Raleigh, North Carolina, to Host ESL One Event in 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina, has been selected to host an ESL One Dota 2 Major from April 7–13, 2025, at the Raleigh Convention Center. The event, organized by the ESL FACEIT Group, marks the return of the ESL One circuit to the United States. The tournament will feature 12 elite teams competing for a $1 million prize pool, with four teams receiving direct invitations and eight qualifying through regional competitions.

The selection of Raleigh is supported by the N.C. Esports Incentive Grant Fund, a state-level initiative established in 2021 to attract major esports tournaments through tax incentives and business benefits. Local officials, including representatives from the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Raleigh Esports Local Organizing Committee, view the event as a significant opportunity to drive regional economic growth.

This initiative follows the success of the 2023 LCS Spring Finals in Raleigh, which generated an estimated $2.74 million in direct economic impact for Wake County and supported 1,178 jobs. Local stakeholders anticipate that the 2025 Dota 2 Major will provide a similar boost to the local hospitality, retail, and service sectors. By hosting this global competition, Raleigh aims to further solidify its reputation as a premier destination for large-scale esports events, leveraging both state-backed financial incentives and existing infrastructure to capture the attention of the international gaming community.