LGD Gaming is heading back to The International. The storied Chinese esports organization secured its spot at TI 2026 by winning the South American regional qualifier on June 19, defeating PlayTime 3-0 in the grand final to claim the region’s sole ticket to the main event.
The qualifier run was about as dominant as they come. LGD dropped just a single game across the entire tournament, steamrolling through a field of 10 teams from June 15 to June 19.
A familiar name with an unfamiliar roster
LGD returned to Dota 2 in late May 2026 by acquiring the former HEROIC South American roster, which explains why they competed through the SA qualifier rather than through China’s regional gauntlet.
The road to Shanghai
