Here are all the teams that qualified for Dota 2 ESL One Raleigh 2025

Image: ESL

12 of the best Dota 2 teams in the world will be duking it out in Raleigh this April.

The final Tier 1 Dota 2 qualifier of January has concluded, officially locking in the full roster of teams set to compete at ESL One Raleigh 2025. This high-stakes LAN event, part of the 2025 ESL Pro Tour (EPT), will showcase 12 of the best Dota 2 teams in the world, including some surprising names.

Of the twelve slots, four teams earned direct invitations, while eight battled through regional qualifiers. The qualifiers covered Western Europe (WEU), Eastern Europe (EEU), Middle East and West Asia (MESWA), Southeast Asia (SEA), China (CN), North America (NA), and South America (SA).

Here’s the complete list of teams heading to ESL One Raleigh:

PARIVISION - Invited
BetBoom Team - Invited
Team Falcons - Invited
Team Liquid - Invited
Tundra Esports - WEU Qualifier
Natus Vincere Junior - WEU Qualifier
Team Spirit - EEU Qualifier
Nigma Galaxy - MESWA Qualifier
Xtreme Gaming - CN Qualifier
Talon Esports - SEA Qualifier
Shopify Rebellion - NA Qualifier
HEROIC - SA Qualifier

An intriguing lineup at ESL One Raleigh

The first set of qualifiers for Dota 2 delivered some pretty unexpected results.

One of the biggest surprises was NAVI Junior, who secured the second WEU slot by defeating AVULUS, a team that had just won two previous qualifiers. NAVI Junior also handed a stunning upset to Gaimin Gladiators, who failed to qualify for the event, marking their second miss in a Tier 1 competition since their peak.

An equally noteworthy surprise is the qualification of Nigma Galaxy. The team has been steadily improving, showcasing stronger performances compared to last year. Their MESWA qualifier victory thrilled fans, especially those nostalgic for Dota 2’s golden era when stars like Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi and Syed Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan still reigned supreme.

ESL One Raleigh details

ESL One Raleigh is set to be a monumental event, not just for the EPT but for the global Dota 2 scene. With a $1 million prize pool, it marks Dota 2’s return to the United States after a five-year hiatus. The tournament will take place at the Raleigh Convention Center from April 7 to 13, 2025.

This event carries immense significance, offering valuable EPT Points that determine qualification for the highly anticipated Riyadh Masters 2025. Teams will need to bring their A-game to heighten their chances at the lucrative annual tournament. If you're interested in attending ESL One Raleigh, check our guide to the tournament's tickets, prices, and more.