5 storylines we want had come true in Dota 2 esports in 2025

The Dota 2 aggressive scene is unpredictable and thrilling, particularly through the TI season. In contrast to in years previous, when a median Dota 2 12 months consisted of 4 Majors main as much as The Worldwide, the trendy scene options tournaments all 12 months spherical. And each event inevitably results in the conclusion of storylines.

Dota 2 esports storylines usually include a selected participant or crew’s journey to the highest of the aggressive scene. Sadly, not each storyline ends fortunately for the gamers, their groups, or their followers. Most of the time, fan-favourite groups find yourself getting eradicated earlier than they get their probability to shine.

With that in thoughts, let’s check out the highest 5 Dota 2 storylines of 2025 that didn’t come to fruition, however we want that they had.

Whereas the highest 5 Dota 2 storylines are compelling on their very own, the journeys of different groups are inclined to fly beneath the radar, overshadowed by extra widespread ones. Some groups had been unable to play as much as their full potential on account of roster adjustments, whereas others crumbled beneath the strain of their very own expectations.

Nigma Galaxy has gone from potential TI champions to a meme within the Dota 2 group in recent times. Regardless of having a number of TI champions in its energetic roster, Nigma Galaxy all the time got here up brief within the Dota 2 aggressive scene when it mattered most. In 2025, it regarded just like the crew was lastly going to have its long-deserved comeback run.

And as a lot as its followers wished for Nigma Galaxy to go all the best way, its early TI momentum was slowed on the principle stage and finally crushed by Xtreme Gaming, leaving them with a Fifth-Sixth place end.

Staff Liquid was a favorite amongst viewers and analysts going into TI 2025. The crew was predicted to make a deep run, if not outright grow to be three-time TI champions and the primary back-to-back champions. Whereas followers anticipated the crew to retake the mantle, its Dota 2 storyline ended when it was knocked out earlier than the playoffs even started.

The crew secured a Thirteenth-14th place end, much like one other returning TI-winning crew that underperformed towards fan expectations.

Like Staff Liquid, Staff Spirit was poised to grow to be a recurring TI champion. Tied with OG Esports and Staff Liquid, Staff Spirit’s Dota 2 storyline was pointing in the direction of it changing into the primary three-time TI champions. Nonetheless, the expectations of Staff Spirit’s followers had been shattered when the crew got here up brief, barely securing a Thirteenth-14th place end.

Total, 2025 was not one of the best 12 months for previous TI champions. All of the indicators pointed in the direction of a brand new crew taking the mantle.

No person anticipated Gaimin Gladiators to exit the best way it did. Whereas a number of viewers had the crew positioned excessive on their Compendium predictions, the crew didn’t even make it to the event. The roster disbanded on account of inside points between the gamers and administration, imploding earlier than its Dota 2 storyline even began.

After its dominating run in 2023 in addition to its TI 2023 and TI 2024 runner-up positions, most followers anticipated Gaimin Gladiators to place up a combat. Sadly, the crew met its finish two weeks earlier than the event started.

The preferred Dota 2 esports storyline going into TI 2025 was Wang ‘Ame’ Chunyu’s. The newest iteration of Xtreme Gaming proved to be Ame’s third actual shot at lastly changing into a TI champion. After knocking out a number of groups, together with Nigma Galaxy, followers had been poised to lastly see the uncrowned king take the throne.

Sadly, Staff Falcons had different plans, smashing Xtreme Gaming and Ame’s hopes in a extremely aggressive 3-2 end, changing into the TI 2025 champions. Ame continues to play, and his followers hope that 2026 shall be his 12 months.

With the post-TI 2025 roster shuffles, we’ve got plenty of contemporary narratives which may result in compelling 2026 Dota 2 esports storylines. After OG Esports shuffled by a number of roster adjustments, its present SEA iteration appears to indicate promise, which may result in a miracle third TI run.

Different smaller groups, like Mouz and Staff Yandex, have had robust showings post-TI 2025. These groups had been thought of underdogs and have had robust showings in tournaments like DreamLeague and BLAST Slam. With the inflow of youthful gamers taking the principle stage, Dota 2’s future appears robust.