Welcome to DreamLeague Season 25
The first 16-team Dota 2 tournament of 2025 is now in full swing as part of the ongoing ESL Pro Circuit (EPT). Following the success of DreamLeague Season 24 and ESL One Bangkok last year, this event carries forward the competitive spirit and high stakes with a $1 million prize pool and crucial EPT Points on the line. These points are vital for teams vying to qualify for the Esports World Cup later this year. Despite the excitement, Dota 2 fans might feel a bit nostalgic as Patch 7.37e continues to dominate the early stages of the tournament. However, the meta is always evolving, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Valve introduce Patch 7.38 midway through the competition, adding a new layer of strategy and unpredictability.
The Competitors
DreamLeague Season 25 is as stacked as ever, featuring a diverse lineup of top-tier teams from around the globe. The tournament includes:
- PARIVISION: A formidable force with a strong showing on the EPT leaderboard.
- BetBoom Team: Known for their consistent performance and strategic play.
- Team Falcons: A rising star in the Dota 2 scene, fresh off some impressive wins.
- Team Liquid: A veteran team with a storied history and deep talent pool.
- AVULUS: A qualifier from Western Europe, ready to prove their mettle.
- Tundra Esports: Another Western European qualifier, known for their aggressive style.
- Gaimin Gladiators: A well-rounded team from Western Europe, making their mark.
- Team Spirit: Eastern European qualifiers who have consistently performed well.
- 9Pandas: A talented squad from Eastern Europe, eager to make a name for themselves.
- Chimera Esports: Representing the Middle East and South West Asia (MESWA) region, they bring a unique flavor to the tournament.
- Yakult Brothers: A strong qualifier from China, known for their innovative strategies.
- Xtreme Gaming: Another Chinese team, ready to showcase their skills.
- Moodeng Warriors: Qualifiers from Southeast Asia, bringing a fresh perspective to the game.
- BOOM Esports: A seasoned Southeast Asian team, known for their versatility.
- Shopify Rebellion: North American qualifiers with a passionate following.
- HEROIC: South American qualifiers, ready to compete against the best in the world.
Each team brings their own strengths and unique playstyles, making the tournament a thrilling spectacle for fans and players alike.
Group Stage One: The Gauntlet Begins
The Group Stage One of DreamLeague Season 25 kicked off on February 16th and will run through February 19th. The 16 teams are divided equally into two round-robin groups, and the top four from each group will advance to Group Stage Two, which takes place from February 21st to February 27th. Here’s a quick rundown of the matches in Group Stage One:
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Group A:
- February 16th:
- 11:00 UTC: Falcons 0-2 Tundra, XG 0-2 BB, Moodeng 0-2 SR, HEROIC 2-0 9P.
- 16:00 UTC: Falcons 0-1 BB, XG 0-1 SR, Tundra 0-0 9P, HEROIC 0-0 Moodeng.
- February 17th:
- 11:00 UTC: HEROIC vs. Tundra, Falcons vs. XG, Moodeng vs. BB, SR vs. 9P.
- 16:00 UTC: SR vs. Tundra, Falcons vs. HEROIC, Moodeng vs. XG, 9P vs. BB.
- February 18th:
- 16:00 UTC: BB vs. SR, Tundra vs. Moodeng, XG vs. HEROIC, Falcons vs. 9P.
- Group B:
- February 16th:
- 13:30 UTC: PARI 1-1 Liquid, GG 2-0 BOOM, TSpirit 2-0 CHMR, AVULUS 0-2 YkBros.
- 18:30 UTC: GG vs. Liquid, PARI vs. TSpirit, AVULUS vs. CHMR, YkBros vs. BOOM.
- February 17th:
- 13:30 UTC: PARI vs. GG, AVULUS vs. TSpirit, YkBros vs. Liquid, BOOM vs. CHMR.
- 18:30 UTC: PARI vs. AVULUS, BOOM vs. TSpirit, YkBros vs. GG, CHMR vs. Liquid.
- February 18th:
- 13:30 UTC: Liquid vs. TSpirit, CHMR vs. GG, PARI vs. YkBros, BOOM vs. AVULUS.
- 18:30 UTC: TSpirit vs. GG, Liquid vs. AVULUS, CHMR vs. YkBros, PARI vs. BOOM.
- February 19th:
- 18:30 UTC: GG vs. AVULUS, PARI vs. CHMR, Liquid vs. BOOM, TSpirit vs. YkBros.
These initial matches will set the tone for the rest of the tournament and determine which teams have what it takes to progress to the next stage.
Group Stage Two: The Battle Intensifies
After the dust settles in Group Stage One, the top four teams from each group will advance to Group Stage Two, scheduled from February 21st to February 27th. The format remains a round-robin, but the stakes are higher as these teams will compete for a spot in the Playoffs. Here, the pressure is intense, and every match counts. The teams must not only demonstrate their technical prowess but also their ability to adapt and outthink their opponents. This stage is where the mettle of the qualifiers will truly be tested, and the veteran teams will need to bring their A-game to maintain their dominance.
Playoffs and the Road to Glory
The teams that emerge victorious from Group Stage Two will advance to the Playoffs, a double-elimination bracket that runs from March 1st to March 2nd. This final stage is the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. The Playoffs are where teams can solidify their legacy and claim a share of the $1 million prize pool. With only a handful of teams left, the competition becomes even more fierce. Every match is a potential deciding factor in who will go home with the lion’s share of the rewards and who will be left to dream of future victories.
Where to Watch: The Ultimate Dota 2 Experience
If you’re looking to catch all the action from DreamLeague Season 25, you’re in luck. There are four concurrent streams on Twitch—ESL_Dota2, ESL_Dota2Ember, ESL_Dota2Storm, and ESL_Dota2Earth—ensuring that you won’t miss a single match. Additionally, the ESL Dota 2 YouTube channel will be broadcasting the tournament, providing a secondary platform for fans who prefer to watch on the go or catch up later. The tournament is a feast for the eyes, with high-quality broadcasts, insightful commentary, and the best Dota 2 action in the world. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s no better place to experience the thrill of competitive Dota 2 than through these official streams.
The Spirit of Competition
DreamLeague Season 25 is more than just a tournament; it’s a testament to the spirit of competition and the passion of the Dota 2 community. From the seasoned veterans to the up-and-coming qualifiers, every team is here to leave their mark. The $1 million prize pool and EPT Points are certainly motivating factors, but the true reward is the opportunity to compete against the best and showcase your skills on a global stage. As the tournament progresses, we can expect to see some unforgettable moments, groundbreaking strategies, and fierce rivalries. Dota 2 fans around the world are tuning in, ready to witness the next chapter in the sport’s rich history.
