The Asian Champions League (ACL), a prestigious multi-title esports tournament organized by Hero Esports, has revealed that the champions of its Dota 2 tournament will earn a direct qualification to the Esports World Cup (EWC).
Tournament Structure and Schedule
The ACL Dota 2 tournament will take place across three stages. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages:
1. Online Qualifier (March 7th – March 30th, 2025)
The tournament kicks off with the Online Qualifier, where teams from across Asia will compete in weekly events. Each week will feature one champion who will move on to the next stage.
2. Season Finals (May 1st – May 3rd, 2025)
The Season Finals will feature the top four teams from the Open Qualifiers, along with four invited teams:
- Xtreme Gaming (XG)
- Team YB
- Tidebound
- One additional team (yet to be revealed)
The Season Finals will determine the best teams, with the top four advancing to the Grand Finals.
3. Grand Finals (May 16th, 2025)
The Grand Finals will decide the ultimate champion, who will not only secure the title but also qualify for the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the winning team will earn a slot at the Dreamleague S26.
Qualification Path for Other Games in ACL
The ACL is not limited to Dota 2. In addition to Dota 2, the tournament’s winners in CS2 and Honor of Kings will also earn a direct invitation to the Esports World Cup.
About Hero Esports and the ACL
Founded in 2016 and based in Shanghai, Hero Esports is one of the leading esports tournament operators in Asia. Over the years, Hero Esports has collaborated with major global esports events like the Olympic Esports Week, 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, and the Esports World Cup.
The Asian Champions League (ACL) was announced in September 2024 and is designed to set a benchmark for immersive esports tournaments with a focus on cloud-based and virtual sports. With a 15 million RMB (~£1.67 million) prize pool across up to 10 game titles, the ACL aims to establish itself as a significant player in the global esports scene.
Why This Tournament Matters for Dota 2
The ACL Dota 2 tournament offers a unique opportunity for teams in Asia to compete on a global stage. With the Esports World Cup qualification as a prize, this tournament holds extra weight, especially as Hero Esports has previously worked on high-profile global events.
The addition of Dreamleague S26 invites further recognition, ensuring that the winning team will have significant exposure and impact on the Dota 2 esports landscape.
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