ESL One Birmingham is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. The first LAN tournament of the ESL Pro Tour is set to kick off in Birmingham, United Kingdom, this April, bringing together twelve of the world’s top Dota 2 teams.
Elite selection of teams
In this highly anticipated event, ESL One Birmingham has chosen twelve elite teams to compete for glory. Four teams received direct invitations due to their impressive performances in ESL tournaments throughout 2023. These four squads have consistently showcased their dominance in the competitive Dota 2 scene and earned their spots at the prestigious LAN event.
ESL One regional qualifiers
Each region had a fair chance to qualify, with one slot allocated for a team from all regions except Eastern Europe. The latter received two slots, emphasizing the region’s competitive strength. This approach ensures diversity and representation among the participating teams.
Among the four teams that secured direct invites, Gaimin Gladiators, BetBoom Team, Xtreme Gaming, and Team Liquid have consistently demonstrated their prowess. Their performances in ESL tournaments throughout 2023 left no doubt about their qualification.
One team that stands out among the direct invites is Xtreme Gaming, formerly known as Azure Ray. Their unique situation involved players who had accumulated EPT points from previous tournaments, adding a twist to their qualification journey. Notably, Xtreme Gaming includes the returning legend, Wang “Ame” Chunyu, who had been on hiatus for the past year. Their performance will be closely watched.
Eastern Europe’s qualifier saw Team Spirit emerge as the dominant force, clinching the first qualifying slot. Their journey was not without challenges, as they faced stiff competition from teams like Yellow Submarine and Virtus.pro. However, Team Spirit’s experience and skill propelled them to the top.
In the SEA qualifier, Talon Esports delivered a surprising victory. Despite fielding an entirely new roster, they overcame a Lower Bracket start, ultimately defeating Geek Fam in the finals with a decisive 3-0 sweep. Talon Esports’ determination and adaptability were on full display.
Birmingham’s Dota 2 legacy
ESL One Birmingham holds a special place in the Dota 2 community’s heart as the first LAN event of the EPT Dota 2 circuit. It is also a nostalgic return, as Birmingham has previously hosted two Major tournaments. With its rich history in competitive Dota 2, the city is once again ready to welcome fans from around the world.
Despite the Dota 2 scene being saturated with top-tier teams, ESL One Birmingham maintains its exclusivity by hosting only the twelve best teams. This ensures fierce competition and promises to deliver thrilling matches throughout the event.
Countdown to April
With ESL One Birmingham just around the corner, Dota 2 fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the showdown between these elite teams. From April 22 to 26, Birmingham, United Kingdom, will be the epicenter of competitive Dota 2 action.
ESL One Birmingham 2024 promises to be a spectacular event, featuring twelve of the world’s top Dota 2 teams. With a mix of direct invites and regional qualifiers, the tournament guarantees intense competition and memorable moments. As the first LAN event of the EPT Dota 2 circuit, all eyes will be on Birmingham this April, where history will be made once again in the world of competitive esports.
