Dota 2: The International 2025 group stage concludes

The group stage of The International 2025 concluded on Saturday after delivering everything fans would have expected from Dota 2’s biggest stage: stunning upsets, heartbreaking collapses, and heroes rising when it matters most.

With the dust now settled, the field has narrowed. Several storied organizations have been sent packing, while others gallop confidently toward the playoffs.

Team Nemesis were the first team to fall, departing early after failing to secure a single match win, followed by BOOM Esports, who dramatically lost their elimination series to Wildcard after a six-second dive without buybacks cost them the game.

Soon after, Natus Vincere also bowed out, their once-proud banner lowered in disappointment as they struggled to find rhythm in the opening stage.

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  Fast Payouts

The most recent casualty was Yakutou Brothers, China’s late replacement squad for Gaimin Gladiators. Despite flashes of potential in the group stage, they were dismantled 2–0 by HEROIC in the first series of the elimination stage.

Yuma’s breathtaking Meepo performance sealed the deal, sending the South Americans through to the playoffs while ending Yakutou Brothers’ Cinderella run.

For fans of Southeast Asia, there was heartbreak too. Wildcard’s last stand against PARIVISION ended in defeat, leaving the region without representation in the playoffs.

At the other end of the standings, three teams stormed straight into the playoffs with dominant group-stage records of 4–1 or better.

Xtreme Gaming dazzled with a flawless 4–0 campaign, living up to China’s long-held hopes of ending a seven-year Aegis drought.

Team Tidebound, another Chinese Dota 2 powerhouse, showcased remarkable resilience in a comeback victory over Team Falcons, while Eastern Europe’s BetBoom Team stunned PARIVISION to claim the third and final automatic berth.

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  The bookies' bookie

That leaves HEROIC as the sole South American flagbearer, joining Xtreme Gaming, Team Tidebound, and BetBoom Team in the playoffs.

For everyone else — Aurora Gaming, Nigma Galaxy, PARIVISION, Team Liquid, Tundra Esports, Team Spirit, and Team Falcons — the elimination stage will decide which five squads join them in the hunt for glory.