Tundra Esports ended Team Liquid’s run at The International 2025 with a 2-1 victory in the elimination round, advancing to the playoffs. The loss ended Team Liquid’s bid for a consecutive title, as they finished 9th�3th.

The series carried high weight for both Western European sides. Team Liquid entered as defending champions and maintained a steady form, while Tundra Esports had to field Tobias ‘Tobi�Buchner as a stand-in due to Matthew ‘Whitemon�Filemon’s visa issue. The games showed both squads on near equal ground, but Tundra proved stronger when it mattered most.

Game one turned after Remco 'Crystallis' Arets and Neta '33' Shapira combined for fight-winning plays. Liquid struck back in game two with precise execution in late fights, dragging the series to a decider. Tundra then controlled game three from start to end, pressing their lead and closing the match in just over 30 minutes.

Tundra now joins the top 8, along with Team Falcons and PARIVISION followed suit after winning their respective matches against Team Spirit and Wildcard, respectively. The main stage awaits in Hamburg, Germany, on September 11, 2025. 

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For the third year in a row, Tundra Esports enters The International (TI) with a twist to its line-up. Support player Matthew ‘Whitemon�Filemon will miss the stage in Hamburg after late visa issues cut his trip short. In his place, Austrian offlaner Tobias ‘Tobi�Buchner steps in, tasked with holding the line when it matters most.

The move brings both doubt and hope to fans who know how slim the margins are at this level. Tobi has shown form with past squads and now gets his shot on the world’s top stage. 

A pattern emerges: Tundra's third consecutive TI with a stand-in

Tundra’s path to TI often comes with last-minute team shifts. In 2023, Martin ‘Saksa�Sazdov had to step back for health, and Topias ‘Topson�Taavitsainen came in. That run saw the squad fall short, ending in 13th�6th place.

The following year, Edgar �Class�Naltakian was held back by visa rules, which brought Saksa back to the line-up. His return pushed Tundra to 3rd place, a sharp rise that proved they could still fight at the top.

A seasoned replacement amidst uncertainty

Tobi has played for top squads like Team Liquid and Entity, and he’s no new face on the big stage. His most recent win came in July at the FISSURE Universe: Episode 5, where he showed sharp form. That boost gives Tundra hope, even with Whitemon’s late step out.

The preparation time has been short, yet Tobi has spent the last days grinding with the team. The swap brings risk, but it also adds calm and skill from a vet who’s played at the peak. Fans now wait to see if this change sparks Tundra’s run or slows their push.

The road to Hamburg: Overcoming logistical hurdles

Whitemon’s visa snag has forced him to sit out TI 2025, a blow that shows how hard travel rules can hit pro play. Such issues are not rare, as many teams have faced the same roadblock when they cross lands to join key bouts. It’s a stark sign that preps off the map can shape what fans see on stage.

Tundra made clear their thanks to Tobi, who jumped in at short notice to fill the slot. The squad now aims to blend fast and keep their run on track. The mood in camp is calm yet firm, as they set sights on Hamburg with one eye on the prize.

Can adaptability lead to triumph?

As TI 2025 nears, the squad faces one more trial on their path. For the third year in a row, they play with a sub, which has sparked talk of a ‘stand-in curse.�How they cope with this swap may set the pace for their run in Hamburg.

Fans and foes will watch if the squad can stay sharp with less prep. Each game will press them to blend fast and strike with a clear plan. In the end, the key mark will be if grit and skill can lift them past the curse and deep into the event.

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Professional Dota 2 has been around for well over a decade. During that timeframe, the esports scene has seen its fair share of amazing teams. A good metric to measure those teams is how they step up under pressure. A few squads have set themselves apart and left a mark on the game’s history.

Defining greatness in Dota 2 

For a Dota 2 team to be considered great, it goes beyond the one-off victories. The best teams usually combine consistency across multiple events with an affinity for succeeding in this game’s biggest event, called The International. This is the most prestigious event in Dota 2 and arguably the entirety of esports.

