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Esports Leagues and Events

ESL DreamLeague

Prize Pool
$1,000,000
When
May 20 - Mar 26th, 2024
Where
Online

ESL DreamLeague Betting Guide | Live Odds, Favorite Teams

A fresh year means a new start as ESL DreamLeague S23 kicks off on May 20, 2024 for six-days action-packed DOTA 2 gameplay and high-stakes. It's a tournament not to be slept on!

It'll be a pure clash of the titans as the twelve of the best teams from across the globe gather in Europe to compete online for a slice of the $1,000,000 prize pool distributed amongst the participants. As if that's not enough, 26.1K EPT Points are on the line, which can be the difference between a team qualifying for The International, or not making the cut. 

The best way to add to ESL DreamLeague's excitement is to sprinkle that signature Rivalry betting hot sauce into your matches to spice things up! Here's everything you need to know before betting on ESL DreamLeague events.

ESL DreamLeague History

ESL DreamLeague betting

Dota 2 ESL DreamLeague are a series of esports tournaments from the popular online MOBA game, Dota 2. DreamLeague tournaments are organized by DreamHack in collaboration with ESL (Electronic Sports League). It has undergone many different iterations, with a history of over 10 years of successful tournaments.

DreamLeague debuted in the esports scene in 2013 with its first season, held at DreamHack Winter in Jönköping, Sweden. Alliance emerged victorious, triumphing over Evil Geniuses in the Grand Final.

DreamLeague ran several seasons a year until 2020 when it was halted after Season 13 due to complications involving the COVID-19 pandemic. Team Secret won this season, with Evil Geniuses as the runners-up. While the Dota Pro Circuit tour continued through LAN events in Europe, DreamLeague came to an end.

After a long three-year hiatus, ESL FACEIT Group announced the return of DreamLeague in 2023, transitioning the tournaments into completely online events with no live audiences. Season 19 was won by Gaimin Gladiators clutching the win over Team Liquid in the Grand Final. ESL DreamLeague Season 20 saw Gaimin Gladiators rising to the challenge and claiming their second DreamLeague victory of the year.

We're excited to see all the bonus action of DreamLeague as its tenure continues in 2024.

ESL DreamLeague Season 23: Format

DreamLeague s23 betting

DreamLeague S23 is the second major DOTA 2 event of the year. It'll follow a format most esports fans are familiar, unlike DreamLeague S22 which fielded two Group Stages.

For S23, there will be a Group Stage and Playoffs to keep things interesting, as all this professional DOTA 2 action is crammed into a tight-knit six-day event. 

Group Stage

  • There will be two single round-robin groups, consisting of six teams in each
  • All series will be two games
  • The top two teams from each group, four teams in total, advance to the Playoffs' Upper Bracket
  • The third and forth place teams from each group advance to the Playoffs' Lower Bracket
  • All remaining teams are eliminated

Playoffs

  • Double-elimination bracket format
  • All matches, except the Grand Final, are best-of-three (Bo3)
  • The Grand Final is best-of-five (Bo5)

ESL DreamLeague Season 23: Teams

Sixteen teams are competing in DreamLeague S22

For DreamLeague Season 23, four teams were directly invited based on their EPT Points from last year, while the remaining teams fought through Closed and Open Qualifiers in their respective regions. If you want the full list of players competing for each team, head to our dedicated ESL DreamLeague Season 23 overview.

  • BetBoom Team
  • Xtreme Gaming
  • Gaimin Gladiators
  • Team Falcons
  • Team Liquid
  • Tundra Esports
  • Natus Vincere
  • PSG Quest
  • Azure Ray
  • Aurora
  • Shopify Rebellion
  • HEROIC

ESL DreamLeague Season 23: Favorite Teams To Win

Twelve teams are competing in the ESL DreamLeague Season 23 tournament, giving potential bettors plenty of options. Here is Rivalry's top two teams to keep an eye on. Which team is going to get the lion's share of the $1 mil prize money? Read on to find out. 

Gaimin Gladiators

ESL DreamLeague betting: Gaimin Gladiators

Gaimin Gladiators are climbing the professional ladder and are on their way to becoming the most successful Dota 2 team in 2023.

With their competitive roster, they easily won all three Majors (Lima Major, Berlin Major, and Bali Major) held in 2023, DreamLeague Season 19 and 20. They also rank first in the EPT ranking system.

