simultaneous series, and links shared across social posts are easy to lose once matches begin. Valve’s event post gives viewers an official starting point while the tournament schedule changes from the August 13–16 Swiss phase to the arena programme on August 20–23.

Fantasy and predictions have a real deadline

Valve’s announcement tells players to finish fantasy rosters and lock the opening predictions before results remove those choices. That is more than a cosmetic reminder: a prediction made after one round would use information unavailable at the intended deadline. Readers should confirm locks inside the live Dota client because the event page can remain open after a feature closes.

The Shanghai layer

The guide also separates online viewing from activities and merchandise in Shanghai. That matters because the early Swiss phase and the public arena block are not the same experience. The Oriental Sports Center hosts the final four days from August 20–23, while the competition begins a week earlier. Ticket holders should continue to use Valve’s current event information for entry and local instructions.

What to check next

Broadcast links, fantasy status and match order can change faster than an evergreen article. Use Valve’s post as the primary hub, then verify the live bracket before choosing a stream. Results deserve separate updates once confirmed; this article records the August 12 publication and the services Valve placed around the opening day.

Sources: primary tournament record and supporting tournament record. Scores, dates, format details and audience figures are attributed to the linked records; tactical interpretation is our own.

Follow the opening of The International 2026, check the full TI 2026 field, or review Dota 2 patch 7.41e.