DreamLeague 21 Overview, Review, Analysis And Impression

As the Dota 2 community’s excitement builds for The International 2023 (TI 2023), DreamLeague Season 21 arrives as the ultimate precursor, offering a thrilling spectacle of esports excellence. With a substantial USD 1 million prize pool up for grabs, this seven-day event serves as the last major Dota 2 competition before the grandeur of TI takes center stage.

The New Format

DreamLeague Season 21 introduces a fresh format, deviating from the norms that fans have grown accustomed to. Nevertheless, this tournament guarantees an uninterrupted spectacle, promising fans non-stop action as they eagerly count down the days to TI.

The DreamLeague Lineup

Twelve teams from around the world, representing various regions including Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, and Southeast Asia, are set to compete. It’s important to note that Chinese teams are notably absent due to scheduling conflicts, but the event still showcases top-tier Dota 2 talent.

Here is a breakdown of the participating teams and their formidable rosters:

• Team Liquid: miCKe, Nisha, zai, Boxi, Insania
• Gaimin Gladiators: dyrachyo, Quinn, Ace, tOfu, Seleri
• Tundra Esports: skiter, topson, 33, Nine, Sneyking
• Quest: Shad, No!ob, Tobi, OmaR, kaori
• Entity: watson, Stormstormer, Gabbi, Kataomi`, Fishman
• OG: Yuragi, bzm, MinD_ContRoL, Ceb, Kitrak
• Team Spirit: Yatoro, Larl, Collapse, Mira, Miposhka
• 9Pandas: RAMZES666, kiyotaka, MieRo`, Antares, Solo
• BetBoom: Nightfall, gpk~, Pure~, Save-, TORONTOTOKYO
• Talon Esports: 23savage, Mikoto, Jabz, Q, Oli~
• Shopify Rebellion: Arteezy, Abed, SabeRLight-, Cr1t-, Fly
• Evil Geniuses: Pakazs, Chris Luck, Wisper, Matthew, Panda

The Road to Glory

DreamLeague Season 21’s journey for these teams is divided into two major stages:

Group Stage (September 18-20):

• The 12 teams are split into two groups, engaging in single round-robin matches.
• All group stage matches are Best of 2 (Bo2).
• The top two teams from each group secure coveted spots in the upper bracket of the playoffs.
• Teams finishing 3rd and 4th in their respective groups advance to the lower bracket.
• The two teams that finish at the bottom of each group bid farewell to the competition.

Playoffs (September 21-24):

• The remaining eight teams navigate a double-elimination bracket.
• Playoff matches are primarily Best of 3 (Bo3), with the grand final being an intense Best of 5 (Bo5) showdown.

Prizes and Recognition

The grandeur of DreamLeague Season 21 extends to the substantial prizes that await the victors. The prize pool distribution is as follows:

• 1st Place: (USD 300,000)
• 2nd Place: (USD 175,000)
• 3rd Place: (USD 120,000)
• 4th Place: (USD 85,000)
• 5th Place: (USD 60,000)
• 6th Place: (USD 55,000)
• 7th Place: (USD 50,000)
• 8th Place:  USD 45,000)
• 9th-10th Place: (USD 30,000)
• 11th-12th Place: (USD 25,000)

Where to Watch the Action Unfold

Dota 2 enthusiasts can catch all the heart-pounding action of DreamLeague Season 21 by tuning in to ESL’s Dota 2 Twitch channel. 

A Prelude to Dota 2’s Pinnacle Event

DreamLeague Season 21 stands as a testament to the relentless passion and skill of Dota 2’s competitive scene. As fans eagerly await TI 2023, this tournament offers them a taste of what’s to come, with teams from around the world battling fiercely for prestige and a substantial prize pool. 

With unexpected twists and exhilarating plays, DreamLeague Season 21 promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the annals of esports history. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds, and the Dota 2 community’s excitement builds to a fever pitch.

Also Read: DOTA 2: Hydra Esports Delivers A Heartfelt Disbandment Message After Missing TI 2023