ESL decided to change the qualification system for the Chinese region for Dreamleague Season 26: instead of traditional online qualifiers, the slot for the tournament will be contested at ACL X ESL Challenger China . This offline event will take place in Shanghai from May 1 to 3, 2025, and its winner will receive a ticket to DreamLeague Season 26.
The ACL X ESL Challenger China tournament is organized by Hero Esports and ESL Gaming. It will serve as a qualifier not only for DreamLeague Season 26 but also for the Asian Champions League 2025. The format includes a double-elimination playoff featuring eight teams competing for a $100,000 prize pool.
Based on the competition results:
The winner will secure a slot at DreamLeague Season 26.
The top 4 will advance to the Asian Champions League 2025.
The Asian Champions League 2025, in turn, will be another important tournament for Chinese teams, as it will offer a slot for the Esports World Cup. Thus, ACL X ESL Challenger China could be the first step for Chinese players on their way to one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year.
ESL's decision to hold a LAN qualifier in China is an important step that could positively impact the regional scene. The offline format will allow for the determination of the best team in a competitive environment, without the influence of ping or other online match factors. At the same time, this tournament will provide an opportunity for Chinese teams not only to qualify for DreamLeague Season 26 but also to compete for a chance to participate in the Esports World Cup through the Asian Champions League 2025.
