UK-based organization Tundra Esports has officially withdrawn from the upcoming 26th season of Dota 2’s DreamLeague tournament. Following this departure after previously confirming participation, tournament organizer ESL FACEIT Group has implemented sanctions affecting Tundra’s ESL Pro Tour standings.
Penalty Details and Standings Impact
The withdrawal by Tundra Esports constitutes a breach of section 2.11.5 in the ESL Pro Tour rulebook, resulting in a 20% reduction of their points total. This penalty has caused Tundra to drop from fifth to sixth place in the standings.
Despite this setback, Tundra Esports maintains its position within the top 10 teams. This ranking remains crucial as the top ten ESL Pro Tour teams automatically qualify for Dota 2’s Esports World Cup event, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 8th to 19th, 2025.
Replacement Team Controversy
Following Tundra’s withdrawal, NAVI Junior has accepted an invitation to fill the vacant tournament slot. The team continues to demonstrate impressive form after achieving a top-eight finish at PGL Wallachia Season 4.
While many fans have expressed enthusiasm about seeing NAVI Junior compete at this elite level again, others have questioned the tournament organizer’s decision. Some community members have wondered why Team Secret wasn’t invited instead, especially considering they advanced further in the Western European qualifiers.
DreamLeague Season 26 Overview
DreamLeague Season 26 is scheduled to run from May 19th through June 1st, with 16 teams competing for a share of 29,200 EPT Points and a substantial $1 million (approximately £752,465) prize pool. This tournament represents one of the final competitions before the Esports World Cup.
Several teams have already secured their places at the Esports World Cup based on their current point totals, including Parivision, Team Spirit, BetBoom Team, and Team Falcons.
The complete roster of teams participating in DreamLeague Season 26 following Tundra Esports’ withdrawal includes:
- Parivision
- BetBoom Team
- Team Falcons
- Team Liquid
- NAVI Junior
- Gaimin Gladiators
- AVULUS
- Aurora Gaming
- Nigma Galaxy
- BOOM Esports
- TALON Esports
- Shopify Rebellion
- OG.LATAM
- Edge
- TBD (Asian Champions League team)
- TBD (Asian Champions League team)