54% win rate for the Forces of Light and 22 banned heroes—statistics from the group stage of The International 2026

During the group stage of The International 2026, 22 heroes never appeared in matches, and victories were split with a slight edge for the Forces of Light: 54% to 46% for the Forces of Darkness. The tournament statistics were compiled by analyst Ilya “Leamare” Silakov-Volynsky and the DOTABUFF portal.

A total of 109 maps were played during the stage. Players placed 4,600 wards, killed 346 Roshans, 430 couriers, and over 359,000 creeps, as well as performed 530 buybacks and recorded 4 rampages.

The average duration of a single map was 46 minutes and 39 seconds.

The most-picked heroes were Hoodwink (55 picks), Mirana (51), and Centaur Warrunner (43). Among the most frequently banned heroes were Treant Protector (101 bans), Keeper of the Light (76), and Largo (63). Looking at heroes with more than 10 matches played, Nature’s Prophet (76.92% win rate), Snapfire (72.73%), and Earth Spirit (65.79%) showed the highest win rates.

The following heroes were completely unused: Abaddon, Anti-Mage, Bristleback, Broodmother, Chaos Knight, Chen, Disruptor, Lich, Marci, Medusa, Meepo, Nyx Assassin, Ogre Magi, Omniknight, Phantom Assassin, Silencer, Skywrath Mage, Sniper, Venomancer, Visage, Warlock, and Wraith King.

The International 2026 is taking place from August 13 to 23 in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. As of this writing, the prize pool for the year’s main championship exceeds $3,105,000.

Photo: Valve.