FISSURE, known for the BetBoom Dacha events, is ramping up its Dota 2 involvement with a packed calendar through 2026. Their events are split into two categories: Fissure Playground, a series of premium $1,000,000+ tournaments, and Fissure Universe, smaller, online competitions.
The first Playground tournament is already underway, featuring 16 teams, most of which received direct invites. While the format used a Swiss-system for group stages, there are hopes for a full best-of-three approach in future iterations.
Blast and PGL Bring Intense Competition Through Unique Formats and Massive Prize Pools
Blast, a familiar name in the Counter-Strike scene, is still new to Dota 2 but is quickly making a mark. Their upcoming invitation-only event in February employs a round-robin group stage transitioning into a single-elimination playoff.
Although the best-of-one format can lead to unexpected outcomes and thrilling upsets, the lack of qualifier slots and regional representation—especially from North and South America—is a notable drawback. However, the tournament’s timing could align with a new patch release, adding another layer of excitement.
FISSURE, ESL, and PGL Supercharge Dota 2 Scene with Million-Dollar Tournaments and Fierce FormatsPGL continues to invest heavily in the Dota 2 competitive landscape with two upcoming Wallachia Series tournaments, each boasting $1 million prize pools. Using a Swiss-system group stage and double-elimination playoffs, these events are shaping up to be crucial for the season.
The previous Wallachia tournament delivered South America its first international LAN win, though some top-tier teams were absent. With PGL also managing The International, performance in these tournaments could potentially influence direct invites, making them strategically vital for top teams.
ESL Pro Tour Sets Competitive Standard with Points-Based System and Regional Qualifiers
The ESL Pro Tour (EPT) offers perhaps the most balanced and competitive structure in the scene. Comprising tournaments like DreamLeague and ESL One, the EPT awards points for invites to the prestigious Riyadh Masters.
With only four invited teams and the rest coming from extensive regional qualifiers, the system supports emerging teams and ensures high-level play. DreamLeague Season 25 and ESL One Raleigh are among the major upcoming events, each structured with varying playoff and group stage formats to keep things dynamic.
The Dota 2 competitive scene in early 2025 is more crowded than ever, providing fans with non-stop action. However, this saturation comes with challenges. Limited qualifier spots in some tournaments restrict opportunities for rising talent, and the relentless schedule raises concerns about burnout for both players and viewers.
Moreover, aside from the structured EPT system, there is little discouragement against frequent roster changes, which could lead to instability in team dynamics. Still, it’s an exciting time for the community, with fans eagerly choosing favorites and marking their calendars for the most anticipated showdowns.
