The curtains have closed on PARIVISION`s ambitious run at The International, Dota 2`s pinnacle event, as the team secured a respectable yet bittersweet third-place finish. While securing a spot on the podium is an achievement for any squad, the sting of defeat in the lower bracket final against Xtreme Gaming left a tangible mark. Post-match, PARIVISION`s support player, Andrey “Dukalis” Kuropatkin, offered a candid reflection, delving into both the tactical shortcomings and a contentious claim of external interference.
The Unexpected Symphony of Discord
For professional esports athletes, soundproof booths are supposed to be sanctuaries of focus, designed to isolate players from the roaring crowds and allow for crystal-clear team communication. Yet, according to Dukalis, this sanctuary was breached during their decisive second map against Xtreme Gaming. “We expected to put up a decent fight,” Dukalis stated. “Unfortunately, we didn`t make it to the final because, on the second map, Chinese fans were assisting the opposing team when they were in smoke.”
This isn`t a mere whisper of discontent. Coach Filipe “Astini” Astini corroborated the claim, detailing the nature of the alleged disturbance. “Chinese fans were hitting some kind of bowl or something similar, which produced a drum-like sound and vibrations,” Astini explained. “I heard the communication in team speak, and the microphones picked up these sounds, so it was definitely audible inside the booth. There`s no reason to make this up.” The irony is palpable: an arena of ten thousand, many of whom, Astini noted, publicly dismissed his claims, while the disruption allegedly permeated the very structure meant to prevent it.
It`s a perplexing scenario for live esports. While passionate crowds are the lifeblood of competitive gaming, the boundary between enthusiastic support and direct interference remains a delicate line. Astini did acknowledge a cessation of the noise on the third map, leaving it an open question whether the “instrument” was removed or merely relocated. Regardless, the seed of doubt regarding fair play in a high-stakes environment was sown.
A Glimpse into the Future: Ambition Forged in Defeat
Beyond the echoes of controversy, Dukalis offered a powerful testament to personal resilience and long-term vision. At just 23 years old, The International 2025 marked his debut on the grandest stage of Dota 2, an event where he already carved out a significant third-place finish. This achievement, far from satisfying his competitive hunger, appears to have intensified it.
“I think I`d like to play Dota 2 for more than ten years, if it doesn`t die,” Dukalis quipped, a sentiment that might draw a knowing smile from veterans of a rapidly evolving esports landscape. “I`m only 23, and this is my first TI where I`ve already managed to take third place. So, I will continue to try and become the best.”
His words paint a picture of an athlete who views this setback not as an end, but as a stepping stone. The third map, he clarified, was lost not to external noise but to internal execution, specifically failing to secure the crucial second Roshan. This self-awareness, coupled with an unwavering commitment, suggests that PARIVISION`s journey, and Dukalis`s personal quest for supremacy, are far from over.
The Road Ahead
PARIVISION`s performance at The International 2025 has certainly put them on the map, not just for their formidable play but also for bringing a rarely discussed facet of live esports to the forefront. As the team reflects and rebuilds, the question of maintaining competitive integrity amidst a fervent audience will likely spark further debate within the community. For Dukalis, however, the path is clear: continuous improvement and an unyielding pursuit of that elusive first-place trophy. The esports world will undoubtedly be watching.
Finley Holt