The prize pool for The International 2026 has already surpassed last year’s total one day before the tournament begins

Thirteen days after the release of support kits for participating teams and lighting crew members, the prize pool for The International 2026 reached $2,883,351.

The International 2025 ultimately raised $2,881,791—meaning this year’s total has already surpassed the previous tournament’s final total even before it has begun. The group stage of the championship begins tomorrow, August 13.

Valve initially added $1,600,000 to the prize pool for The International 2026. Last year, the developers raised the percentage of sales allocated to the prize pool from 25% to 30%—this year, it has remained at the same level.

Photo: Valve.