Team Falcons

Like Gaimin Gladiators, Team Falcons are becoming a fabled name in the DOTA 2 esports circuit. They have head a steady stream of wins in 2024, having won DreamLeague S22, Elite League, and ESL One Birmingham in a consecutive steak.

How To Watch ESL DreamLeague

All DreamLeague events are now online, with no plans to be held in front of a live audience yet.

Dota 2 fans can catch the online events on various Twitch streams throughout the tournaments capturing all live events. Four channels (ESLDota2Dota2Ember and Dota2Storm will capture every match as they happen simultaneously!

Bet On ESL DreamLeague With Rivalry!

Unlike other betting sites, Rivalry is an online sportsbook made especially for esports fans because we are avid fans ourselves! We pride ourselves on offering many esports betting options, from Valorant to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, there's something to tickle everyone's fancy!

We've combined the exciting atmosphere of esports - the fast action, competitive DreamLeague odds, breaking news, many betting markets - with everything customers would expect from a top-tier sportsbook; full licensing, regulations, and absolute financial transparency.

ESL DreamLeague betting

With Rivalry, you'll never have to compromise on quality or safety. We're dedicated to bringing you the best in esports betting - so why wait? Sign up today and see why we're the top choice for esports fans everywhere, featuring the best DreamLeague betting odds and other popular esports and traditional sports.

Here's why Rivalry is the best choice for your online sportsbook:

100% Legal and Safe.

At Rivalry, your safety and online security are paramount. We are proud to say we are a fully-licensed online sportsbook compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. We are overseen by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, so you can have complete peace of mind when betting with us.

Free Bets and Welcome Bonuses.

As a token of our appreciation, we would like to offer you your first bet completely free, so you can dip your toes in the world of esports betting.

Same Game Combos

Rivalry are always one step ahead of the game! We're proud to offer Same Game Combos for certain esports titles, including DOTA 2. Put that big brain to use and bag huge jackpots, all in the same betting slip. Convenient!

24/7 Customer Support.

If you get yourself in a pickle, or have any account queries, you can get in touch with our 24/7 customer support online chat line. We are always here to help!

ESL DreamLeague Season 21: Betting Tips & Tricks

ESL DreamLeague betting

Betting on esports can be an exciting yet nerve-racking experience, especially when real money is involved. Even experienced bettors can benefit from simple tips to maximize their chances of winning big. Here are some tips to get you started:

Get your head in the game! One way to improve your betting game is to learn and understand the game you are betting on. If you're betting on Dota 2, learning the game can give you a better understanding of the current meta, gameplay mechanics, and strategies. This knowledge can help you make more informed bets and increase your chances of winning big..

Research each team and player. This sounds like extra homework, but something that can give you a competitive edge over other bettors is knowledge. Research each team's recent success rates, roster moves, match histories, and more!

Set a budget. Manage your bankroll effectively, set a budget for your wagering and stick to it. Always bet responsibly. Do not bet more than you can afford to lose.

FAQs about ESL DreamLeague and esports betting

ESL DreamLeague betting

Is betting on ESL DreamLeague legal?

Betting on all esports with Rivalry, including any DreamLeague tournament, is 100% legal and compliant with the law, as we are regulated under the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.

Can I place bets using my smartphone?

Yes! Betting with Rivalry has never been easier. Our website is entirely mobile-friendly, so you can place your bets while on the go, whether using your phone or tablet. Ontario users can download the official Rivalry app from the iOS App Store, while users in the Philippines can download our official Android app.

How can I deposit?

Rivalry offers a wide range of depositing options to accommodate our users, some of which are instant: MasterCard, Visa, Skrill, Alipay, and more. Remember, your first bet with us is free as part of our welcome bonus. We also offer cryptocurrency options like Bitcoin!

Where can I watch ESL DreamLeague matches?

DreamLeague events are action-packed over just seven days, so many matches will happen simultaneously. Luckily, there are three Twitch channels to live-stream all the events - ESLDota2Dota2EmberDota2Storm.

Who are the favorites to win ESL DreamLeague S23?

Gaimin Gladiators have won all three Dota 2 Majors in 2023 as well as two DreamLeague tournaments. They are the most successful DOTA 2 team in recent years, so they are definitely our favorites to win. Team Falcons are also working their way up the ladder, and are a worthy contender to snatch the win.

