The Riyadh Masters 2025 Dota 2 tournament has successfully navigated its challenging Group Stage, and the path to the grand finals is now clear. Following a series of intense tiebreakers, the bracket for the high-stakes Elimination Stage has been formally set, revealing the immediate future for the world`s top Dota 2 contenders.
Eight teams have emerged from the group phase battlegrounds, securing their spots in the double-elimination knockout rounds. The draw has produced several intriguing first-round matchups, setting the stage for fierce competition right from the outset.
Among the most anticipated clashes in the opening round is the bout between Virtus.pro and Team Falcons. This pairing guarantees that one prominent squad will face an early test in the lower bracket or, perhaps, exit the tournament prematurely. It`s a classic scenario where the bracket doesn`t necessarily favor reputations but demands immediate peak performance.
Other teams locking horns in the first round include Xtreme Gaming facing off against Execration, Team Yandex challenging Shopify Rebellion, and Heroic going head-to-head with Talon Esports. These initial matches are crucial, as victories secure passage through the upper bracket, while defeats mean navigating the perilous lower bracket with no second chances.
Meanwhile, four teams earned the coveted advantage of a direct seed into the second round, bypassing the initial Elimination Stage clashes. These teams are PARIVISION, Gaimin Gladiators, Tundra Esports, and Natus Vincere. They will await the victors of the first-round matchups, observing their potential opponents` strategies before stepping onto the main stage.
The Riyadh Masters 2025, hosted in Saudi Arabia from July 8th to 19th, features a substantial $3 million prize pool, attracting the sport`s elite. With the bracket now finalized, the focus shifts entirely to execution, strategy, and nerve as teams compete for esports glory and a significant share of the winnings.
The Elimination Stage promises high-caliber Dota 2 action as the qualified teams embark on their journey through the bracket, aiming for the ultimate title.