While Dota 2 is not going to be released until later this year, the strategy sequel must be in a pretty playable condition, as Valve announces the game's first public showing is under three weeks off in a Dota 2 tournament called "The International" at Gamescom, which kicks off in Cologne, Germany on August 17. This will be a double-elimination tournament between "the 16 best Dota teams in the world," with the festivities to be broadcast for free live on the web in four languages, and the winners to walk away with a $1 million cash prize. The game's official website lists the 16 teams participating, and here's the announcement:

August 1, 2011 - Valve today announced The International. This tournament will be the first time Dota 2 is shown in public, and will take place August 17th -21st at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany.

The International features the 16 best Dota teams in the world competing in the Dota 2 Championships through a group stage, double elimination playoff format over the course of Cologne's five-day trade show.

The tournament will be broadcast in four languages (Chinese, German, Russian, and English) free of charge. The winning team will receive $1 million.

"The International is the first public Dota 2 event and will give the tens of millions of gamers playing Dota around the world their first look at the new game," said Gabe Newell, president and founder of Valve. "I have had the good fortune to watch the competitors as they prepare for the tournament, and the level of play is extraordinary."

In addition to the cash prizes awarded by Valve, NVidia is providing all the hardware for the event.

Dota 2 will be available for the PC and Mac later this year. For more information on Valve and its games, please visit http://www.dota2.com/