Cover-Credits:
The DreamLeague Season 21 is the final opportunity for the top teams around the world to square off, test their strategies, and get some match practice under their belts before The International 12 (TI12). The DreamLeague S21 takes place from 18th to 24th Sept 2023 and features 12 teams, nearly all of whom are scheduled to play at TI12. This event features a group stage followed by a playoff round, with a total prize pool of $1,000,000 USD. Here is a look at the teams participating, the schedule, and more information about the DreamLeague Season 21.
DreamLeague Season 21: All that you need to know
Team list
The tournament has invited a total of 12 teams, divided into two groups of six teams each.
Group A
9Pandas
Entity
Shopify Rebellion
Talon Esports
Team Liquid
Tundra Esports
Group B
BetBoom Team
Evil Geniuses
Gaimin Gladiators
OG
Quest Esports
Team Spirit
Standings
Group A
Group B
Schedule (Group Stage)
Day 1 (18th Sept)
Day 2 (19th Sept)
Day 3 (20th Sept)
Day 4 (21st Sept)
Schedule (Playoffs)
Once the teams for the playoffs have been confirmed, the match schedule will be revealed.
Bracket
AFK Gaming
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Format
Group Stage (18th to 20th Sept)
Single round robin group stage
Two groups of six teams each
All series are Bo2s
The top two teams from each group qualify for the upper bracket of the playoffs
The third and fourth place teams from each group qualify for the lower bracket of the playoffs
The bottom two teams from each group are eliminated
Playoffs (21st to 24th Sept)
Double elimination playoffs bracket
All series are Bo3s, except for the grand final
Bo5 grand final
Prize pool distribution
Based on final positions, the $1,000,000 will be divided among the 12 teams as follows.
1st - $300,000
2nd - $175,000
3rd - $120,000
4th - $85,000
5th-6th - $57,500
7th-8th - $47,500
9th-10th - $30,000
11th-12th - $25,000
Where to watch
Because three series will be running concurrently in the group stage, DreamLeague S21 will be televised on four networks at the same time.
The DreamLeague S21 is part of the ESL Pro Tour (EPT), which was announced earlier this year by ESL FACEIT Group (EFG). A total of $17 million was awarded to teams in the DreamLeague S19, S20, and Riyadh Masters 2023 in the inaugural season of the EPT. The second season of the EPT now begins with DreamLeague S21.
Due to The International 12 (TI12) being scheduled in October 2023, the format of DreamLeague in this edition will be shorter with fewer teams being involved as well. However, the prize pool remains the same. Except for OG, all of the event's teams have qualified for TI12.
