In the high-stakes arena of professional Dota 2, few moments resonate as deeply as securing a berth in The International playoffs. For Vitaliy “Save-” Melnik, the esteemed support player for BetBoom Team, their recent victory against regional rivals PARIVISION was not just a strategic triumph; it was a deeply personal and cathartic milestone.
The Dream Realized, The Circle Complete
The International, or TI, stands as the pinnacle of competitive Dota 2, a tournament where legends are forged and dreams either take flight or are deferred. Save- openly confessed that making it to the main stage of TI each year is a deeply cherished aspiration. This year, however, the significance was amplified by an unexpected twist of fate.
“I`m incredibly happy. Playing in the main stage of TI every year is my dream. It`s always great to play in the playoffs, there are more emotions. That`s what we play Dota for. I`m already looking forward to the next matches. By the way, in 2019 in Hamburg, I think even in the same arena, I made my LAN debut — just like gpK~. So I`m really looking forward to it.”
His first major LAN appearance in 2019, alongside his teammate gpK~, occurred in Hamburg—potentially in the very same arena where BetBoom Team would now vie for the Aegis of Champions. This serendipitous return to a place of early career milestones imbues the current journey with an almost poetic sense of completion, a full-circle narrative that transcends mere competition.
A Rivalry Forged, A Streak Broken
While the personal significance was palpable, the immediate jubilation stemmed from vanquishing a formidable adversary: PARIVISION. Save- didn`t mince words, describing PARIVISION as BetBoom Team`s “personal enemy” from the CIS region. The rivalry had been a persistent thorn in their side, with BetBoom Team consistently falling short since late 2023.
“First, of course, [we were so happy to win] because we made it to the TI playoffs. Second, we beat PARIVISION — they are our personal enemy from the CIS. We lost to them almost all last year, and finally, we won — also a reason for joy. My teammate even destroyed his keyboard: when the enemy throne fell, he just hit it.”
The intensity of this rivalry culminated in a decisive 2:1 victory, which, for Save- and his team, was far more than just a playoff qualifier. It was an emphatic declaration, a release of pent-up frustration, and a testament to their perseverance. The anecdote of a teammate “destroying his keyboard” in a fit of ecstatic victory perfectly encapsulates the raw, unbridled emotion that defines these high-stakes encounters.
The CIS Crucible: Forging Champions Through Competition
Beyond the immediate triumph, Save- offered a keen insight into the competitive landscape of the CIS region. He posited that the sheer density of strong teams within the CIS acts as a crucible, constantly challenging and refining each contender.
“[Question: `Why, in your opinion, is there such high competition in the CIS? Does the importance of matches against teams from your region make you play better, or do emotions only hinder you?`] When emotions get involved in the game, everyone starts making mistakes. In the CIS, there are a lot of strong teams — that`s what makes everyone in the region better: you have to play very well to win here. I like that.”
This environment, while emotionally taxing—where a single misstep born of heightened feelings can be catastrophic—ultimately fosters growth. The necessity to consistently perform at an exceptional level against regional peers, Save- argues, is what propels CIS teams to excel on the global stage. It`s a pragmatic view of competition, acknowledging the double-edged sword of emotion while embracing the rigor it demands.
The Unthinkable Comeback
The decisive match against PARIVISION was not merely a victory; it was a spectacle of resilience. On the third and final map, BetBoom Team found themselves in a dire situation, trailing by an astronomical 29,000 gold. For most teams, such a deficit would signal an insurmountable disadvantage, a precursor to an inevitable defeat. Yet, BetBoom Team orchestrated a breathtaking comeback, clawing their way back into contention and ultimately seizing victory.
This remarkable turnaround underscores not only their technical prowess but also their unwavering mental fortitude. To maintain composure, execute complex strategies, and reverse such a significant gold disadvantage under the immense pressure of a TI playoff qualifier is a rare feat, cementing their place as a team to watch in the upcoming main stage.
Moving Forward: The Road to the Aegis
With their playoff spot secured and a significant rival vanquished, BetBoom Team now looks ahead to the main event of The International 2024. Save-`s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the complex emotional and technical landscape of professional esports. His journey from a LAN debut in Hamburg to the grand stage of TI, marked by fierce rivalries and incredible comebacks, is a testament to the enduring appeal and intensity of Dota 2 at its highest level.
Finley Holt