OG

As one of the most popular teams in Dota 2 history, OG captured people’s hearts quite often during their heyday. From the mid-to-late 2010s, OG was a dominant side. They were winning many Valve Majors early on, but they could not get past their troubles at TI.

That was problematic enough that their co-founder and captain Tal ‘Flyâ€?Aizik left the team to join Evil Geniuses. This left co-founder Johan ‘N0tailâ€?Sundstein to pick up the scraps and lead the team as captain. It was a blessing in disguise as N0tail would form the team that would end up winning both TI8 and TI9. 

This team was more than amazing; they were powered by a wholesome friendship between the players. It made them the prime example of a good Dota 2 team and a great esports story.

Team Spirit

Team Spirit has become the face of consistent top-level Dota 2 in the 2020s. They won TI in 2021. They might have lost in 2022, but they regrouped around their core of Illya ‘Yatoro�Mulyarchuk, Magomed ‘Collapse�Khalilov, and Yaroslav ‘Miposhka�Naidenov, who have combined raw skill with superb discipline that made them into a modern powerhouse.

They also have two TI wins under their belt. This consistency across different years has made them one of the most feared teams in Dota 2 history. Team Spirit’s success has proven that youth, talent, and composure have helped them overcome the most seasoned opponents possible.

With most of this team still intact, they could surpass OG and become the definitive team in Dota 2 history.

Team Liquid

Few organisations in esports have showcased longevity like Team Liquid. They had the 2017 roster led by Kuro ‘KuroKyâ€?Salehi Takhasomi that won The International. Fast forward to 2024, they won TI again, albeit with a different roster led by the likes of Michael ‘miCKeâ€?Vu and Samuel ‘Boxiâ€?Svahn. 

Team Liquid is the embodiment of enduring success in the history of Dota 2’s competitive scene. That sustained excellence across years and different rosters shows the org’s quality.

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Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) and Team Liquid are among the top teams to compete at the upcoming Birch Cup 2025 LAN event, a Counter-Strike 2 tournament in Gdansk, Poland, from September 26th to 28th. The event is crucial, giving teams one of their final chances to collect Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points before the StarLadder Budapest Major cut-off.

Joining NIP and Team Liquid are some of the biggest names, including Fnatic, ENCE, and OG Esports. In total, 16 teams will compete for a $15,000 prize pool and points that could determine who makes the top 32 for the next Major.

Although the Birch Cup is classed as a Tier 2 event, its position on the tournament calendar has boosted its significance. With LAN results carrying more weight in the VRS, teams have prioritised this tournament, hoping to use it as a springboard into Major contention.

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Day two of the 2025 Dota 2 Esports World Cup (EWC) came with some surprises. While some heavyweights struggled, rising teams seized the moment. Team Liquid, the reigning TI champions, stayed strong with a clean 2-0 win over PARIVISION. However, other top teams didn’t have the same luck.

Virtus.pro fell to the bottom of Group C after losing all four of their games. Defeats to Tundra Esports and Team Yandex pushed VP into the elimination phase. They were the first team to get locked in. At the same time, underdogs like NAVI and HEROIC picked up big wins and put more pressure on the top teams.

In the round-robin group stage, only one team from each group goes straight to the playoffs. The others must fight in the elimination phase. This increases the pressure with every match. Shopify Rebellion is in trouble after losing two games in a row and now risks getting knocked out.

As the $3 million Dota 2 event heads into Day 3, the gap between top teams and underdogs is getting smaller. This sets up a playoff race that could go in any direction.

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Team Liquid dominated the Esports World Cup group stage with a perfect 4-0 record. They beat strong teams like Shopify Rebellion and PARIVISION in intense matches that ended in under 30 minutes. Their offlane Venomancer plan worked well and stopped even the toughest opponents.

Meanwhile, Virtus.pro started poorly, losing all four of their games. The Russian team couldn’t beat Yandex or Tundra Esports. Their early losses drop them in the rankings, sending them to the elimination phase.

