ESL One Raleigh Power Rankings

After surprising results at the online FISSURE Universe 4 tournament, the top Dota 2 teams are gearing up for a return of LAN Dota with ESL One Raleigh 2025. This tournament is particularly important due to the distribution of EPT points, which are vital for invitations to the upcoming Riyadh Masters 2025. We should expect all teams to bring their A-game, so let’s compare them through a power ranking.

#1 Team Liquid

Team Liquid are coming off a victory at PGL Wallachia Season 3 but had a disappointing finish to FISSURE Universe 4. Still, I think they were done pretty dirty since patch 7.38c was dropped while they were in the middle of a Playoff series. Despite their recent weak finish, Team Liquid turns into a different beast in a stadium environment, so I’m comfortable putting them first. 

#2 Tundra Esports

Tundra Esports is still trying to mesh with their new carry player Crystallis. Though their FISSURE Universe 4 results weren’t too convincing, I think they’ll show up for Raleigh in full force. I have high expectations for this roster, and I’m sure most will agree.

#3 BetBoom Team

I didn’t expect the BetBoom Team to win FISSURE Universe 4, but they seemed to have adapted exceptionally well to the new patch, dominating the Gaimin Gladiators in the Grand Final with a clean sweep. However, it’s too early to hype them up, so I think third place will do. 

#4 Team Spirit

After a strong start to the year, Team Spirit went on a slow decline throughout the past few tournaments. However, similar to Team Liquid, Team Spirit always brings the heat in high-pressure matches, especially in front of crowds. I think they’ll show a resurgence at Raleigh. 

#5 Team Tidebound

Team Tidebound has been on a consistent rise, proven by their deep runs in recent tournaments. They took down PARIVISION, Tundra, and Falcons at FISSURE Universe 4, which is super impressive. They will also have no issues playing in front of a crowd considering the sheer experience in the roster, so I’m very hopeful for the sole Chinese representatives. 

#6 PARIVISION

I might have overrated PARIVISION on my previous power ranking and quite frankly, I’m not sure what’s happening to them, but they haven’t looked too good. Still, this is the team that won the previous ESL One event, so a middling placement shouldn’t be too unrealistic. 

#7 Team Falcons

Normally, I’d rank Team Falcons very high on lists like these, but they will be playing at Raleigh in the absence of Malr1ne, who failed to secure his visa for the event. As a result, Quinn will be standing in. Though Quinn is no unfamiliar face, I don’t think the chemistry will be there with such short notice, and I’m very concerned about the team’s comms considering we have some very vocal personalities. 

#8 Talon Esports

The boys out of Southeast Asia are normally good for Playoff qualification. Though they’ve never really made deep runs, they certainly have the potential to. We shouldn’t get too excited, but a top-eight finish for them is very probable.

#9 Nigma Galaxy

Unfortunately, it seems like Miracle- will miss another event. Though Ghost is still a capable replacement, we just haven’t seen much out of Nigma Galaxy as of late. I’m really rooting for these guys, but we should hold our horses for this one. 

#10 AVULUS

AVULUS replaced two of their founding members, and judging from their DreamLeague Season 26 Qualifier run, they aren’t too convincing. It gets even worse when the newest recruits barely have any LAN experience. I think a Group Stage exit will be very likely for the new AVULUS squad. 

#11 Heroic

Heroic haven’t been too sharp lately, and arguably their best player, Scofield, is experiencing health issues. I don’t think Heroic is going to do too well at Raleigh, but they definitely have some potential to pull off a few upsets. 

#12 Shopify Rebellion

We haven’t seen Shopify Rebellion in a while, with their last international match dating back to February at DreamLeague Season 25. For those who have forgotten, they are now running Pakazs on the offlane instead of his signature carry role. Though I’m ranking them last, they can certainly be the dark horse of the event.