DreamLeague Season 26 Group Stage #2 Overview: Teams, Dates, Format

The battle for glory in DreamLeague Season 26 is gaining momentum. After a tense first stage of the tournament, eight of the strongest teams have advanced to Group Stage 2, where the stakes are higher than ever. In addition to the championship title, teams are now competing for a share of the $1,000,000 prize pool. Group Stage 2 of DL 26 will run from May 23 to May 29, 2025, and each day promises thrilling Dota 2 action. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the second stage of DL Season 26, including the teams, tournament format, and key dates.

DreamLeague Season 26 Group Stage 2 Format

As mentioned earlier, Group Stage 2 of DreamLeague Season 26 features 8 teams—four top finishers from each of the two initial groups. The structure ensures daily matchups with no room for inconsistency. Here’s the full format for DL S26:

• One round-robin group of 8 teams
• All matches are played in a Bo3 format
• Top 2 teams advance to the upper bracket of the playoffs
• Teams in 3rd and 4th place move to the lower bracket
• The bottom 4 teams are eliminated from Season 26 DreamLeague

This format is standard for events of this level and is designed to ensure that only the most consistent and top-performing teams make it to the playoffs. With high stakes in every series, fans can expect high-quality, edge-of-your-seat Dota 2 matches.

DreamLeague Season 26 Group Stage 2 Teams

Let’s take a look at the top 8 teams that advanced to Group Stage 2 of DreamLeague S26. These squads performed well in the opening phase and include both clear favorites and dark horses, all fighting for a spot in the DL 26 playoffs.

• BB Team – The squad has shown solid form this year, winning FISSURE Universe: Episode 4 and finishing fourth at ESL One Raleigh 2025. They placed 3rd in Group A during Stage 1, drawing four of their matches—a sign of resilience but also of instability.
• Gaimin Gladiators – A regular presence at top-tier events. GG qualified through the WEU regional qualifiers and had notable runner-up finishes at BLAST Slam II, FISSURE Universe: Episode 4, and a top 4 finish at BLAST Slam III. They barely scraped through Group Stage 1 after a clutch win over Team Falcons.
• PARIVISION – One of the biggest surprises of the 2025 Dota 2 season. Known for their steady, structured playstyle, they won ESL One Raleigh 2025 and placed in the top 3 at DreamLeague S25, FISSURE Playground 1, and PGL Wallachia S4. They currently lead the EPT standings and are one of the top contenders for the DL26 title. They topped Group A in Stage 1 with ease.
• Yakult Brothers – A true underdog story. No one expected this team to reach the second stage, but they surprised everyone by finishing 2nd in Group B, claiming victories over several stronger opponents. While expectations remain modest, their recent form suggests potential for an upset run.
• Aurora Gaming – Roster changes improved their coordination and overall performance in 2025. After strong showings at several Tier-1 events, Aurora topped Group A in Stage 1 and now aim for a deep playoff run in DL 26.
• Nigma Galaxy –As expected, Nigma secured their place in Group Stage 2, tying in points with Aurora Gaming. Their 2025 has been consistent, with appearances in numerous Tier-1 events and a top 4 finish at BLAST Slam II. With experienced players and unpredictable momentum, Nigma is a potential dark horse.
• Talon Esports – Another surprise of the tournament. Talon secured 3rd place in Group B and earned their slot in Stage 2. Often seen as a mid-tier team, they’ve proven they can take down stronger opponents when it matters most.
• Team Liquid –Fan favorites and perennial contenders. After a disappointing end to The International 2024, Liquid bounced back in 2025 with Tier-1 victories at PGL Wallachia Seasons 3 and 4. Their EPT points granted them a direct invite to DL 26, and while they finished 4th in Group A during Stage 1, they’re capable of much more in this phase.

These eight DreamLeague Season 26 teams represent a blend of iconic organizations and emerging forces. With this lineup, Group Stage 2 is poised to be the highlight of the tournament and will likely reveal the true favorites heading into the playoffs.

Match Schedule

Group Stage 2 of DL Season 26 is designed to be intense yet fair. With every match played in a Bo3 format, there are no ties—only wins and losses. Teams will play daily matches from May 23 to May 29, meaning there’s little room for error or rest. Don’t miss a moment of the action—follow the full schedule and live results on our DreamLeague Season 26 page and through official tournament channels.