Here is a complete DreamLeague Season 21 overview as teams gear up to test their skills ahead of the International 2023
DreamLeague’s 21st edition makes its grand return on September 18, marking the ultimate premier Dota event ahead of The International, set to kick off in October. A dozen of the world’s top DOTA 2 teams are converging on Europe to vie for a staggering $1,000,000 prize pool, all online.
Don’t forget; DreamLeague Season 21 starts TOMORROW at 11:00 CEST! #ESLProTour pic.twitter.com/XzYHXQ7aJs
— ESL Dota2 (@ESLDota2) September 17, 2023
Here’s a DreamLeague Season 21 overview, which includes details about the formats, participating teams, and, of course, the frontrunners expected to win the championship just one week from now.
DreamLeague Season 21 Overview and Format
DreamLeague Season 21 introduces a revamped format in contrast to its predecessor, DreamLeague Season 20. The tournament now begins with a single Group Stage. Given the tournament’s concise seven-day schedule, both the Group Stage and Playoffs will be condensed into three and a half days, culminating in the Grand Final on September 24.
The DreamLeague you know and love is BACK with Season 21!
💰 $1,000,000 Prize Pool
🏆 12 of the best #ESLProTour teams
🔴 September 18th-24th
⚔️ NEW format
🤩 SAME VIBESJoin us to witness the 🐼 PogChamp Pandas 🎶 in action once again (the dota will also be pretty good)! pic.twitter.com/omCZ0QoQ0C
— ESL Dota2 (@ESLDota2) August 24, 2023
Group Stage
- There are two separate single round-robin groups, each consisting of six teams.
- Each match follows the best-of-two format.
- The Playoffs’ Upper Bracket will feature the top two teams from both groups.
- The Lower Bracket of the competition will feature the 3rd-4th placed teams from both groups.
- Both of the teams in the lowest positions will be removed from the event.
Playoffs
- The playoffs are structured as a double-elimination bracket.
- All matches follow a best-of-three structure, except for the Grand Final, where the format shifts to best-of-five.
DreamLeague Season 21 Teams
Twelve teams are set to participate in this prestigious international DOTA 2 event. Western Europe will be fielding six teams, while Eastern Europe will have three representatives, and North America, South America, and Southeast Asia will have one side each.
We have our Groups for DreamLeague Season 21!
The top 2 of each will proceed to the Upper Bracket, whilst the 3rd and 4th teams will proceed to the Lower Bracket.
Who do you think will come top in each? 🤔#ESLProTour pic.twitter.com/GP8XhWg6mC
— ESL Dota2 (@ESLDota2) September 11, 2023
Teams from Western Europe
The professional Dota 2 arena recognizes Western Europe as a stronghold of elite teams, and among them, Gaimin Gladiators have achieved a truly exceptional feat. Their triple hat trick this season, with victories in the Lima, Berlin, and Bali Majors, positions them as a formidable contender in DreamLeague Season 21.
Other top positions on the EPT ranking system are predominantly occupied by the remaining Western European teams.
- Gaimin Gladiators
- Team Liquid
- Tundra Esports
- Quest Esports
- OG
- Entity
Teams from Eastern Europe
The Eastern European region showcases some formidable teams, with notable mentions like 9Pandas (formerly Ex-Hellraisers), BetBoom Team, and Team Spirit, the latter of which clinched the Riyadh Masters 2023 championship.
- 9Pandas
- BetBoom Team
- Team Spirit
Teams from Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is represented by a solitary team in the competition.
Teams from North America
In North America, Shopify Rebellion stands alone as the region’s sole representative. Despite a less-than-ideal performance in the 2023 DPC season, they have the chance to stage a grand comeback.
Teams from South America
Wrapping up the DreamLeague Season 21 team roster is South America, featuring the renowned Evil Geniuses.
DreamLeague Season 21 undeniably presents a roster of intriguing names that are bound to captivate Dota 2 fans. It’s evident, nevertheless, that certain teams hold a more favorable position, prompting us to explore potential favorites.
Gaimin Gladiators
Our family continues to contribute to the history books of Dota. One more tournament leaves its mark in our hearts and serves as a showcase.
GGs to @TSM; see you again at TI.
Thanks to the BB squad for inviting us to this tourney, which was full of fun 🙂#Dota2Gladiators… pic.twitter.com/Ixa4wOwPRr
— GG | Gaimin Gladiators ⚔️ (@GaiminGladiator) September 16, 2023
Gaimin Gladiators, recently crowned champions at BatBoom Dacha, undoubtedly enter the tournament as the clear favorites. They have claimed victory in all three DPC Majors, with the last two editions of DreamLeague included. Although they secured a 4th place finish at Riyadh Masters, courtesy of Talon Esports, their season has otherwise been a resounding success.
Team Liquid
Team Liquid have not won any big trophies lately, but they have made a handful of high-profile grand final appearances. Aydin “iNSaNiA” Sarkohi will hope to end their grand final woes at DreamLeague Season 21 and head to The International 2023 with renewed confidence.
Team Spirit
THEY DO IT! @Team__Spirit ARE YOUR RIYADH MASTERS CHAMPIONS! 👑#RiyadhMasters #Gamers8 #TheLandOfHeroes pic.twitter.com/Ekw8HuE7yf
— Gamers8 Esports (@Gamers8GG) July 30, 2023
After claiming victory at Riyadh Masters 2023, Team Secret are determined to seize another championship. Although the road ahead may be challenging for the TI 10 champions, there’s no denying their competence. The question that looms is whether they can meet the expectations of their loyal fanbase.
