Who will emerge victorious? Who will be the owner of a shiny new Mercedes? WILL THERE BE RAIN? For the third consecutive year, ESL One is bringing its Dota 2 tournament to Brum!

UK fans rejoice! One of the most beloved Dota 2 tournaments is back for the third time! 12 teams will battle it out in Birmingham to win their share of the $300,000 prize pool in the month of May.

It's BACK!#ESLOne Birmingham returns for its third consecutive year this May, from the 29th to 31st!



So gather up your stack, pack those umbrellas (it is the UK after all) and get ready for a tournament like no other!



🇬🇧 https://t.co/AB5MZc7QuC pic.twitter.com/mCKQt1U3L5 — ESL Dota2 (@ESLDota2) January 20, 2020

The tournament’s main stage will take place at Arena Birmingham from May 29th to 31st, with the group stage running from May 26th to 28th.

Aside from the 8 invited teams (still unannounced), regional qualifiers will be carried out to fill in the last 4 spots with one winner from each region (EU/CIS, NA, SEA, China).

“We’re extremely proud of what ESL One Birmingham means to the Dota 2 community. With the support of players, partners and fans, Birmingham is a truly unique tournament and atmosphere which will no doubt deliver yet more unforgettable moments again this year,” said James Dean, CEO at ESL UK. “We’re hugely thankful to each and everyone involved and would like to show our gratitude not only by providing a world-class final at the highest production level, but also by bringing even more excitement, features, and catchy chants to the Birmingham Arena.”

Team Secret – previous winner of ESL One Birmingham. Image Credit: ESL

This year tournament will also have a welcoming addition. ESL One Birmingham will host the grand finale of the first season of the ESL Academy on its main stage. ESL Academy is a Dota 2 tier 2 system organized by ESL and sponsored by DHL. The system’s goal – according to their website – is to develop, promote, and elevate undiscovered Dota 2 talent on the verge of going pro.

“Linking ESL Academy to the biggest esports tournament in the UK provides Dota 2 action at all levels, which fans can engage with the experience onsite and online,” said Ulrich Schulze, Senior Vice President Product at ESL. “It was therefore important for us to host the Academy’s finals at one of the most important tournaments in the ESL One series in Dota 2, ESL One Birmingham.”

Tickets for the event will be available starting Wednesday January 22nd. Head on over to ESL One’s website and prepare to get yourself a pair for one of the most buzzing Dota 2 tournaments of the year!

Make sure to follow Gamezo on Twitter for the latest updates and here for the latest esports news in full.