Team Falcons also struggled on their home ground. They finished with a 1-3 record. Poor planning and weak play left Saudi fans disappointed as they fell short against Execration and BetBoom Team. With more matches ahead, they must sharpen their game to stay in the race.

The tournament promises tough matchups and a huge cash prize. Fans can expect more surprises as the group stage ends this week.

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The second Esports World Cup (EWC) has started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It features a record-breaking $70 million prize pool across 25 titles. Although players don’t play for their countries, global teams like Team Liquid are getting a lot of attention. 

Team Liquid is based in the Netherlands and trains full-time players. They work with game, fitness, and mindset coaches. Their team base has streaming rooms, practice areas, and even a chef on site to help players stay sharp and focused.

EA FC player Levi de Weerd says the team’s strong support helps build teamwork and leads to good results. Apex Legends player YanYa also says the EWC is the best time he’s had in esports. Team Liquid is going for first place after finishing second last year. There’s $7 million waiting for the top team. 

However, the event’s Saudi support has caused some backlash because of the country’s record on human rights. Co-CEO Victor Goossens said it’s a hard situation. Still, he believes playing in the EWC is important for the team’s future. He said they need to stay active now if they want to still be around in five or ten years.

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If you think esports is all about flashy plays, prize pools, or roaring crowds during LAN events, think again. Behind every trophy is a carefully built business. From sponsored jerseys to YouTube contracts, esports today is powered by money—lots of it.

Have a quick look at the organisations that built the world’s top rosters. Each of them now operates like a major sports franchise—scouting talents that also have the power to secure deals, land sponsorships, and manage a growing empire. For many organisations, this means handling a mix of revenue streams to stay competitive, both in the game and in business.

Curious about what exactly keeps your favourite teams thriving? Here’s a play-by-play on how esports teams make money and why brands are in love with them.

Revenue breakdown: Where do the teams�funds come from?

To understand how esports teams earn, you need to go past the prize pool. Face the hard truth: esports teams and organisations don’t rely on one big win to survive. Instead, they build income through a combination of factors that engage fans, brands, and even platforms. Here’s where their money comes from:

Tournament winnings

Winning tournaments brings prestige and money. Esports prize pools are considered some of the biggest in any sport. Just take Dota 2’s The International, which hit over $40 million in 2021. You can’t miss VALORANT’s Champions Tour, which averages 6 to 7 figures.

These payouts may look huge, but they’re far from being the main income source. Most teams see these winnings as bonuses. The prize money is often split between players, coaches, analysts, and team staff. It’s also inconsistent, as you only get paid if you win or place well.

Esports organisations don’t build financial stability on wins alone. The top teams know they need more consistent ways to earn.

Merch and apparel sales

If you've ever seen a fan rock a 100 Thieves hoodie or a Liquid x Marvel exclusive drop, you’ve already witnessed one of esports�strongest revenue drivers. Jerseys, hoodies, mousepads, and even fashion houses are part of the game now.

This trend marked the start of esports teams as lifestyle brands rather than just teams. Merch drops are often limited and tied to team lineups or seasonal events. This not only brings direct revenue but also fosters a team’s identity in the eyes of its fans.

In a way, selling these merch bridges the gap between digital fandom and physical culture. It also provides the teams with a reliable stream that’s far from competitive play.

Streaming and content creation

Many esports teams run dedicated content with people who help craft daily streams, BTS vlogs, and game guides. Players also maintain their personal channels, which is a smart move that turns their audience into income.

Platforms like Twitch and YouTube pay out through ads, subscriptions, and donations. Some players would also sign exclusive deals that lock them to one platform (e.g., YouTube) for a guaranteed income.

Take FaZe Clan as an example. It built its brand on content, gathering creators who brought millions of views on YouTube. Even Luminosity Gaming’s Tyler 'Ninja' Blevins once revealed he earned up to $500,000 a month from Twitch alone, thanks to over 160,000 paid subscribers.

Sponsorships and brand deals

Sponsorships are where the bulk of the money flows in. Studies show that 74% of a team’s revenue comes from brand deals. These include jersey sponsors, banner ads, co-branded content, and product placements.

