“LGD is returning to The International after 3 years”—the community reacts to LGD Gaming’s victory in the qualifiers for The International 2026
Russian-speaking commentators have weighed in on LGD Gaming’s victory in the South American qualifier for The International 2026.
Vladimir “Maelstorm” Kuzminov pointed out the difference in skill level:
LGD were clearly two levels above the rest, though it’s a bit of a shame about Playtime—they just weren’t there today.
It turned out to be quite amusing. Chinese stream
Xtreme received a direct invite
, while VG and TR qualified through the two remaining slots
That seems pretty cool, but…
LGD is returning to the International. After three years. The last time they played at the International was in 2023. Though, there’s one catch)
Rustam “Adekvat” Mavlyutov wrote the following:
LGD snagged a slot for TI2026 from… South America!
The organization will be happy to return to the big Dota scene, especially to compete on home turf. I’m not sure how much the locals will root for them or against them, but the players on this roster won’t let the team lose face on the Dota field.
17-year-old Santiago Olives Agüero Gustavo is packing his bags and heading first to Paris, and then to Shanghai. Get your posters ready and line up for autographs—TaiLung is off to conquer the world
Vladislav “BLACKARXANGEL” Ivashchenko expressed sympathy for PlayTime:
[LGD Gaming] took PlayTime’s (Whits) slot
Man, it’s a shame—the team fell apart on their way to the int. PlayTime had a very strong start to the season; they found their rhythm but couldn’t close it out. It’s frustrating and disappointing—gl next! Today’s anti-hero was Scofield in position 4—nothing was going his way; maybe it was stress (
Tailong is soloing on the pack, back at base.
The final match for a slot at The International 2026 in South America ended with a 3-0 victory for LGD Gaming. The Chinese club secured the region’s sole quota for this year’s tournament.
Photo by Vladimir “Maelstorm” Kuzminov.
