Cover-Credits:
In a YouTube video, ESL (Electronic Sports League) officially announced the return of ESL One to Birmingham in 2024. This marks the third time the renowned esports tournament will be hosted in the vibrant city. The last time ESL One Birmingham was announced was in 2020 but unfortunately, the LAN event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was transformed into an online event.
Now, after four long years of wait, Dota 2 enthusiasts will finally be able to enjoy and savor Dota 2 in the United Kingdom (UK) between 22nd April 22nd and 28th April 2024. ESL One Birmingham 2024 features a million-dollar prize pool, increased EPT (ESL Pro Tour) Points distribution, and promises intense gaming action.
ESL One Birmingham 2024: Dota 2 Heads to the UK
The announcement video showcased Brewmaster as the face of ESL One Birmingham 2024, creating a buzz reminiscent of Oracle's role in ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023. The choice of Brewmaster suggests a thematic approach, injecting a sense of narrative into the tournament. This tournament’s theme is aptly called “Time to Brawl.”
Additionally, the video included a tip for Dota 2 fans, advising them to consider purchasing a Silver Edge against the formidable Bristleback, even after his post-TI12 (The International 2023) nerf. ESL One Birmingham is slated to kick off on 22nd April and conclude on 28th April.
Notably, ESL One Birmingham 2024 will feature two groups of six teams each, with only the top four advancing to the playoffs which will be held in the iconic Resorts World Arena.
While the event kicks off on 22nd April, on the final three days of the competition, that is between 26th and 28th April 2024, the eight best teams of the tournament will take the stage at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, United Kingdom, for the playoffs.
According to a release, ESL Dota 2 Director of Game Ecosystems Shane Clarke said, “Bringing live Dota 2 to Birmingham once again, we are therefore thrilled to create more memorable and electrifying moments for fans, not just for those uniting at the Resorts World Arena next April, but also for those joining us from their homes around the globe.”
The first wave of tickets for ESL One Birmingham 2024 will go live on 14th December at 11:00 PM SGT, allowing eager fans to secure their spots for this upcoming event. Ticket prices range from £62.20 for a regular three-day ticket to £294.30 for a premium three-day ticket.
EPT Points & Invitations
ESL One Birmingham 2024 brings a unique twist to the fore with an increased distribution of EPT (ESL Pro Tour) points. The tournament will allocate 22,520 EPT points among the participating teams, providing a greater incentive for top-notch performances. The EPT point distribution will be higher for the later tournaments. This will now be a recurring effect as the tournaments progress closer to an undisclosed tournament.
The invitation process for ESL One Birmingham 2024 involves four directly invited teams, with the other eight fighting through qualifiers. Teams aiming for direct invitations must secure a top-four finish on the EPT leaderboards. Currently, Team Spirit leads the chart with (2400 points), followed by BetBoom Team (1600 points), OG (896 points), and Entity (616 points). Expectations are high for the invitations to roll out after the upcoming DreamLeague Season 22, where an additional 18,550 EPT points are up for grabs.
The Open Qualifiers will take place on 22nd to 25th January 2024.
The Closed Qualifiers will take place on 26th to 30th January 2024.
ESL One Birmingham 2020 was regrettably canceled due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the tournament adapted by moving online, with competitions spanning various regions including China, North and South America, Europe & CIS, and Southeast Asia.
ESL One Leaderboards can be tracked on their official website. If you are closely following the teams and their journeys in the off-season, keep an eye out for the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 tournament where they are currently fighting for a place in the playoffs. You can check out our event hub on ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023: Schedule, Results, and Other Details.
