The revamped ESL Pro Tour aims to provide structured competition for Dota 2's Tier 2 scene.
ESL has unveiled significant changes to its Dota 2 professional circuit, the ESL Pro Tour (EPT), introducing a new Tier 2 competitive scene and a revised EPT format. The organisation also announced new tournament dates for the next two seasons.
We break down key details below.
A new Tier 2 scene: DreamLeague Division II
Since the discontinuation of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) in 2023, which dissolved both its Division I and Division II leagues, the Tier 2 scene has lacked a structured competitive platform. ESL is now stepping in with a new initiative to give rising talent a chance to shine: DreamLeague Division II, set to launch next season.
This lower-division circuit will not only offer prize money but also provide a pathway for Tier 2 talent to directly qualify for ESL’s major tournaments, including the US$1 million DreamLeague and ESL One events.
However, this division will be exclusive to European regions. ESL plans to hold four Division II events throughout the season, featuring a combined prize pool of US$200,000.
Despite the introduction of this new pathway, ESL confirmed it will maintain its open qualifier system for major events. Division II is intended as an additional opportunity for up-and-coming teams to climb the ranks and join the EPT leaderboard.
Revamped EPT format
For the 2025/2026 season, a new EPT format will be introduced. Instead of two events, the upcoming season will feature only one ESL One tournament, the ESL One Spring. It will serve as the mid-season flagship event, positioned between three DreamLeague tournaments.
Here is the updated roadmap for the 2025/2026 EPT season, including the format changes:
- DreamLeague Season 27: Expanded from 16 to 24 teams. The two-phase Group Stage format has been replaced with the Swiss system.
- DreamLeague Season 28: The previous format remains unchanged.
- ESL One Europe: Expanded from 12 to 16 teams. The existing format is retained, with adjustments to the double-elimination Playoffs.
- DreamLeague Season 29: The two-phase group stage format has been changed to a single round-robin group, with all teams competing for eight Playoff slots.
New tournament dates from 2025 - 2028
ESL rolled out a new set of tournament dates for the 25/26 season and the 26/27 season, which are as follows:
EPT 25/26
- DreamLeague Season 27: 10 - 21 Dec, 2025
- DreamLeague Season 28: 16 Feb - 1 Mar, 2026
- ESL One Europe: 22 - 29 Mar, 2026
- DreamLeague Season 29: 13 - 25 May, 2026
EPT 26/27
- TBA 1: 2-13 Dec, 2026
- TBA 2: 18 - 31 Jan, 2027
- TBA 3: 28 Mar - 4 Apr, 2027
- TBA 4: 26 Apr - 9 May, 2026
Read the full announcement here.
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