Dota 2
CS2
2025 was a year when the Dota 2 competitive script was ripped up and rewritten almost monthly. Underdogs became champions, TI Champions were challenged, and the entire scene felt more alive and unpredictable than it has in a long time.
With the 7.40 meta expected to take shape through January, a month full of qualifier campaigns, the foundation for 2026's battles is also getting set now.
Historically, teams which are carried by momentum, a clear identity, and those that have the X-factor to turn a good run into a legendary one are those that will challenge the front runners. With that in mind, here are the five teams we think are most likely to deliver the biggest upsets in the season leading to The International 2026.
Team Yandex: The Cinderella story isn't over
From signing a promising-but-unproven stack in mid-2025 to hoisting the DreamLeague trophy in December, Yandex’s progress is the feel-good story of the year. But don’t mistake their rise for a fluke. The addition of TI-winner Martin "Saksa" Sazdov (on loan) wasn't just a roster move, it meant finding the missing link that transformed raw potential into a disciplined, tournament-winning team. Their late-2025 form through DreamLeague Division 2 (a 23-1 record), followed by winning DreamLeague Season 27, shows a team that learned how to win.
Read also: Glow up of the year - Team Yandex
Why to watch Team Yandex in 2026: The big question is sustainability. Can they maintain this form with a consistent roster? If Saksa stays and the young core of watson and CHIRA_JUNIOR continues to grow, they aren’t just a contender; they’re the team everyone must study and fear.
Team Yandex roster:
- Alimzhan "watson" Islambekov
- Ilya "CHIRA_JUNIOR" Chirtsov
- Evgeniy "Noticed" Ignatenko
- Martin "Saksa" Sazdov (on loan)
- Arman "Malady" Orazbayev
- coach: Alexander "Accell" Litvinenko
MOUZ: The methodical climbers
MOUZ’ 2025 roster rebuild unlocked a new tier of performance. Winning PGL Wallachia Season 6 and consistently placing in the top four at major events like the BLAST Slam series is no accident. They’ve transitioned from hopeful challengers to established professionals who understand how to win series against the world’s best.
Why to watch MOUZ in 2026: They mastered the art of the steady, relentless climb. They don’t rely on one superstar; they win through cohesive, structured play. In 2026, the goal shifts from reaching the top tier to dominating it. With their system proven, they are poised to become a permanent presence in the winner’s circle.
via MOUZ
MOUZ roster:
- Remco "Crystallis" Arets
- Yeik "MidOne" Nai Zheng
- Miroslav "BOOM" Bičan
- Daniyal "yamich" Lazebnyy
- Melchior "Seleri" Hillenkamp
- coach: Daniel "ImmortalFaith" Moza
Natus Vincere: The next generation is here
The graduates of NAVI Junior now carry the NAVI banner, and they are honouring the legacy. Qualifying for The International 2025 is an amazing achievement for a young squad. While a top-tier trophy eluded them in 2025, their consistent ability to finish in the upper echelons of LAN events (top 6 at BLAST Slam V, top 8 at Slam IV) proves they are not just qualifier specialists—they belong.
Why to watch NAVI in 2026: They have the raw skill and the big-stage experience. They now also have a three-time Major winner coach in Aske "Cy-" Larsen. The next logical step is converting deep runs into championships. With a year of top-level play under their belts, 2026 is when the youngsters are expected to break through and claim a title, truly starting a new era for the NAVI name.
NAVI roster:
- Taras "gotthejuice" Linnikov
- Artem "Niku" Bachkur
- Yurii "pma" Prots
- Baqyt "Zayac" Emiljanov
- Stanislav "Riddys" Mitroshkyn
- coach: Aske "Cy-" Larsen
OG: The sleeping beauty
OG hasn’t been OG for a long time. The old two-time TI Champions' magic got lost in an infinite loop of roster changes and unmet expectations, culminating in missing TI 2025 entirely. However, their new Southeast Asian lineup is quietly engineering a resurgence. Dominant runs at BLAST Slam V and DreamLeague Season 27 weren't just good results; they were a statement that the OG fighting spirit and strategic innovation are very much alive in a new era.
Read also: OG reborn in SEA; A resurgence nobody saw coming
Why to watch OG in 2026: At their peak, OG didn't just play the meta; they broke it. This new iteration shows the same fearless, creative spark. If they can harness their late-2025 momentum, they possess the org's legendary pedigree and the player talent to redefine the scene all over again. Never count out a two-time Aegis holder organisation that found its groove.
OG roster:
- John "Natsumi-" Vargas
- Erin Jasper "Yopaj" Ferrer
- Nikko "Force" Bilocura
- Timothy John "TIMS" Randrup
- Andrei "skem" Ong
- coach: Adam "343" Shah
Vici Gaming: The phoenix project
Once a pillar of Chinese Dota, Vici Gaming’s return in 2025 after a period of absence was a surprise. By signing a roster of seasoned and well-known players, they’ve signalled a serious commitment to returning to the top. While they are still in the re-forming stages, the sheer weight of their organisational history and the calibre of their players demand attention.
Xm via Vici Gaming
Why to watch VG in 2026: This is the ultimate wildcard. The potential ceiling is incredibly high, but the floor is uncertain. If the veteran lineup can build chemistry and adapt to the modern game, they have the individual skill to challenge any team in the world. Watching how this storied organisation rebuilds its identity will be one of the most intriguing narratives of 2026.
Vici Gaming roster
- Guo "shiro" Xuanang
- Guo "Xm" Hongcheng
- Chung "Ws" Wei Shen
- Lin "planet" Hao
- Zhang "y`" Yiping
- coach: Wang "Maps" Yutian
Conclusion
2026 promises to be a battle between established momentum and resurgent legacy. Whether it’s Yandex piling on trophies, OG rewriting their own history, or sleeping giants like Vici reawakening, one thing is clear: the path to the next Aegis will be hard to navigate for all the teams out there.