Think Red Bull on player uniforms, BMW backing esports tournaments, or Logitech pushing custom gear with pro teams. The reason? Esports fans are loyal, young, and digital-first—a perfect target for global brands and their engagement.

Where does the money go? Here’s how teams fuel their growth

All the money earned by teams doesn’t sit around. Beyond salaries, teams reinvest most of their earnings into growth for the players and their brand. Here’s how the expenses play out behind the scenes:

• Player salaries and team costs

Tier 1 players can earn anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 a month, heavily based on the game and region they’re playing. The org also covers housing, travel expenses, boot camps, gaming setups, and staff salaries. Coaches, analysts, and team managers are all crucial to the success of a team.

• Expansion and brand growth

Teams also use their revenue to expand. Some scout new talent through grassroots tournaments or academy teams, while others expand into new titles or regions. For example, Gen.G and Team Liquid run region-based divisions across Korea, the US, and Europe—each with its own rosters and staff.

But why do brands keep investing in esports?

In a world where ad fatigue is real, and attention spans shrink by the second, esports offers something rare: an audience that listens, watches, and responds. It’s no wonder brands are spending millions to be part of the action.

However, this goes beyond ads. Top sponsors like Red Bull and Nissan fund training hubs, sponsor league segments, and even collaborate on in-game content and limited drops. 

Esports also thrive in the community. Fans rally behind their teams, and when a brand shows support, the audience often pays it back. For brands, this loyalty is gold—one that keeps them exactly in the game.

Money plays with the games

Esports has outgrown its stereotypes. From a hobby, it’s now a thriving business network built on sharp tactics, digital culture, and global influence. Teams make money not just from winning but also from building brands. They use this income to scale even higher and play even better.

Meanwhile, brands don’t settle for a mere ad space. They’re buying a culture—one that’s active, passionate, and already ahead of the curve. In a sense, business in esports doesn’t just sit behind the screens. It’s part of the game.

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Riot Games marked VALORANT’s fifth year with a light-hearted but thrilling match between two of the game’s most respected names: Fnatic’s Jacob ‘miniâ€?Harris and Team Liquid’s Connor ‘Sliggyâ€?Blomfield. 

The special event took place on Monday, June 2, at 7 pm BST and featured a friendly clash between Team mini and Team Sliggy across five maps.

Team mini included community favourites Acrethedog and Thinking Man’s Valorant (TMV), along with broadcasters Sideshow and MitchMan. On the other side, Team Sliggy featured top minds like eMIL, d00mbr0s, Karagii, and Bacon9.

The match was streamed on Fnatic streamer Megan ‘megsoundslikeegg�Garner’s Twitch channel, with each player also hosting their game point of view. Team mini came out on top, winning 4-1 in a fast-paced, fun-filled match.

In line with VALORANT’s 5th anniversary, Riot is also set to release a new map and event pass on June 24 or 25. Fans can also relive VALORANT nostalgia with the 5th-year cinematic, ‘Why We Fightâ€?

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Team Liquid starts Valorant Masters Toronto 2025 without their leader, Ayaz ‘nAts�Akhmetshin, due to Visa delays.

Valorant Masters Toronto begins on June 7. The event features 12 top teams from around the world competing for a $1 million prize. Team Liquid earned their spot at the Masters by finishing third in the VCT EMEA Stage 1. Their first match starts at 8 PM BST against Bilibili Gaming.

However, nAts said he probably won’t make it to Canada in time for the first match. He hopes to arrive later and has asked fans to keep supporting the team.

nAts joined Liquid in November 2022. He began playing Valorant in 2020, after switching from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). He’s known for smart moves and skill with the agent Cypher. Before Liquid, nAts played for Gambit, where he helped the team win Masters Berlin 2021 and finish second at Valorant Champions that year.

Without nAts, Canadian player Erik ‘penny�Penny steps in as a stand-in. Penny has played for Version1 and G2 Esports. He also competes in the Challengers North America league. Penny said he feels excited and will do his best for Team Liquid fans.

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