The 2025/2026 ESL Pro Tour (EPT) season for Dota 2 officially begins, and the initial wave of formidable teams has been unveiled.
The highly anticipated 2025/2026 ESL Pro Tour (EPT) season for Dota 2 is set to ignite with DreamLeague Season 27, and the battle lines are already being drawn. Tournament organizer ESL FACEIT Group has officially unveiled the initial roster of eight elite teams that have successfully navigated the regional closed qualifiers, securing their coveted spots in what promises to be an electrifying online spectacle.
From the established giants of Western Europe to the emerging talents across the globe, these teams represent the vanguard of the 24 competitors who will vie for supremacy and a significant share of a substantial prize pool. This first major event of the season is not merely a tournament; it’s a crucial proving ground, setting the tone for the entire competitive year.
The Early Birds: Who Secured Their Spot?
The closed qualifiers, a gauntlet of skill and strategy, have yielded a fascinating mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers. Representing different corners of the Dota 2 world, these eight teams have earned their right to compete:
- Natus Vincere (Western Europe) – A name synonymous with esports history, Na`Vi`s qualification signals their continued intent to remain at Dota 2`s pinnacle.
- Virtus.pro (Western Europe) – Another storied organization, Virtus.pro`s presence assures a formidable challenge from the Western European bracket.
- AVULUS (Western Europe) – Adding another Western European contender to the mix.
- Runa Team (Eastern Europe) – Carrying the hopes of Eastern European fans.
- Yakult Brothers (China) – A consistent force, having also qualified for DreamLeague Season 26, proving their sustained competitive edge.
- BOOM Esports (Southeast Asia) – The pride of SEA esports, ready to make their regional mark.
- Wildcard (North America) – A team on the rise, notable for their strong performance at The International 2025, where they outperformed several top-tier squads.
- Chimpanzi Bananini (South America) – With a name as memorable as their potential, this South American squad promises to bring unpredictable flair.
It`s an eclectic group, to say the least. While some names resonate with years of competitive history, others, with their intriguing monikers, simply remind us of the vibrant and often whimsical nature of esports team branding. Regardless of their legacy or choice of mascot, each has earned their place through sheer competitive merit.
Beyond the First Eight: The Road to 24 Teams
These eight are just the beginning. The full lineup of 24 teams will be completed through a dual approach: eleven coveted direct invitations will be extended to top-tier organizations based on their previous performance and EPT rankings, while an additional six slots will be fiercely contested through the Division 2 Stage 1, ensuring a broad and diverse competitive field.
What’s at Stake: Prize Pool and EPT Points
DreamLeague Season 27 is far more than just bragging rights. Scheduled as an online event from December 10th to 21st, the tournament boasts a formidable total prize pool of $1 million. In addition, $250,000 in club rewards and a staggering 19,500 EPT Points are up for grabs.
These EPT Points are the currency of the ESL Pro Tour. They are meticulously awarded based on a team`s performance, directly influencing their standing on the EPT leaderboards. Accumulating sufficient points is paramount, as it`s the primary pathway to securing direct invitations to future, even more prestigious events within the ESL ecosystem, including subsequent DreamLeague seasons and major LAN tournaments.
Tournament Structure: The Path to Glory
The competition will unfold in a meticulously structured format designed to test every facet of a team`s capability. It commences with a Swiss system Group Stage, where teams will battle it out in best-of-three (Bo3) matches, a format known for its strategic depth and ability to identify consistent performers. Following this, the Playoffs will escalate into a rigorous double-elimination bracket, culminating in an epic best-of-five (Bo5) Grand Final. While a detailed schedule is still pending, the framework promises high-stakes drama and relentless action.
The Global Stage: Where to Watch
For fans eager to witness the dawn of this new season, all matches from ESL DreamLeague Season 27 will be broadcast live, free of charge, on ESL’s dedicated Dota 2 Twitch and YouTube channels. This accessibility ensures that enthusiasts worldwide can follow every meticulously executed play and unforeseen upset.
The Beginning of a Grand Tour
DreamLeague Season 27 marks the inaugural event of the revitalized 2025/2026 season, introducing a refreshed format intended to inject new energy into the competitive circuit. Its conclusion will pave the way for an exciting lineup of future events, including DreamLeague Season 28 and the highly anticipated ESL One Birmingham, ensuring the competitive Dota 2 landscape remains dynamic and fiercely contested throughout the year. The journey has begun, and the pursuit of Dota 2 glory is officially underway.
Callum Darby