Summary:
- With a $1 million prize pool, BLAST Slam IV 2025 marks the first-ever LAN event in Singapore
- Through a single-elimination format from November 7–9, the six top Dota 2 teams fight for victory.
- A direct invite to BLAST Slam VI in Malta next year and major prizes await the winners.
Hosting its first-ever LAN event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from November 7 to 9. BLAST Slam IV 2025 marks a major milestone for Dota 2. It gathers top international teams for a fierce showdown, as the first Tier 1 tournament of the 2025/2026 season. The event kicks off a thrilling new era for competitive Dota with a million-dollar prize pool and a stacked lineup.
A New Era for BLAST Slam IV 2025
BLAST Slam IV brings players and fans together for a live stadium experience unlike its earlier online editions. Where twelve teams battled for six Playoff spots, the event began with online group stages in mid-October. While others such as MOUZ, Aurora Gaming, Heroic, and Team Spirit fought through Play-Ins to secure their places. Top contenders like Team Falcons and Tundra Esports dominated Early.
A tighter competition, shorter playoff brackets, and new faces eager to prove their worth this season introduces to fans. Settling the tone for the rest of the season. This doubles as the first Tier 1 Dota 2 event after International 2025.
The Format and Structure
A clear and fast-paced structure is followed by BLAST Slam IV. The group stage featured best-of-one matches among all twelve teams to determine their initial seedings. While the remaining squads entered the play-in phase for quarterfinal spots, the top two teams advanced straight to semifinals.
Two starting in the semifinals and four battling it out in the quarterfinals, only six teams qualified for the Playoffs. Except the grand finals, which will be a full best-of-five series, every playoff match.
Playoff Schedule and Matchups
| Stage | Matchup | Date | Details |
| Quarterfinal 1 | MOUZ vs Team Spirit | November 7 | Winner advances to face Tundra Esports in semifinals |
| Quarterfinal 2 | Aurora Gaming vs Heroic | November 7 | Winner advances to face Team Falcons in semifinals |
| Semifinal 1 | Tundra Esports vs Quarterfinal 1 Winner | November 8 | Best-of-three series |
| Semifinal 2 | Team Falcons vs Quarterfinal 2 Winner | November 8 | Best-of-three series |
| Grand Final | Semifinal 1 Winner vs Semifinal 2 Winner | November 9 | Best-of-five championship match |
Giving fans a rare opportunity to watch their favorite teams in action, all matches are held live in Singapore. For players competing on LAN for the first time, the live format adds an extra layer of pressure and excitement.
Prize Pool and Future Rewards
| Placement | Prize Money | Team Earnings | Total |
| 1st (Champion) | US$300,000 | US$100,000 | US$400,000 |
| 2nd (Runner-up) | US$150,000 | US$50,000 | US$200,000 |
| 3rd–4th | US$60,000 | US$20,000 | US$80,000 |
| 5th–6th | US$35,000 | US$15,000 | US$50,000 |
| 7th–8th | $30,000 | $7,500 | US$37,500 |
| 9th–10th | $25,000 | $5,000 | US$30,000 |
| 11th–12th | $10,000 | $2,500 | US$12,500 |
The total prize pool is US$1,000,000, with US$750,000 distributed directly to teams and US$250,000 given as organizational earnings. Other than money, BLAST Slam VI takes place in Malta in February 2026, where the top four teams earn invites. As even mid-tier placements carry long-term benefits for the next phase of the BLAST circuit, every match becomes crucial.
Players to Watch
This year’s event isn’t just about teams—it’s about individual stories. Making a long-awaited return to LAN competition after nearly two years, MidOne, MOUZ’s veteran midlaner, is ready to compete again. Meanwhile, stepping into the shoes of legendary leader Miposhka, Panto joins Team Spirit as their new captain. Maintaining the team’s world-class standards, the young support faces enormous pressure to perform.
On the side of Heroic’s, a bold role change surprises the fans, making Wisper from offlane to midlane. Making BLAST Slam IV being the real test, but early results suggest his transition has been smooth.
Mikoto stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s top talents now competing alongside Eastern European veterans from Aurora Gaming. His adaptability across regions makes his story fascinating. Lastly, seeking to prove himself among elite companies on one of Dota’s biggest stages. Ari of Tundra Esports is one of the newest additions to the team.
Final Thoughts
High competition, evolving talent, and global ambition, BLAST Slam IV 2025 embodies the spirit of modern Dota 2. With its live format, exciting storylines, and million-dollar prize, it’s a celebration of both the game’s legacy and its future. Fans can look forward to seeing new legends rise and old champions return to glory, as lights shine on Singapore.
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