DreamLeague Season 26 paved the way for the Esports World Cup as the final tier-1 Dota 2 tournament before the global event. Concluding on June 19th, it offered a $1 million Prize Pool and served as the last qualifying event for the 2025 Esports World Cup, which began on July 7th.
DreamLeague Season 26, an online esports tournament, concluded with high stakes and intense competition. The event not only boasted a substantial $1 million Prize Pool, with $750,000 allocated as Player Prize Money and $250,000 as Club Rewards but also served as the final qualifier for the Esports World Cup.
This major event, scheduled from July 7th to August 24th, in Boulevard City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promises a grand spectacle with 25 tournaments and a $70 million Prize Pool.
DreamLeague Season 26 qualification
DreamLeague’s 26th season was organised by the Electronic Sports League (ESL) and supported by global bookmaker 1xBet, known for their expertise in esports betting. Sixteen teams from around the world competed fiercely, with four receiving invitations based on their EPT Leaderboard rankings. Ten teams secured their spots through regional qualifiers, while the final two advanced as finalists from the ACL x ESL Challenger China.
DreamLeague Season 26 format
The competition format was structured into three stages. Initially, teams were divided into two groups of eight. Each team played against every other team in its group, with the top four advancing and the bottom four being eliminated.
The second stage mirrored the first, whittling down the competition further. The top two teams from each group began the playoffs in the upper bracket, while the third and fourth-placed teams started in the lower bracket. The champions were crowned following a best-of-five Grand Final.
DreamLeague Season 26 breakdown
The tournament saw PARIVISION emerge as the dominant force, clinching victory with an impressive 31-4 overall record. They triumphed over BetBoom Team with a decisive 3-0 win in the Grand Final.
Alexei Petrov, PARIVISION’s Head Coach, said: “Our team’s performance was nothing short of exemplary.
“The dedication and skill of our players shone through every match.”
The first group stage unfolded with a significant upset as Team Falcons, despite being an EPT Leaderboard invitee, was eliminated early with a record of 2-3-2, earning just $30,000 and 500 EPT points. In Group A, Aurora Gaming, Nigma Galaxy, BetBoom Team and Team Liquid advanced as anticipated. Group B saw PARIVISION, Yakult Brothers, Talon Esports and Gaimin Gladiators progress, with Aurora Gaming (3-4-0) and PARIVISION (5-2-0) remaining unbeaten.
PARIVISION’s dominance continued into the second group stage. Their roster, including 17-year-old prodigy Alan ‘Satanic’ Gallyamov, delivered a flawless 7-0 performance. BetBoom Team and Talon Esports followed with 5-2 scores, while Aurora Gaming secured a spot in the finals with a 3-4 record.
In the playoffs, Talon Esports defeated Aurora Gaming, while PARIVISION overcame BetBoom, who then won a 2-1 match against Talon Esports to reach the Grand Final. However, PARIVISION’s superiority was undisputed, and they claimed their third victory in ESL Pro Tour Season 3, matching Team Falcons’ record from Season 2.
Alexei Petrov added: “This is a testament to our strategy and hard work.”
Prize Pool distribution
The Prize Pool distribution saw PARIVISION receive $250,000 plus a $40,000 Club Reward and 7,200 EPT Points. BetBoom Team secured $100,000, a $30,000 Club Reward, and 5,150 EPT Points, while Talon Esports and Aurora Gaming earned $80,000 and $60,000, respectively, with corresponding Club Rewards and EPT Points.
Aurora Gaming, backed by 1xBet, secured 3,800 EPT Points, claiming the final EPT Leaderboard spot for the World Cup. The Dota 2 tournament at the World Cup, running from July 8th to 19th, will feature a $3 million Prize Pool.
As DreamLeague Season 26 concludes, focus shifts to the Esports World Cup, where the world’s best will battle for glory in Riyadh. The upcoming summer promises unparalleled excitement and opportunities for those involved in the dynamic esports industry.
Esports World Cup 2025
With its total Prize Pool of $70 million, the Esports World Cup 2025 promises a high-stakes summer, not only for professional players but also for fans, betting enthusiasts and affiliates.
With further audience growth ensured by the collaboration with EWC Fight Week, featuring heavyweights Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte and World Featherweight Champion, Nick Ball, all eyes will be on Riyadh this coming summer.
1xPartners Affiliate Programme
One of the most effective ways to be part of this exciting action is by joining the 1xPartners affiliate program. This initiative, with over nine years of success, provides lifetime commissions of up to 50% for referred players, over 250 payment methods, and exclusive benefits for VIP partners. With more than 300,000 participants globally, it presents a lucrative opportunity for those looking to engage with the sports and esports market.