We’re Rivalry. Esports and Sports Betting leaders

Play Rivalry's Online Casino Tournaments for Casino Credits

Rivalry Online Casino Tournaments: Free Entry & Big Rewards

Step into the action! Just like the buzzing energy of old-school land-based casinos, online casinos like Rivalry are taking it to the next level with thrilling online casino tournaments. With our free-to-register daily and weekly "races," you'll compete against hundreds of players while enjoying your favorite casino games—and the best part? You can win Casino Credits to keep the fun train rolling even longer. Free money for extra gamba at our epic online casino? Count us in!

Ready to start playing? Keep reading for a basic breakdown of Rivalry's races/casino tournaments, how to get involved, and the types of casino tournaments waiting for you at our online casino. Let's go!

online casino tournaments

What are online casino tournaments?

Tournaments, or races as we describe them on Rivalry, are the ultimate competition. Registered users compete against one another to earn points in a specific game or set casino games within a predetermined time frame and earn the most points out of anyone else.

Unlike standard online gameplay where you're competing against the house, you're vying for position on a leaderboard against other players. There's no entry fee, making them what we call "freeroll tournaments." Instead of cash prizes that players can withdraw, they can earn Casino Credits for free play on our online casino.

free casino tournaments on Rivalry

So, what types of tournaments are available at Rivalry?

Rivalry's casino tournaments/races are dynamic and designed to show off the best of our online casino. Different types are available to suit all casino players, ranging from free slot tournaments to table game tournaments. The choice is yours—browse the tournaments listed and see what interests you.

Online Slot Tournaments

An online slots tournament requires players to enter and play the slot machines listed in that specific tournament. The qualifying slots can range in themes, including Halloween-Themed, Food-Themed, Cowboy Slots, and even ones picked by the Rivalry CEO to keep things fun and fresh.

For ultimate peace of mind, all our online slot machines are tried and tested and put through the wringer to ensure their fairness. They come from world-class software providers, including Hacksaw Gaming, PG Soft, Pragmatic Play, Play'N'Go, NoLimit City, and many more.

When competing in a slots tournament, keep in mind factors like Return-To-Player (RTP) percentages, bonus features, and volatility levels, as these impact your potential multipliers.

Roulette Tournaments

Go balls to the wall and play our Roulette tournaments, amplifying the thrill of live Roulette. In these tournaments, you'll have to rack up the most Roulette multipliers in a single day, with points awarded for each winning wager. Bet on your lucky numbers, Red/Black, Odd/Even, or go rogue with some inside bets; the power is in your hands!

Here are some of the qualifying games for our Roulette tournaments.

  • American Roulette ($0.20)
  • Double Ball Roulette ($0.20)
  • Lightning Roulette/XXXtreme Lightning Roulette ($0.20)
  • Speed Roulette ($0.50)
  • Instant Roulette ($0.10)
  • Immersive Roulette ($0.50)
  • First Person Roulette ($0.50)

Have you got the balls to win Roulette like a boss? We even offer Roulette options tailored to different regions and languages, including dedicated versions in Portuguese and Spanish.

Baccarat & Blackjack Tournaments

Do you play your cards close to your chest? You can now test your hand at the ultimate classic table games with our ongoing live Baccarat and Blackjack tournaments, competing against hundreds of other players to rise to the top in these exciting card games. Want to see if you can employ card counting in Baccarat or try some tried-and-tested Blackjack strategies? Go for it!

  • Lightning Baccarat ($1)
  • Speed Baccarat ($1)
  • Peek Baccarat ($1)
  • Golden Wealth Baccarat ($1)
  • Baccarat Squeeze ($1)
  • Infinite Blackjack ($1)
  • Lightning Blackjack ($1)
  • Power Blackjack ($1)
  • First Person Blackjack  ($0.50)

If these card game tournaments perform well, we may even expand to offer Poker tournaments in the future, so watch this space!

Other Exciting Casino Tournaments

We want our users to have more fun on our platform while discovering new games they might not otherwise play. That's why our tournaments sometimes focus on rogue games in our online casino catalog, ranging from Aviator and Cash and Dash to many other underrated gems. Show them some love!

online tournaments at Rivalry's casino

How to enter Rivalry's free casino tournaments

Hold your horses! You must fulfill two major requirements before you can get involved in Rivalry's casino Races. First, you must be of the minimum legal age for online gambling in your jurisdiction (19+ in Ontario, 18+ everywhere else). If you've got that covered, you also must be a registered Rivalry user.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sign up to Rivalry and enter the Races.

