As the esports calendar turns a new page, the world of Dota 2 braces itself for what promises to be an electrifying start to the ESL Pro Tour (EPT) 2025/2026 season. At the forefront of this new era stands DreamLeague Season 27, an event that has just unveiled its star-studded roster of invited teams, setting the stage for a dramatic contest of skill, strategy, and sheer will.
Tournament organizers ESL FACEIT have officially lifted the veil on the eleven formidable squads slated to receive direct invitations to this premier Dota 2 tournament. These teams represent the pinnacle of competitive Dota, each having earned their stripes through relentless grinding and breathtaking performances on the global stage. It’s a lineup that suggests DreamLeague Season 27 won`t just be a tournament; it will be a crucible for champions.
The Elite Assembly: Who`s Coming to Play?
The list of invited teams reads like a “who`s who” of Dota 2 royalty, featuring a blend of perennial powerhouses and rising titans ready to claim their share of glory. Fans can anticipate fierce rivalries and tactical masterclasses from these contenders:
- Aurora Gaming
- BetBoom Team
- Heroic
- Nigma Galaxy
- PARAVISION
- Flipster Talon
- Team Falcons
- Team Liquid
- Team Spirit
- Tundra Esports
- Xtreme Gaming
Among these illustrious names, two stand out with particular prominence, having recently etched their names into Dota 2 history. Team Falcons, fresh off their triumph as the The International 2025 champions, defeated Xtreme Gaming in a nail-biting 3-2 Grand Finals, showcasing a level of play that will be hard to match. Then there`s PARAVISION, the reigning champions of DreamLeague Season 26, who dominantly swept BetBoom Team 3-0. Their 2024/2025 season was nothing short of spectacular, including a win at ESL One Raleigh 2025 and a commendable third-place finish at The International 2025. One might wonder if their trophy cabinet is starting to creak under the weight of their achievements.
More Than Just Invitations: The Full Roster
While these eleven teams represent the invited elite, DreamLeague Season 27 is a much larger affair. They will be joined by eight teams who have valiantly battled their way through the regional closed qualifiers, proving their mettle against the best in their respective regions. Furthermore, five additional slots are yet to be filled, with teams from Division 2 Stage 1 still fighting for their chance to step into the limelight. This culminates in a grand total of 24 top-tier Dota 2 teams, all vying for the ultimate prize.
The Stakes: What`s on the Line?
DreamLeague Season 27 isn`t just about bragging rights; it`s a significant marker in the EPT circuit. Scheduled as an online event from December 10th to 21st, 2025, the tournament offers a substantial prize pool of $1,000,000 USD. Beyond the direct cash winnings, teams will also compete for 19,500 EPT Points and an additional $250,000 in club rewards.
For those unfamiliar with the mechanics of the ESL Pro Tour, EPT Points are the currency of competitive advancement. These points are meticulously distributed based on a team`s performance throughout an event, directly influencing their standing on the EPT leaderboards. Accumulating a high number of these points is crucial, as the top-ranking teams secure coveted invitations to future prestigious events like subsequent DreamLeague seasons and ESL One tournaments. It`s a system designed to reward consistent excellence, ensuring that only the most dedicated and skilled teams remain at the pinnacle of the competitive scene.
Tournament Format and Spectator Experience
The competition will unfold in a meticulously structured format, designed to test teams across various scenarios. Fans can expect the tournament to kick off with a challenging Swiss system Group Stage, where teams will engage in Best-of-3 (Bo3) matches, ensuring every victory is hard-earned. The intensity will then ramp up significantly with a grueling double-elimination bracket Playoffs, where every loss pushes teams closer to the brink of elimination. The grand culmination will be a highly anticipated Best-of-5 (Bo5) Grand Final, where two teams will battle it out to determine the undisputed champions of DreamLeague Season 27.
While a detailed schedule is still under wraps, eager fans can rest assured that all the action from ESL DreamLeague Season 27 will be broadcast live. Viewers can catch every epic clash, every clutch play, and every strategic masterpiece on ESL’s official Dota 2 Twitch and YouTube channels. It`s the perfect opportunity to witness the drama unfold from the comfort of your own home, perhaps with a beverage of choice and a carefully selected snack.
A Glimpse into the Future: The 2025/2026 Season
DreamLeague Season 27 isn`t just an isolated event; it`s the inaugural salvo of a completely revamped 2025/2026 EPT season. The promise of a “revamped format” hints at exciting changes and innovations designed to keep the competitive landscape fresh and engaging for both players and spectators. Following this momentous Dota 2 competition, the esports world will look forward to Season 28 and the highly anticipated ESL One Birmingham, signaling a year packed with high-stakes battles and unforgettable moments.
The stage is set, the invitations are out, and the anticipation is palpable. DreamLeague Season 27 is poised to deliver a spectacular beginning to the new EPT season, promising high-octane Dota 2 action, strategic brilliance, and perhaps a few upsets to keep everyone on their toes. Let the games begin!
