ESL FACEIT Group Announces Major Changes to Dota 2 EPT
On July 3, 2025, ESL FACEIT Group unveiled the revamped ESL Pro Tour (EPT) tournament structure for Dota 2 for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 seasons. The main announcement was the launch of DreamLeague Division 2—a new second-tier league aimed at developing young teams and strengthening connections between the Tier-2 scene and elite tournaments.
We are excited to launch a new era in Dota 2 with the revamped ESL Pro Tour and DreamLeague Division 2. Our goal is to create a vibrant and sustainable ecosystem that supports talent at all levels, from beginners to elites
stated Michael Van Driel, Vice President of Dota 2 and CS2 Ecosystems
New League and Qualification System
DreamLeague Division 2 will be held in the European region and feature four tournaments throughout the season with a total prize pool of $200,000. Winners of these competitions will have the opportunity to qualify directly for more prestigious stages within the ESL Pro Tour, thus gaining a real chance to break into the Tier-1 scene.
ESL also revealed details of the upcoming Tier-1 tournaments. The 2025/2026 season will include three DreamLeague events and one ESL One series championship, which will be the flagship event of the spring. The new ecosystem will be built on a "funnel" principle: a larger number of teams can start from the early stages, and the level of competition will increase towards the end of the season.
2025/2026 Tournament Schedule and Formats
DreamLeague Season 27 — December 10–21, 2025 24 teams, Swiss system, 8-team playoffs (double-elimination)
DreamLeague Season 28 — February 16 – March 1, 2026 16 teams, double round-robin format, 4-team playoffs
ESL One Europe — March 22–29, 2026 16 teams, round-robin format, 8-team playoffs
DreamLeague Season 29 — May 10–24, 2026 12 teams, round-robin format, 8-team playoffs
Dates for four Tier-1 tournaments in the 2026/2027 season were also announced:
December 2–13, 2026
January 18–31, 2027
March 28 – April 4, 2027
May 25 – June 9, 2027
The reimagined EPT system promises to make the esports year rich and dynamic, with the emergence of DreamLeague Division 2 laying the foundation for the long-term development of young talents. Thus, ESL is betting on increased competition and clear pathways from Tier-2 to Tier-1.