1) Create a Rivalry Account

You can create a Rivalry account using a pre-existing email address and a secure password with a mix of alphanumeric characters and symbols. Alternatively, you can speed up the process by connecting an existing Facebook or Google account to create your Rivalry account.

2) Verify Your Identity

To verify your account, provide personal details like your full name, address, and date of birth. These deets are used strictly for verification purposes and are not shared with third parties. Next, go to the "Verify" tab to upload selfies or a short video showing your beautiful face from different angles to confirm you're not a bot. The automated process is quick and typically takes just a few minutes.

3) Deposit Money

Once your account is verified, you're all set to play! You can join our online casino tournaments, earn Casino Credits, and win cash prizes. Don't forget to claim your casino welcome bonus, which matches your first deposit up to $100.

While our casino tournaments accept players with free entry, you must deposit money into your account to play and start climbing the leaderboards. We accept many accredited payment options, so you can choose what suits you.

  • Fiat Methods: Visa, Mastercard, bank transfers, web wallets like Skrill and Much Better, and prepaid solutions like PayMaya.
  • Cryptocurrencies: As a crypto-friendly platform, we support major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), and others
  • Popular crypto wallet picks include MetaMask, Coinbase, and Trust Wallet (or choose from 400+ others supported on Rivalry, giving you flexibility in your choice).

4) Browse Rivalry's casino tournaments

Once your Rivalry wallet is ready, you can explore our online casino tournaments and start competing. The qualifying games and slots for each freeroll tournament may vary, so read the rules and qualifying spend requirements before betting.

As you play, check the tournament leaderboards to track your rank against others, but note there may be up to a 30-minute delay before your points are updated.

What are the prize pools for Rivalry's online casino tournaments?

We're not dumb—you want to know what's at stake when you play in our online casino tournaments. Please be aware that the Daily and Weekly Races prize pool varies, depending on which you enter.

The type of Rivalry Race you want to enter will depend entirely on your play style and preferences. If you're in it for the long haul and want to play low and slow, weekly races are where it's at, as they run for seven consecutive days. Daily Races are for you if you prefer quick rewards without dilly-dallying.

Here is the prize pool distribution for daily and weekly online casino tournaments hosted at Rivalry.

Daily Races

In terms of Daily Rivalry Races, we offer a host of different games every single day of the week. We most commonly feature slots tournaments several times a week, with a sprinkle of other games in between.

Daily races begin at 00:00 UTC and end at 00:00 UTC the following day. There are 25 winners every day, seven days a week; could you be next?

  • 1st Place: $75
  • 2nd Place: $50
  • 3rd Place: $25
  • 4th to 7th Place: $15
  • 8th to 10th Place: $10
  • 11th to 25th Place: $4

Weekly Races

At Rivalry, we're all winners! Weekly Race participants ranked 1st to 150th will be rewarded with Casino Credits, so not all hope is lost. Like Daily Races, a range of casino games are offered to spice things up and keep competing interesting.

Weekly races kick off every Monday at 00:00 UTC, ending the following Monday at 00:00 UTC.

  • 1st Place: $450
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $150
  • 4th-10th Place: $90
  • 11th-20th Place: $27
  • 21st-50th Place: $10
  • 51st-100th Place: $5
  • 101st-150th Place: $4

Disclaimer: The winnings from slot tournaments will be credited as Casino Credits, not withdrawable cash, and will use the same currency as your most recent wager. Please allow up to 72 hours for these credits to appear in your account after the tournament ends.

If your casino credits do not arrive or you have other questions about our casino tournaments, contact our customer support team for further assistance.

online casinos with tournaments

Casino Tournament Strategies

Getting involved in comped tournaments at online casinos is super exciting. However, like anything involving online gambling, it requires strategies to maximize your chances of success and boost your winning potential.

We're here to help! Here are some tips to help you gain a competitive edge and be more successful in any Rivalry Race or slot tournament.

Understand the Tournament Rules

Ensure you carefully read the terms and conditions associated with each tournament from the casino hosting them to learn how everything works, including entry fees (if any), prize pool distribution, scoring mechanics, tournament format, and time limits. This will help you get a complete grasp of what's at stake and minimize any confusion.

