It’s finally that time of the year because the Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2025 is almost here. 16 of the world’s best teams will fight for the jaw-dropping reward of $3M. This will be one of the biggest Dota 2 events of the year, so here’s everything you need to know.
Contents
Esports World Cup 2025 – Overview, Format & Prize Pools
The Esports World Cup 2025 in Dota 2 will be the final championship of ESL Pro Tour’s third season. Last year, the tournament was called the Riyadh Masters, but the event’s organizers decided to change it to the Esports World Cup in 2024.
This year’s competition will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will have a $3M prize pool. Held between July 8 and 19, the event will bring together 16 world-class teams that will compete in a round-robin Group Stage and single-elimination playoffs.
Phase 1 of the tournament will include 4 groups of 4 teams, where all matches will have two games. The top team will advance to Phase 3, whereas the squad that finished second will go to second round of Phase 2. The remaining teams will head to the first round of Phase 2.
Speaking of Phase 2, we will have a gauntlet bracket. In the end, only four teams will advance to Phase 3, which will be a single-elimination bracket with a match for third place.
Alongside the $3M prize pool, Dota 2 teams will also compete for 3550 Club Points. Here’s a brief overview of the prize pool distribution:
- 1st Place – $1,000,000 – 1000 Club Points
- 2nd Place – $500,000 – 750 Club Points
- 3rd Place – $300,000 – 500 Club Points
- 4th Place – $200,000 – 300 Club Points
- 5th-8th Place – $125,000 – 200 Club Points
- 9th-12th Place – $75,000
- 13th-16th Place – $50,000
Group Stage Overview and Favorites
Since the Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2025 begins just a few days from now, we already know the names of all teams and their Group Stage distribution. That’s why it’s time to go through each and learn more about it.
Group A
The first group at the Esports World Cup 2025 will have the following names:
- Natus Vincere
- Talon Esports
- Team Spirit
- Xtreme Gaming
Judging by the teams’ overall results throughout the season, we can conclude that Team Spirit is the big favorite here. The Eastern European powerhouse is on another level compared to everyone else and will likely finish first in the group.
As for the 2nd place, we at Blix.gg believe it will go to Xtreme Gaming. The Chinese squad stepped up its game a lot in the last couple of months and is a serious contender for the title.
Group B
The second Dota 2 Esports World Cup group has the following teams in it:
- Gaimin Gladiators
- Execration
- BetBoom Team
- Team Falcons
This is one of the most interesting groups because 3 teams here have equal chances of winning. BetBoom Team (the winner of the PGL Wallachia Season 5) and Team Falcons are in excellent form and can definitely deliver a nasty surprise. Gaimin Gladiators were nowhere to be found in early 2025, but now, the team is slowly regaining its spot among the best.
Group C
This group will also be worth following because it has these names:
- Team Yandex
- Aurora Gaming
- Tundra Esports
- Virtus.Pro
Tundra Esports is the big favorite here and the team that most people will look forward to. Bzm and the rest have had solid results so far and will be one of the big favorites to win the Esports World Cup 2025.
As for the second team that has a good chance of winning, we have to mention Aurora Gaming. The EEU squad has had its fair share of good results, and it has excellent chances of repeating the same results.
Group D
Lastly, we have the 4th group at the Esports World Cup 2025, and it will have these teams:
- HEROIC
- PARIVISION
- Shopify Rebellion
- Team Liquid
Considering what happened at FISSURE Universe: Episode 5, there’s no arguing that Team Liquid is the big favorite here. This has been one of the most consistent Dota 2 teams in the last couple of years and has a solid chance of winning this event.
PARIVISION is the second team with an equal chance of winning this group and the competition. Many Dota 2 experts consider it the best in the world right now, so we can’t wait to see what’s going to happen.
Closing Thoughts
The Esports World Cup 2025 will be one of the highlights for Dota 2 fans this year. Although some of them will be more interested in The International 2025, no one can deny that this event’s prize pool makes it more attractive. We will keep an eye on everything, so don’t forget to follow us.
