Tundra Esports has made the decision to withdraw from DreamLeague Season 26, the final tournament of EPT Season 3, just days before the competition begins. This Dota 2 tournament is crucial, as it determines the last set of direct invitations to the Esports World Cup 2025. Despite the importance of this event, Tundra appears confident that their position in the EPT ranking is strong enough to secure qualification, even without participating.
ESL penalizes Tundra Esports with EPT point reduction
The organizers at ESL confirmed that Tundra Esports will be penalized with a 20% deduction of their EPT points. According to the competition rules, teams that withdraw after confirming participation and fail to give early notice face sanctions. In this case, Tundra’s last-minute decision triggered the penalty, which has now pushed them from fifth to sixth place in the global standings.
Source: ESL
Meanwhile, Team Spirit, which also chose not to participate in the tournament, did not receive any penalty. This is because they informed ESL well in advance, following the proper procedures. The contrast between the two situations has highlighted the importance of transparency and timely communication with tournament organizers.
NaVi Jr takes Tundra’s spot in DreamLeague 26
In the same announcement, ESL revealed that NaVi Jr would replace Tundra Esports in DreamLeague 26. This substitution has drawn attention, as Team Secret placed higher in the qualification standings. However, according to the post, NaVi Jr had a full roster available, whereas Team Secret might have roster availability issues, which prevented them from stepping in.
This replacement adds an unexpected twist to the competition, offering a fresh opportunity for an emerging squad to make a mark on the big stage. The situation underscores the value of flexibility and preparedness in competitive Dota 2.
Tundra explains decision to skip final EPT tournament
Tundra Esports released a statement on Twitter, outlining the reasons behind their decision to withdraw. They stated that the team has been involved in intense travel and tournament schedules and needed a break to prepare adequately for the Esports World Cup 2025. Their message emphasized the well-being of the players and the importance of arriving at the world championship in optimal condition.
Source: Tundra
By choosing rest over competition, Tundra is prioritizing recovery and focus, hoping this approach will translate into strong performance in the next major event. The decision might be controversial, but it reflects a broader trend where top-tier teams weigh health and strategy equally.