There’s no tournament like The International, held each year to challenge players dedicated to the complexity of Dota 2. Between the passion of the fans, the history and depth of Dota 2 and the event’s prize pool — over $24.8 last year, thanks to crowd-funding — it’s become a spectacle of its own right within the competitive video gaming scene.

Started in 2011 as an event within Gamescom with a $1 million first-place prize, it grew into its own monster of a tournament over the years into the mega-event it is now. The International moved in its second year from Germany to a concert hall in Seattle and, eventually, into the Key Arena. However, this year, it’ll take place in Rogers Arena in Vancouver, but the excitement will certainly cross the border with the event.

This year, players had to fight their way for a place on their stage through the Dota Pro Circuit, in which the top eight teams to earn Qualifying Points will earn direct invites to Vancouver. Even for those who couldn’t make the cut, work and training will pay off starting with the regional qualifiers, plus a sub-set of qualifiers open to any players bold enough to try.

The Flying Courier will be helping you stay in the loop through it all — be sure to check back here for the latest on this massive tournament.

If you’re interested in the Battle Pass, the crowd-funding reward system with TI8-themed goodies, we’ve also got you covered there,