Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2025 Teams to Watch in Playoffs

The Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2025 Playoffs begin on July 16. Eight of the world’s best teams have advanced to the final stage of the tournament, with just a few steps remaining before one of them lifts the trophy. With a $3 million prize pool and valuable Club Championship points at stake, every team is highly motivated. In this article, we’ll highlight the top contenders for the title and the key teams to watch during the Dota 2 EWC 2025 Playoffs.

Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2025 Playoffs All Teams

A total of 16 teams participated in the Dota 2 EWC 2025, but only the top 8 have made it to the playoffs. Each of them battled through tough matches in Phase 1 and Phase 2 and proved they deserve their spot in the final stage.

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Full list of the playoff teams at Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2025:

As expected, the strongest teams that top this season’s EPT Leaderboard have advanced to the playoff stage. Now let’s take a closer look at the top contenders with the highest chances of winning or finishing on the podium, along with their recent achievements.

Team Spirit

Let’s begin with arguably the strongest Dota 2 team in recent years — Team Spirit. Since 2023, they’ve built an impressive resume:

• Riyadh Masters 2023 — 1st place
• DreamLeague Season 21
• The International 2023 — 1st place
• PGL Wallachia Season 1 — 1st place
• DreamLeague Season 25 — 1st place

In 2025, Team Spirit began with successful qualifications for Tier-1 tournaments and were virtually unbeatable in their region. However, the team had a mixed performance on the international stage throughout the year, winning easily with almost no defeats, or failing to finish in 5th-6th place. Among the team's best results this season were a victory at DreamLeague Season 25 and 2nd place at ESL One Raleigh 2025.

As you could read in the Play-Off Viewer Guide, the team is considered one of the main favourites to win. At EWC 2025, Dota 2 Team Spirit won their group with almost no problems and directly qualified for the playoffs

PARIVISION

PARIVISION has been one of the biggest surprises in Dota 2 this year. Rising from the Tier 3-2 scene, they are now one of the strongest teams in the world. Key achievements since 2024:

• ESL One Bangkok 2024 — 1st place
• ESL One Raleigh 2025 — 1st place
• PGL Wallachia Season 4 — 2nd place
• DreamLeague Season 26 — 1st place

2025 has been their most successful year yet. Starting with 3rd place at FISSURE PLAYGROUND 1 and a bronze finish at DreamLeague Season 25, they peaked in the spring with a win at ESL One Raleigh 2025 and a close 2nd at PGL Wallachia Season 4. Although they’ve been performing slightly below expectations at EWC 2025, they remain a top favorite for the title.

Gaimin Gladiators

While not the top favorite, Gaimin Gladiators are not to be underestimated. They won Riyadh Masters 2024, earning $1.5 million and a direct EWC 2025 slot. Key achievements since 2023:

• DreamLeague Season 19 — 1st place
• ESL One Berlin Major 2023 — 1st place
• The International 2023 — 2nd place
• Riyadh Masters 2024 — 1st place
• The International 2024 — 2nd place
• PGL Wallachia Season 5 — 2nd place

The year 2025 is quite ambiguous for GG. The team took part in many qualifiers and Tier-1 tournaments, but almost without any high-profile victories. Among the best results of the year, we can highlight 2 majors at BLAST Slam II, FISSURE Universe: Episode 4 and PGL Wallachia Season 5.

Tundra Esports

Another veteran presence is Tundra Esports, known for consistently placing well at Tier-1 events. Key achievements since 2023:

• Bali Major 2023 — 3rd place
• The International 2024 — 3rd place
• BLAST Slam I — 2nd place
• FISSURE PLAYGROUND 1 — 1st place
• BLAST Slam II — 1st place
• BLAST Slam III — 1st place

2025 was one of the most successful years for Tundra Esports. The team has won a number of large-scale tournaments and is consistently included in the lists of favourites to win. At the Esports World Cup 2025, Tundra Esports took 2nd place in their group and defeated Team Yandex 2-0 in the Elimination Phase, which allowed the team to advance to the playoffs.

Team Liquid

Team Liquid remains one of the most iconic Dota 2 teams in history. This European squad has been at the top for over a decade. Notable achievements since 2023:

• DreamLeague Season 19 — 2nd place
• Riyadh Masters 2023 — 2nd place
• Riyadh Masters 2024 — 2nd place
• The International 2024 — 1st place
• PGL Wallachia Season 3 — 1st place
• PGL Wallachia Season 4 — 1st place

The year 2025 is turning out to be quite successful for Team Liquid. The team finally found the right strategies and pace, which allowed them to win several Tier-1 tournaments. At the Dota 2 EWC 2025, Team Liquid easily won their group and went straight to the playoffs.

Team Falcons

Opinions are split on Team Falcons, but their playoff qualification shows they’re not to be ignored. Key results since 2024:

• DreamLeague Season 22 — 1st place
• ESL One Birmingham 2024 — 1st place
• DreamLeague Season 23 — 1st place
• Riyadh Masters 2024 — 3rd place
• FISSURE PLAYGROUND 1 — 2nd place

After a very successful 2024, Team Falcons are showing a mixed performance in 2025. Although the team plays a lot of Tier-1 tournaments, they have no significant victories and no stable form. They approached the EWC 2025 seriously, as it can be said that this is their home tournament. Although the team failed in the group stage and took 3rd place, in the Elimination Phase Team Falcons won two 2-0 victories and got a slot in the playoffs.

Our Take and Prediction for the Dota 2 Esports World Cup 2025

Each of the playoff teams deserves respect, as they have all gone through a long and challenging journey, earning important victories along the way. However, there are clear favorites who stand out with a higher level of play — and those are the ones we've highlighted in this blog. Based on previous results and the Esports World Cup Group Stage, it’s fair to assume that Team Spirit, Team Liquid, and PARIVISION are the main contenders for the title this year, though the other teams should not be underestimated either.

We’ll find out soon enough whether the predictions come true, as the first playoff matches begin on July 16. Be sure to keep an eye on the Dota 2 tournaments schedule so you don’t miss any of the most important matches. We wish you an enjoyable viewing experience — and may your favorite team lift the championship trophy!