The inaugural day of DreamLeague Season 28's Group Stage 1 witnessed formidable starts from PARIVISION, Aurora Gaming, and Xtreme Gaming. These teams each clinched early victories, setting a competitive tone for the Dota 2 tournament. The event, boasting a significant prize pool, is structured to challenge 16 teams through multiple stages, leading to an intense grand final.
On Monday, the initial phase of the tournament commenced with a limited schedule of four matches. Among these, the clash between MOUZ and Tundra Esports concluded in a 1-1 draw, indicating a closely contested series. The Group Stage 1 is slated to continue throughout the week, concluding on Friday.
This prestigious Dota 2 competition features a total prize pool of $1 million. The initial round-robin stage divides the 16 participating teams into two groups, each comprising eight teams. Every series in this stage consists of two games. The top four teams from each group will then progress to Group Stage 2, where they will engage in best-of-three matches in a single round-robin format.
Following the second group stage, four teams will advance to a double-elimination playoff bracket. These playoff matches, starting from February 28 and concluding on March 1, will also be best-of-three, with the exception of the grand final, which will be a best-of-five showdown.
The ultimate champion of DreamLeague Season 28 will be awarded $250,000 in prize money, alongside an additional $40,000 club reward. The runner-up will receive $100,000 in prize money and a $30,000 club reward, highlighting the substantial stakes involved in this elite esports event.
In Group A's opening matchups, PARIVISION dominated paiN Gaming, securing a clean sweep with victories in approximately 29 and 40 minutes. Similarly, Aurora Gaming demonstrated superior play against BetBoom Team, defeating them in 37 minutes and 57 minutes. Over in Group B, Xtreme Gaming delivered a strong performance, triumphing over Team Spirit with wins spanning 40 and 52 minutes. Tundra Esports began its match with a swift 24-minute win, but MOUZ retaliated with a 32-minute victory, leading to their 1-1 tie.
The early results of DreamLeague Season 28 have underscored the intense competition and strategic depth characteristic of professional Dota 2. As teams battle for advancement and a share of the substantial prize pool, fans can anticipate thrilling matchups and unexpected upsets. The tournament structure, with its progression through multiple stages, ensures that only the most skilled and adaptable teams will reach the coveted grand final.