ESL has disclosed the full list of DreamLeague Season 21 invitees. Let’s find out who made the cut
In the lead-up to The International 2023 in October, the squads set to compete for the coveted Dota 2 championship will undertake a final rehearsal at DreamLeague Season 21. With just a few months left, ESL has revealed the list of all ten DreamLeague Season 21 invitees. Two more teams will join the action later through qualifiers. Beyond a chance at the $1,000,000 prize pool, this tournament provides the perfect platform for honing strategies and tactics in preparation for TI12.
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
Positioned strategically between the TI regional qualifiers and the eagerly awaited TI extravaganza, the imminent DreamLeague Season is set to deliver swift-paced action. Spanning a concise timeframe of September 18 to the 24th, this iteration opts for a condensed format unlike its more sprawling counterparts earlier this year.
The upcoming event takes a different route from its predecessor’s approach. Transitioning from a two-group stage arrangement, this tournament will pivot to a streamlined round-robin group stage, unfolding over two and a half days and broadcast across three separate streams. Within this framework, the twelve participants will be split into two groups, with the best four from each group surging ahead to the double-elimination playoffs bracket.
Who Are The DreamLeague Season 21 Invitees?
The EPT Ranking System stands as the guiding principle behind the issuance of DreamLeague invitations. This innovative framework allots points to teams in direct proportion to their standings in various competitions.
Western Europe
Four teams have been invited from this region, including defending champions Gaimin Gladiators. Reigning TI champion Tundra Esports, Riyadh Masters runner-ups Team Liquid, and Quest Esports, who are set to make their DreamLeague debut.
- Gaimin Gladiators (17870 points)
- Team Liquid (14617 points)
- Tundra Esports (10527 points)
- Quest Esports (3602 points)
Eastern Europe
Team Spirit, who recently lifted the Riyadh Masters 2023 trophy, leads the Eastern European list of DreamLeague Season 21 invitees. Berlin Major 2023 Semifinalists 9Pandas and DreamLeague Season 20 runner-ups Team BetBoom will also represent the region.
- Team Spirit (9677 points)
- BetBoom Team (7434 points)
South East Asia
Dominating the regional Dota 2 landscape with unwavering prowess, Talon Esports emerges as the SEA’s torchbearer for DreamLeague Season 20. Anucha “Jabz” Jirawong and company have amassed an astounding tally of 8875 points. This formidable margin asserts their reign, with a staggering lead of nearly 7000 points over their closest contender.
North America
Shopify Rebellion has produced lackluster displays at DreamLeague Season 20, Bali Major 2023, and the Riyadh Masters 2023. Their haul of 6613 EPT points, however, was enough to make them the frontrunners at the North American region for a DreamLeague Season 21 ticket.
Evil Geniuses
Evil Geniuses (7368 points) edged out Thunder Awaken (6246 points) to top the South American Dota 2 standings. Tal “Fly” Aizik’s men, therefore, secured the only confirmed DreamLeague Season 21 spot in the region.