DreamLeague Season 23 is upon us, and the stage is set for an epic showdown with the best Dota 2 teams in the world vying for the lion’s share of the $1,000,000 prize pool.

With PGL Wallachia Season 1 serving as practice grounds for many teams, witnessing all the drama and action will be intriguing. Especially when the road leads directly to the Riyadh Masters 2024 or the Dota 2 Esports World Cup. Who will fly, when the stakes are high?

Let's find out as we analyse the top contenders and potential underdogs who could shake things up at this prestigious Dota 2 tournament, which has a million dollars on the line.

DreamLeague Season 23: The Favourites

Photo: Valve

Team Liquid

Team Liquid remains a dominant force to be reckoned with.

Nisha's consistent brilliance fuels their aggressive playstyle, Insania and Boxi’s camaraderie makes them an excellent support duo, Micke’s prolific mechanical prowess makes him a feared opponent, while 33’s wide hero pool and out-of-the-box thinking make him an asset – automatically qualifying them as one of the favourites.

Their adaptability and diverse hero pool allow them to adjust to any situation thrown their way. Despite starting the new Dota 2 year on a lacklustre note, Team Liquid is slowly reverting back to their old self – the dominating beasts they originally were.

Though they might be lacking some form of synergy, but that doesn’t mean the skill, experience or mindset to win has vanished. They are still one of the best Dota 2 teams in the world and will continue to remain one unless something drastic happens.

Here’s hoping Team Liquid bring their A-game in the Dota 2 DreamLeague Season 23.

Photo: Valve

Team Falcons

Falcons continue to impress.

Their recent performance at the PGL Wallachia Season 1 solidified their position as a top contender. With a formidable core and a knack for winning, they'll be a major threat.

The MENA-based European mix has one of the, if not the most, stacked rosters with TI winners and experienced Dota 2 players of all time. That not only makes them one of the best Dota 2 teams in Europe but also the world.

Falcons have all the necessary ingredients to win DreamLeague Season 23, which serves as a stepping ground to the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters 2024, an event for which they have already qualified.

Their main challenge will be to live up to their own expectations. Hopefully, they won’t have to play with a stand-in this time.

Photo: Valve

Xtreme Gaming

Xtreme Gaming is China’s frontrunner in the current Dota 2 year and carries the burgeoning hopes of an entire country on its shoulders. After all, China’s dry spell of winning a TI or equivalent of TI in recent years remains dry.

XG’s dominant display and deep understanding of the meta make them a nightmare for opponents. Their strategic edge honed through countless victories are enough to consider them as title contenders.

Don't underestimate their hunger to go all out at DreamLeague Season 23 with a steadfast and methodical playstyle. China’s discipline when it comes to Dota 2 esports is well-known to all and is enough to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.

They seem to have a good grasp on the current meta but is that enough to overcome other Dota 2 teams?

DreamLeague Season 23: The Underdogs

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Shopify Rebellion

While not the underdogs, Shopify Rebellion surprisingly makes it to this list. Let’s give North America’s only hope at DreamLeague Season 23 a chance and give them the underdog tag for a change.

At some point, NA will start becoming more relevant than South America, right? Or perhaps they deserve to be on this list because of their potential to surprise. If they don’t manage to choke, that is.

Jokes aside, Shopify Rebellion shouldn't be overlooked. Their experience and strategic prowess can't be discounted. They can be a serious title contender, provided they recapture their peak form and shake off all the nonsensical jitters.

Perhaps their victory lies in Arteezy activating his BKB at crucial moments.

Or perhaps, they are on the list just for fun. Either way, SR has the potential, the individual skills, the strategic prowess, and the “infinite” fan following on their side.

Maybe, DreamLeague Season 23 is the tournament which is going to change their lives. We’ll find out soon.

Photo: Valve

Team Heroic

This newly formed South American squad has been making waves with impressive performance against established teams. Heroic has been nearly dominating the South American scene since its inception.

Their aggressive pub-style gameplay could be a game-changer, potentially disrupting the strategies of their more experienced opponents. Most of the current line-up has played with each other at one point, making their bond naturally strong.

The team is stacked with South America’s best players like K1, Scofield and 4nalog, making the team a strong contender.

However, their greatest strength is also their greatest weakness – their heavy reliance on farm-oriented strategies.

Heroic’s performance at PGL Wallachia Season 1 was highly disappointing as they bombed out in last place. Will DreamLeague Season 23 be a different story for the South Americans or will they crumble under the pressure once again?

With these top contenders and exciting underdogs battling it out, one thing's guaranteed: DreamLeague Season 23 promises to be a thrilling Dota 2 spectacle.

Be sure to tune in for the electrifying matches and witness the crowning of a new champion.