Cover-Credits:
In the absence of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC), ESL introduced a new ranking system to determine the eligibility for invites to future ESL tournaments and qualifiers. The top four teams on the leaderboard will automatically qualify for the upcoming ESL tournament, making the pro scene extremely lively and competitive.
The earlier system used for determining invitees, the DPC, was strictly regional and teams would only play against teams of their respective regions. This eventually became monotonous and boring. However, with the introduction of EPT points, ESL tournaments are now highly rewarding in addition to being a spectacle to watch. Tournaments are now entertaining with teams from different regions competing for the prestige points to secure a spot in the next tournament.
The first time ESL points were awarded was in DreamLeague Season 21. Initially, it drew mixed reactions from the community but it seems like pros have gradually accepted it. The tournaments that fall closer to the undisclosed tournament at the end of the season will have high points distribution.
DreamLeague Season 21 started off by distributing 10,440 EPT [ESL Pro Tour] points and the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 had a total of 19,980 EPT points up for grabs. The next tournament with 18,550 is the DreamLeague Season 22 which is slated to kick off on 25th February 2024.
Having said all that, here are the top five teams in the ESL Pro Tour leaderboard after the conclusion of ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023.
Top 5 Teams in the Leaderboard After ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023
With the end of ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, the four teams who are guaranteed a direct invite to the next tournament, the DreamLeague Season 2022, have been revealed. Here are the qualified teams along with an additional team trailing at number 5.
Azure Ray - 4800 EPT points
After a spectacular win at the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, the reformed Chinese team made its region proud by winning a tournament for its region after more than a year. Azure Ray who started the tournament off with 0 EPT points finished with a bountiful 4800 points and is now leading the Leaderboard.
Gaimin Gladiators - 4000 EPT points
Second in place is one of the best teams of 2023: Gaimin Gladiators. The team secured six tournament wins and was the runner-up of The International 2023 and ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023. Gaimin Gladiators had 400 points after securing a 7th-8th finish at the DreamLeague Season 21 but ended with an additional 3600 points after coming in second at the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023.
BetBoom Team - 4000 EPT points
Tied with Gaimin Gladiators, the BetBoom Team also currently has 4000 EPT points. The CIS team finished third at the DreamLeague Season 21 and earned 1600 EPT points. Coming into ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023, its performance was similar to DreamLeague Season 21. It finished the tournament with a respectable 4th-place earning the team an additional 2400 EPT points which led the team to tie with Gaimin Gladiators.
Team Liquid - 3200 EPT points
Team Liquid put on a show at the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 despite playing with a stand-in and playing without a coach. It started off the tournament with a modest 200 EPT points but managed to create a name for itself as one of the strongest teams and secured a top-three finish at the tournament. After securing third place at the tournament Liquid earned a commendable 3000 EPT points, sealing its spot as the final team to receive a direct invite to the upcoming DreamLeague Season 22.
Team Spirit - 2400 EPT points
Valve
The International 2023 winner, Team Spirit, is in fifth place after not playing at the ESL One Kuala Lumpur 2023 where it cited health issues for its players. The team, however, had already secured 2400 EPT points after winning the DreamLeague Season 21.
After the conclusion of the DreamLeague Season 22, the top four teams on the leaderboards will secure a direct invite to the ESL One Birmingham 2024. Stay tuned for future updates.
