In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Team Yandex has emerged as the champion of Dota 2’s DreamLeague Season 27, marking the first significant tournament of the 2025/26 ESL Pro Tour season. Their victory cements them as a powerhouse within the European esports scene.
Team Yandex’s Road to Victory
The journey to triumph began with a compelling performance during the Swiss Stage, where Team Yandex achieved four wins and two losses. Their victories included notable triumphs over teams like Virtus.pro, Team Tidebound, and BetBoom Team, securing a spot in the playoffs with a commendable 4-2 record. In the upper bracket quarter-finals, Team Yandex once again overcame Virtus.pro with a 2-1 scoreline, setting the stage for an electrifying match against Tundra Esports in the semi-finals. Despite losing the first map, they bounced back with an intense 51-minute win in the second map and a decisive victory in a game-three thriller lasting over an hour. The upper bracket final against Team Spirit was more straightforward, leading to a place in the Grand Final after two 42-minute victories. Team Spirit, having fought their way back through the lower bracket, started strong in the Grand Final but was ultimately outmatched as Team Yandex clinched a 3-1 victory.
A Strong Start
By winning DreamLeague Season 27, Team Yandex not only secured a $214,000 (£159,315) prize but also gained a $30,000 (~£22,336) club reward and 3,400 EPT Points, placing them at the top of the standings. This victory continues their impressive streak, following a third-place finish at FISSURE Playground 2 and a second-place showing at BLAST Slam V. With eyes set on BLAST Slam VI in February 2026 in Malta, Team Yandex aims to maintain their dominant form.