Team India shines at DOTA 2 OXY25 South Asia Qualifier: Advances to grand finals in Russia

Unbeaten campaign secures top spot with 5 points as India and Nepal qualify

Team India has delivered a commanding performance to top the 2025 Open Esports Student Games (OXY25) South Asia Qualifier for DOTA 2, earning their place in the Grand Finals in Russia.

The team’s exceptional campaign saw them finish undefeated with 5 points from 3 matches, showcasing tactical superiority and consistent execution against regional competition.

The four-nation qualifier produced thrilling competition across the round-robin format, with India emerging as clear winners ahead of Nepal (4 points), Bangladesh (2 points), and Sri Lanka (1 point).

India’s perfect record of 2 wins and 1 draw demonstrated their strategic depth and adaptability, while Nepal’s strong performance earned them the second qualification spot for the global championship.

DOTA 2 grand finals await

At OXY25 Grand Finals in Russia, India and Nepal will face elite competition from nations including the USA, Brazil, China, Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Serbia, Vietnam, and more across South Asia, Central Asia, the Americas, the MENA region, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond. 

With a total prize pool of 5.5 million Russian rubles (approximately ₹55 lakh) on the line, the stakes have never been higher for university-level DOTA 2 competition.

This qualification marks a significant achievement for Indian university esports, as Team India prepares to compete on one of the most prestigious global platforms for student gaming. The tournament represents the pinnacle of collegiate DOTA 2 competition, bringing together the world’s top university teams in an intense battle for supremacy.

India’s dominant showing reinforces the country’s growing reputation in international DOTA 2 competition, particularly at the university level where the next generation of esports athletes continue to develop their skills and gain valuable competitive experience against world-class opposition.

Conclusion

Expressing his excitement about the qualification, Abhishek Yadav said, “Finishing at the top of the South Asia Qualifier is an incredible achievement for our team. We worked tirelessly throughout the campaign, focusing on our team coordination and strategic execution. Representing India at the Grand Finals in Russia against teams from USA, China, Brazil and other top nations is both an honor and a responsibility. With ₹55 lakh in prize money and national pride at stake, we’re determined to continue this momentum and compete at the highest level. The competition will be intense, but we’re ready to give everything we have for our country.”

Congratulating the team on their outstanding performance, Lokesh Suji, Director, Esports Federation of India, said, “Team India’s flawless qualification campaign exemplifies the exceptional talent within our university esports ecosystem. Their unbeaten record and tactical excellence throughout the South Asia Qualifier demonstrate the dedication and skill that define Indian competitive gaming. As they advance to compete against elite teams from across continents in Russia, with substantial prize money and global recognition at stake, we are confident they will continue to showcase India’s rising prominence in international DOTA 2 and inspire aspiring esports athletes across the nation.”

The OXY25 Grand Finals represents a milestone opportunity for Indian esports to demonstrate its competitive strength against the world’s best university teams, highlighting the country’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the rapidly growing global esports landscape.

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