Raleigh to Host 2025 ESL One Tournament

Raleigh, North Carolina, will host the 2025 ESL One esports tournament at the Raleigh Convention Center from April 7–13, 2025.

The 12 teams competing in ESL One Raleigh include four invited teams as well as eight teams who earned their spots through regional qualifiers in Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, the Middle East, North Africa, North America and South America.

“We are thrilled that Raleigh was selected to host ESL One’s 2025 global tournament,” said Loren Gold, executive vice president of Visit Raleigh. “Our continued efforts to elevate the destination’s world-class esports hosting capabilities is evident from being selected to host ESL One’s return to the United States after being held in Bangkok, the UK and Kuala Lumpur in recent years. We look forward to welcoming thousands of people from the global esports community, competitors and fans to Raleigh.”

The event is expected to showcase the world’s best Dota 2 players. The competition will be live on Twitch and YouTube and offer a $1 million prize pool. The event will mark the first return of ESL One to the United States in more than six years.

The N.C. Esports Incentive Grant Fund, which is incorporated into the state’s budget, played a part in winning the bid to host the event along with the Greater Raleigh Esports Local Organizing Committee.

“It has been a long time since we’ve hosted an ESL One event in the United States and we’ve been looking for the right opportunity,” said Michael Van Driel, vice president, game ecosystems with ESL FaceIt. “We’re very excited to be back in the U.S. and certain that Raleigh will be a world-class destination to welcome the Dota 2 community as we find our next ESL One Champion.”