Considering there can be tournament types, you should familiarize yourself with the specific tournament game you're interested in, considering their minimum bets, how to play, general gameplay rules, and other important information.

Manage Your Bankroll Wisely

Responsible online gambling is the cornerstone of all online casinos, with safety being one of the pillars of player success at Rivalry. One key element of responsible gambling practices involves careful budgeting and managing your bankroll. Bet within your means, using disposable income set aside for gambling online instead of money needed for necessities like covering rent, bills, groceries, etc.

Set a suitable budget for your gambling sesh and stick to it. All the casino games on Rivalry have in-game betting limits and Autoplay features, so the game will automatically stop when those limits are reached. You can also set limits on your Rivalry account, where you can set strict loss limits (Daily, Weekly, Monthly), deposit limits, and self-exclusion tools to temporarily freeze your account for your set amount of time. If you think you or someone you know has a potential gambling problem, we have additional resources to support you. Our 24/7 customer support team is on hand to provide guidance.

Leverage Casino Bonuses & Promotions

Keep your eyes peeled for exciting casino bonuses and promotions that can extend your playing time. For example, Rivalry offers a welcome bonus for new users that matches their first deposit up to $100! Our ongoing Refer a Friend campaign also lets you invite friends and family to join Rivalry, unlocking bonus funds for you both to play more casino games. These bonus funds can reduce your overall cost and extend your playtime to help you climb the leaderboards.

Optimize Your Time

The leaderboards can become more competitive as the event progresses in many free slots tournaments. Starting earlier can give you a headstart - Rivalry tournament play kicks off at 00:00 UTC daily. We also recommend playing during off-peak hours, where you might face less competition, allowing you to climb the ranks.

Most Importantly, Stay Calm & Have Fun

At the end of the day, online gambling is a fun hobby and should never be taken too seriously. Stay disciplined, and don't let your emotions dictate your gameplay.

It may be tempting, but don't go chasing after any losses. It's never worth it. At Rivalry, all our players are winners in our eyes, meaning even if you rank 150th in a Weekly Race, you'll still get some Casino Credits for your time. You should ultimately enjoy the process of competing and remember that casino tournaments are designed for entertainment.

scheduled tournaments at Rivalry

Interested in playing for a chance to win Casino Credits? Here's our current casino tournament schedule, with a new tournament game kicking off every Monday.

The schedule below will be updated weekly with our ongoing tournaments, featuring our hottest slot games and most underrated titles.

Ready To Start Playing?

What are you waiting for? Create a Rivalry account now and take part in the riveting Rivalry race action to get that adrenaline rush you've been craving. You could climb the leaderboard, claim the lion's share of the prize pool, and secure your spot in the record books. Good luck, and have fun!

Please note that any prize calculations, terms, and points awarded are subject to change. All prizes will be awarded at Rivalry discretion and subject to internal review for violations in terms or spirit of the competition. Always gamble responsibly—set gameplay or account limits, take regular breaks, and use our responsible gambling tools to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament play experience. Contact our customer support team for any additional guidance.

online casino and slot tournaments

Online Casino Tournaments FAQ

What online casinos have slot tournaments?

While we can't speak to other online casinos, Rivalry offers daily and weekly slot tournaments, aka Races, where players compete for Casino Credits to earn for even more bets on our website.

What are casino tournaments at Rivalry?

Tournaments, or races as they're known on Rivalry, see registered users compete on a leaderboard, where they play any of the specified games while following specific rules, aiming to earn the most comp points within the time limit. Rivalry Races run daily and weekly.

Can I win real money or free play in online casino tournaments?

Rivalry Races/tournaments reward players with Casino Credits, which are not withdrawable but can be used to enjoy more games with free spins. Unlike other online casinos, no entry fee is required.

However, real-money wagers are needed to progress on the leaderboard. With a minimum bet amount for most of our online slots starting at just $0.10 USD (or local currency equivalent), joining in is affordable and fun!

What other casino tournaments does Rivalry offer?

Rivalry offers a variety of casino tournaments that change weekly, showcasing a diverse mix of exciting games for you to check out. Visit the "Race" section in the casino to discover the latest offerings. These tournaments include classic table games like Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat, as well as quick-play options such as Aviator and online slot games. Stay tuned as more games are added to the lineup!