Top Underdog Teams at Dota 2 The International 2025

When it comes to DOTA 2 predictions, The International always delivers surprises. Each year, fans witness the rise of unexpected contenders — underdog teams that surpass expectations and challenge the established elite. For TI 2025, three such teams stand out not only for their qualification stories but also for the very real threat they pose to higher-seeded opponents. Let’s explore why Team Nemesis, NAVI Junior, and HEROIC could be the tournament’s most dangerous dark horses.

Team Nemesis – The Filipino Dream

Team Nemesis steps into The International 2025 not just as a regional surprise but as a potential global disruptor. Hailing from the fiercely competitive Southeast Asian circuit, this all-Filipino squad captivated the region by defeating powerhouse Talon Esports 2-1 in the upper bracket finals of the qualifiers. Their run was nothing short of cinematic — after stumbling early, they clawed their way through the open qualifiers and dismantled BOOM Esports and Execration, setting up a dramatic clash with Talon that they emphatically won.

At the helm is seasoned offlaner Polo "Raven" Fausto, a name well-known to long-time fans. A veteran of TNC Predator’s famous TI6 upset over OG, Raven provides both stability and strategic depth. Mid-laner Mc "Mac" Villanueva has emerged as the team’s primary catalyst, often fielding explosive picks like Morphling and Tiny, executing game-winning plays that showcase both instinct and raw mechanics.

What makes Team Nemesis uniquely dangerous isn’t just their form — it’s their unpredictability. With minimal international exposure and a coach like Andrei "skem" Ong (on loan from Shopify Rebellion), this team is operating from the shadows. Rivals won’t have enough data or tape to prepare for them, and that mystery factor could tip critical matchups in their favor.

NAVI Junior – Youth Meets Legacy

The story of NAVI Junior is a masterclass in renewal. While the main NAVI roster faltered in Eastern Europe, their junior squad stunned the Dota 2 world by qualifying through Western Europe, arguably the toughest region in competitive Dota. Their path was anything but easy — they beat Yellow Submarine, Nigma Galaxy, and 1win, before sealing their place at TI by toppling none other than OG in a 2-1 thriller.

What separates NAVI Junior is the perfect blend of fresh talent and experienced leadership. Their captain, Bakyt "W_Zayac" Emilzhanov, provides critical direction and composure during chaotic mid- and late-game skirmishes. Meanwhile, rising star Artem "Niku" Bachkur controls the tempo from mid, keeping opponents on the back foot with his versatile hero pool and aggressive laning phase.

Comparisons to Team Spirit’s 2021 miracle run aren’t unwarranted — Niku himself hinted at “secret strategies” reserved for the main stage. This team may be young, but they’re playing with veteran-level poise. If momentum swings their way in the early rounds, NAVI Junior could become TI 2025’s breakout story.

HEROIC – South American Resilience

Representing South America, HEROIC is more than just a feel-good qualifier story — they’re a battle-hardened squad with serious upset potential. This Norwegian-backed team weathered intense regional competition and secured their TI spot after a grueling 3-1 lower bracket victory over Edge.

Their roster is stacked with regional heavyweights: Yuma, 4nalog, Wisper, Scofield, and KJ. Collectively, they bring a potent mix of laning dominance and late-game discipline. HEROIC’s strength lies in their resilience — they’ve bounced back repeatedly from deficits and high-pressure games, showing a mental toughness that bodes well for the unpredictable nature of TI’s Swiss-system format.

What really turned heads was their showing at the Esports World Cup 2025, where they managed to split a series 1-1 against Team Liquid — one of the global favorites. They not only earned a playoff spot but proved they could hang with the best. HEROIC isn’t coming to TI to participate — they’re coming to contend.

Honorable Mentions: More Teams That Could Surprise

While the spotlight is on our top three, several other squads have shown flashes of brilliance and could easily capitalize on the chaos of a Swiss-format tournament:

• Aurora Gaming (Eastern Europe): Featuring TI champions TORONTOTOKYO and Mira, their pedigree is undeniable — but recent inconsistencies leave question marks.
• Wildcard Gaming (North America): As NA’s lone representative, they stunned Shopify Rebellion in qualifiers. Their sheer grit could help them punch above their weight.
• BOOM Esports (Southeast Asia): Despite missing direct qualification, their experience and coordination make them a team no one wants to face in lower brackets.

Why Underdogs Matter at TI

The International isn’t just about dominance — it’s about defiance. The history books are filled with teams that rose from obscurity to legendary status in a matter of weeks. From Team Spirit’s incredible run in 2021 to Wings Gaming’s 2016 fairytale finish, Dota 2 thrives on unpredictability.

This year’s Swiss-system adds another layer of intrigue. It creates more matchups between similarly skilled teams and gives underdogs more breathing room to gain momentum. It also reduces early knockouts from one bad series, making the format a perfect storm for dark horse teams to rise.

Final Thoughts

Team Nemesis, NAVI Junior, and HEROIC aren’t just underdogs — they’re legitimate contenders waiting for their moment. Whether it’s the fiery passion of a historic Filipino squad, the disciplined unpredictability of a rising European youth movement, or the resilient grit of a South American powerhouse, each team has what it takes to change the narrative at The International 2025.

So as fans, analysts, and bettors prepare their DOTA 2 predictions, keep your eyes on these names. Because in the world of Dota 2, underdogs don’t just dream — they conquer.