DreamLeague Season 28 Stage 1 Predictions, Picks & Odds

Michael Hassall Published February 16, 2026

DreamLeague Season 28 is here, kicking off just hours after the conclusion of BLAST Slam VI, ESL’s long-running tournament series returns with a 16-team international tournament.

With crucial EPT points at stake, and qualification for the Esports World Cup, Riyadh Masters, on the line, there’s a lot to play for, and some of the best teams in the world are participating. And with that stacked line-up, it’s harder to find clear winners. Still, here’s our predictions and picks for DreamLeague Season 28 Group Stage 1.

DreamLeague Season 28 Stage 1 Odds

Here’s the current odds for DreamLeague Season 28:

Image Credit: ESL

DreamLeague Season 28 Picks

This group stage is going to be a bloodbath. While there’s no ‘group-of-death,’ there are more around a dozen great Dota 2 teams that could make the fact there’s only eight slots in the next stage a problem.

Let’s start with the teams that probably won’t make the grade:

• Yakult Brothers are one of the best teams in SEA, but against international competition, they’ll struggle, especially in a group with a more potent SEA team in the new OG lineup.
• paiN Gaming are going to have a rough few days with matchups against Team Liqudi Yandex, and BetBoom Team to come
• GamerLegion, and Execration will likely struggle against a group with six top-flight teams, including Team Falcons, Tundra Esports, and Xtreme Gaming.

On the teams to watch:

• PARIVISION and Aurora Gaming are fresh and rested this year, having missed BLAST Slam IV. They’re also incredibly talent-filled. Expect them at the top of the table.
• We’d pick Team Liquid, Team Falcons, and Tundra Esports to win almost any game they’re involved in this tournament.
• OG and MOUZ have proved they can punch above their weight, and will likely be shoe-ins for Group Stage 2.

Teams that could surprise:

• It’s perhaps controversial we’ve not rated them higher, but NAVI still have an asterix next to their name despite making the finals of BLAST Slam VI. The team is young, and benefited from a decent format helping them.
• Team Yandex is a sink-or-swim team. They’ll either blow teams out of the water this group stage, or limp to the finish line. But they won the previous edition, so it’s hard to count out repeat winners.

DreamLeague Season 28 Group Stage 1 Predictions

Image: ESL via X

As mentioned, with eight teams facing elimination over the next few days, this is going to be a blood bath. Our Dota 2 betting picks to make it out of the group stage are as follows.

Group A

• Team Liquid
• Aurora Gaming
• PARIVISION
• OG

Group B

• Xtreme Gaming
• Team Falcons
• Team Spirit
• Tundra Esports

There’s likely to be some tough matches and some tiebreaker rules coming into effect, and this is a breeding ground for upsets. Still just on performance and talent, our picks are clear.

Just on first glance, DreamLeague Season 28’s opening stage should deliver constant drama from start to finish. While some teams have momentum from recent events, others are testing fresh rosters, and there’s always the pressure of EPT points. Expect close scorelines, surprise results, and possibly a few upsets before the dust settles, as the teams that adapt quickest and stay consistent under pressure earn their place in the next phase.

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Featured Image Credit: ESL