The Esports World Cup 2025 has arrived at its most thrilling phase, the Dota 2 quarterfinals. In front of millions of viewers, the best teams in the world now prepare for the final thrust to the championship and a share of the multi-million-dollar prize. Each team carries the expectations of their continent and the specter of elimination with them, so each match is a classic in the making.

Here, we break down the Top 8 teams that have made it to the quarterfinals, find out their ride so far, list the top players, and break down the most eagerly awaited matches on July 16th–17th.

Introduction

Among the numerous titles presented during the Esports World Cup, Dota 2 continues to be a flagship event, distinguished by its intricate strategy, volatile results, and fervent international following. The 2025 iteration has united behemoth organizations and upstart contenders in one of the most evenly matched and competitive group stages in history. And now, only eight teams are left and all have an actual chance at the title.

Quarterfinalist Teams: Overview

Team-by-Team Breakdown

Team Spirit

Team Spirit, from Eastern Europe, has honored its reputation as an elite organization. At 5–1 in the group stage, their dominant win against Gaimin Gladiators made one thing clear in the rest of the bracket: Team Spirit is a force to be reckoned with. With Yatoro's regular carry performances, Collapse's initiation on the level of the world, and Mira's finesse of support, Team Spirit has merged structure with bang-for-buck moments. Their tempo-based drafts and disciplined team fighting are still their greatest assets, complemented by one of the most loyal fanbases in Dota.

Gaimin Gladiators

Gaimin Gladiators are always a threat in any marquee tournament. Western Europe's delegates ended 4–2 with their signature resilience and hard-selling playstyle. Quinn and Ace have been the engine of the squad's momentum, coaxing early leads and suffocating everywhere on the map. Expertise in quick tower-pushing setups and support exchange, Gladiators bring draft utility and pressure experience a pairing that might be lethal in the playoffs.

Aurora

Aurora, the dark horse of Southeast Asia, entered the playoffs at 3–3 but struggled their way in with grit and precision. 23savage has been a backbone for their team once again, turning games with his game-breaking carry play. With Q and the remainder of the team supporting him, Aurora shines in chaos, taking fights aggressively and creating impossible victories. Though uneven, their ability to snowball a lead makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone.

PARIVISION

PARIVISION, China's representative, rolls into the quarterfinals with the only undefeated mark 6–0 in the group stage. Built on fundamentals, this team dominates lanes and seamlessly shifts into objective-based snowballing. Lou and Echo form the pillars of their success, as hero picks like Beastmaster and Shadow Fiend allow them to shut out games early. Their quick-push compositions and disciplined play make them perhaps the most prepared team to make it to the knockouts.

BetBoom Team

BetBoom Team, another Eastern behemoth, secured a 4–2 group result in a gritty win against Team Liquid. Their squad, built on core-heavy drafts and slow-scale play, rides on performers like Nightfall and Save- to seal victories. BetBoom's game plan is predicated on farming effectiveness and late-game team fights, and most of the time, it puts them in great shape in long matches. It may not be flashy, but it's ruthless and methodical.

Tundra

Tundra Esports, an annual Western European giant, were in dazzling shape with a 5–1 group stage mark. Topson's unorthodox hero set and tumultuous midlane play add a sense of unpredictability that most teams struggle to deal with. Paired with 33's conservative offlane and global-class vision control, Tundra plays some of the most intelligent Dota in the world. Their greatest strength is patience, punishing overcommitments and converting mistakes with clinical precision.

Team Liquid

Team Liquid enters the playoffs with their perfect record intact, standing at 6–0 and dominating in straight-up wins. Nisha has been unstoppable, spearheading the team with accurate midlane play, with Boxi and the rest of the team offering structure and synergy. Their decision-making late in the game, timing on items, and control over the map are the best overall of any team in the tournament. Liquid's discipline under pressure could be the difference in a championship bid.

Team Falcons

Team Falcons, a MENA team, concluded their group at 3–3, having made it through by way of a thriller tiebreaker. Tendency to go wild on aggression, Falcons are fueled by ATF's arrogant offlane domination and Malr1ne's game-breaking mid performances. They play more towards early arguments, lane control, and constant pace rendering them a fun team to play, and a sleeping pill of a team to be.

Quarterfinal Schedule & Matchups

July 16 (UTC+3):

• 2:30 PM – Team Spirit vs Gaimin Gladiators

• 6:00 PM – Aurora vs PARIVISION

July 17:

• 2:30 PM – BetBoom Team vs Tundra Esports

• 6:00 PM – Team Liquid vs Team Falcons

These matches have everything from deep regional enmities to contrast of style. Team Spirit vs Gaimin Gladiators is a West vs East Europe battle with pedigree. Aurora, on the other hand, will attempt to overcome the odds against a winless PARIVISION.

Star Players to Watch

Everybody's eyes are on Collapse of Team Spirit, whose meta-bending initiation has been turning around crucial matches time and time again. 23savage of Aurora remains an all-risk, all-reward carry player capable of solo-carrying the game. Nisha of Team Liquid has displayed top-tier consistency, especially in high-pressure situations. Topson brings in the wildcard element with his off-meta picks and creative rotations. Malr1ne, Falcons' young talent, has one of the highest KDA ratios in the tournament so far and could potentially be the surprise MVP.

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Community Buzz

Social media is on fire with predictions, memes, and hot takes as fans get set for this nail-biting knockout round. BetBoom vs Tundra is one of the most discussed matchups with many expecting it to be the most closely contested series of the round. Meanwhile, the wild card tactics of Aurora have everyone excited about an upset victory over PARIVISION. From Reddit communities to stream chat, Dota players are firing on all cylinders.

Conclusion

The Dota 2 quarterfinals at the Esports World Cup 2025 are shaping up to deliver unforgettable action. With every region represented, new stars rising, and favorites looking to avoid early exits, the stage is set for world-class competition. Whether you’re supporting your region, scouting future TI contenders, or placing smart bets, this is Dota at its best.