Dota 2 Esports: 2024 Highlights and 2025 Predictions

In 2024, the Dota 2 esports landscape, its tournaments, exceptional team performances, and impactful game updates were massive. Below is an overview of the most notable developments — similar to how we've made The Global Trends of Dota 2 — but backward!

Key Dota 2 Events and Outcomes of 2024

Major Tournaments and Outcomes

• BetBoom Dacha Dubai 2024 (February 4–16): Team Falcons secured an impressive victory over Team Liquid in the finals, setting the tone for the year.
• DreamLeague Season 22 (February 25 – March 10): Team Falcons maintained momentum, defeating BetBoom Team to claim another title.
• Elite League 2024 (March 31 – April 14): Xtreme Gaming emerged as champions, overcoming Team Falcons in a thrilling final.
• ESL One Birmingham 2024 (April 22–28): Team Falcons added another accolade by defeating BetBoom Team in a closely contested tournament.
• PGL Wallachia Season 1 (May 10–19): Team Spirit triumphed, securing a victory against Xtreme Gaming.
• DreamLeague Season 23 (May 20–26): Team Falcons once again showcased their dominance, overcoming Gaimin Gladiators.
• Esports World Cup 2024: Riyadh Masters (July 4–21): Gaimin Gladiators captured the championship, with Team Liquid finishing as runners-up.
• The International 2024 (September 4–15): The pinnacle of the Dota 2 season saw Team Liquid claim the championship, sweeping Gaimin Gladiators 3–0 in the grand final.

Notable Team Performances

Team Falcons emerged as one of the year's most dominant forces, claiming multiple championships, including DreamLeague Seasons 22 and 23, BetBoom Dacha Dubai 2024, and ESL One Birmingham 2024. Their consistency across events cemented their reputation as a powerhouse in the competitive Dota 2 scene.

Gaimin Gladiators also delivered impressive performances, winning the Esports World Cup 2024: Riyadh Masters and reaching the finals of The International 2024. Despite narrowly missing the top spot in key tournaments, their resilience and adaptability were noteworthy.

Team Spirit and Xtreme Gaming also had standout moments, with victories in PGL Wallachia Season 1 and Elite League 2024, respectively.

Game Updates and Developments

Throughout 2024, Valve implemented several updates to refine gameplay and resolve technical issues. Noteworthy updates included:

• January: Fixes addressing Frostivus 2023 Treasure Chest items and various gameplay bugs.
• April: Adjustments tied to the release of the Crownfall event, including corrections to match history displays and other minor glitches.
• November: Updates focusing on the hero Kez, enhancing base armor and movement speed while resolving ability-related bugs.

The year 2024 reaffirmed Dota 2's status as a premier esport, with its competitive scene delivering high-stakes drama and outstanding performances. Teams like Falcons, Liquid, and Gaimin Gladiators set new standards, while game updates ensured that Dota 2 remained dynamic and exciting. This was a year where strategy, skill, and resilience defined the global stage, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's next.

Predictions for 2025 Dota 2 Competitive Season: Betting Insights with a Twist

While powerhouses like Team Liquid, Team Falcons, and Gaimin Gladiators are obvious betting favorites, the less apparent contenders often yield the most lucrative opportunities. Here's a bold outlook for 2025, focusing on under-the-radar teams and trends that could shake the competitive landscape.

The Rise of the Forgotten and the Underdogs

Talon Esports – SEA's Unseen Threat

Prediction: Talon Esports will finally capitalize on Southeast Asia's growing competitive infrastructure, breaking into at least one Major final in 2025.

Reasoning: SEA teams have historically shown bursts of brilliance but struggled with consistency. With increased focus on coaching and strategic depth, Talon is poised to overcome this hurdle.

Key Betting Insight: Their volatile performance makes them prime candidates for underdog bets in the BO3 series, especially against Western teams that underestimate their aggression.

BetBoom Team – CIS Dark Horse

Prediction: BetBoom will surprise the scene with a high placement in global events, potentially reaching the finals of a mid-year Major.

Reasoning: CIS rosters thrive in high-pressure situations, often delivering unexpected victories. BetBoom's roster features rising stars hungry for global recognition, making them a wildcard in unpredictable metas.

Key Betting Insight: Bet on BetBoom to perform strongly in tournaments immediately following significant patches, where mechanical skill and quick adaptation shine.

Entity – The European Wildcard

Prediction: Entity will solidify itself as a consistent top-6 contender in global tournaments.

Reasoning: Often overshadowed by the likes of Liquid and Gladiators, Entity's innovative drafts and calculated aggression give them an edge in games where strategy trumps raw skill.

Key Betting Insight: Look for value in Entity's upset potential during group stages, especially when facing teams known for slow starts.

Regional Dominance and Shifts

South America's Steady Climb

Beastcoast and Evil Geniuses (SA): These teams will continue their upward trajectory, leveraging the region's explosive playstyle to disrupt traditionally methodical teams from Europe and China.

Prediction: Expect at least one South American team to secure a top-4 finish at a Major.

Key Betting Insight: South American teams often perform best in the first matches of tournaments when other regions are still adapting to their chaotic tempo.

China's Renaissance with Mid-Tier Teams

Prediction: Teams like Azure Ray or Invictus Gaming will emerge as major contenders, breaking into top-tier tournaments.

Reasoning: Chinese Dota is known for its depth. Mid-tier teams benefit from scrims against juggernauts like Xtreme Gaming, which rapidly elevates their level of play.

Key Betting Insight: These teams are ideal for mid-tournament bets as they gain momentum and confidence, often outperforming expectations in elimination matches.

Meta Predictions Driving Underdog Value

Support-Centric Meta Shakeup

Prediction: A patch emphasizing Position 4 and 5 heroes will benefit teams with standout supports like Entity's Fishman or BetBoom's Save-.

Reasoning: Valve's balancing history shows a trend of cycling power between roles, and 2025 could reward teams excelling in teamfight execution and map control.

Key Betting Insight: Bet on teams known for creative support play in best-of-one elimination games, where individual brilliance can decide outcomes.

Diverse Hero Pools Reward Smaller Regions

Prediction: Teams from SEA and SA, with historically broader hero pools, will benefit from a meta that emphasizes adaptability over specialization.

Reasoning: Patch diversity often disrupts elite teams that heavily rely on a narrow but polished pool of strategies.

Key Betting Insight: SEA and SA teams are excellent upset candidates in early-patch tournaments, as they are accustomed to chaos and adaptation.

Tournament-Level Predictions

Surprise Finalists in Early Majors

Teams like Talon Esports and BetBoom are likelier to shine in the first Major of the year, where unpredictable strategies are most effective.

Reasoning: Early Majors usually feature a less stabilized meta, favoring teams willing to experiment and push boundaries.

Key Betting Insight: Look for Talon or BetBoom as longshot bets to win early Majors outright.

The International 2025 – Breaking the Mold

Prediction: A team outside the traditional powerhouses (Liquid, Falcons, Gladiators) will make the top 3. Potential candidates include Entity or Azure Ray.

Reasoning: TI often sees dark horses rise, as the prolonged format rewards teams that peak at the right moment rather than the most consistent throughout the year.

Key Betting Insight: Future bets on Entity or Azure Ray for a top-3 finish may offer high returns.