On the night of 23 August, Valve released an update for Dota 2, introducing a new hero, Ringmaster, as the 125th character in the game. The update also announced a compendium related to the upcoming The International 2024.
Valve published a comic on their official website detailing the backstory of Ringmaster, named Koliostro Kettle. He is a ranged hero with magical damage. Ringmaster has five abilities, including his ultimate and Spotlight, which becomes available after acquiring Aghanim's Shard. The hero also comes with three carnival-themed items. Additionally, Ringmaster features the Center Stage aspect, though the developers noted that this aspect does not yet have any functionality as the hero is still new to the scene.
Ringmaster was first teased by Valve during the grand finals of The International 2023, held from 12 to 29 October in Seattle. At that time, the developers promised that the new hero would be added to the game in 2024.