Dota 2 fans in North America are finally getting the long-awaited LAN event they’ve been craving. After nearly a decade-long absence, ESL has announced ESL One Raleigh 2025, set to take place from April 11 to 13 in the North Carolina capital.
This marks the first ESL Dota 2 event in the region since ESL One New York 2015, where Vega Squadron triumphed over Team Secret. With a million-dollar prize pool and 12 of the best teams competing for ESL Pro Tour (EPT) points, this event signifies a major step toward reviving North American Dota 2.
A Historic Drought Ends
North America’s Dota 2 scene has seen very few live events in recent years. Since the pandemic disrupted offline tournaments, only a handful of tier-one LAN events have graced the region, such as:
- The International 2023 in Seattle
- PGL Arlington Major in 2022
- Beyond The Summit’s DOTA Summit 12 in Los Angeles, classified as a tier-two event
The cancellation of ESL One Los Angeles 2020 due to COVID-19 left fans disheartened, contributing to the decline in competitive Dota 2 interest in the region. With teams like Nouns exiting the scene, Shopify Rebellion stands as the last high-tier North American team.
What to Expect at ESL One Raleigh 2025
The Raleigh Convention Center, a renowned esports venue, will host this exciting event. The arena has previously staged top-tier tournaments, including a Call of Duty League Major and Halo Championship Series events.
Key details about the event include:
- Dates: April 11-13, 2025
- Prize Pool: $1,000,000 USD
- Teams: Top 12 based on ESL Pro Tour rankings
- Tickets: Starting at $99 USD, available from November 28, 2024
This event will not only feature world-class Dota 2 action but also set the stage for the ESL Pro Tour circuit, which continues in Asia later in the year.
Reviving North American Dota 2
ESL One Raleigh offers a glimmer of hope for the North American Dota 2 scene, long overshadowed by European and Asian dominance. Fans can look forward to witnessing the resurgence of local esports excitement and possibly inspiring new talent in the region.
Be ready to join the action as tickets go on sale soon, and mark your calendars for this thrilling return of Dota 2 to North America!
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