Following Xtreme Gaming`s unexpected early departure from Riyadh Masters 2025, outspoken Dota 2 streamer Alexander `Nix` Levin didn`t hold back in his assessment of the Chinese squad`s performance. Speaking on his Twitch channel, Nix pinpointed what he believes to be the core issue plaguing the talented roster: a fundamental lack of leadership and strategic direction.
According to Nix, Xtreme Gaming is in dire need of a “general”—a strong captain capable of making decisive calls in the heat of the moment. He argued that the team currently operates without a central strategic mind, leaving the players seemingly directionless at critical junctures.
Nix`s critique suggests that while the individual players may possess mechanical skill, they appear unable to collectively formulate and execute complex strategic plays. He controversially stated they are “capable of no more than one action” and metaphorically suggested there is “no brain in the team” from a tactical standpoint. This, in his view, prevents them from adapting effectively and making the necessary decisions regarding targets, item timings, and map movements.
The streamer connected this perceived leadership vacuum to the recent departure of Zhang `faith_bian` Ruida, a highly respected former captain and TI6 winner known for his strategic acumen. Nix questioned who was stepping up to fill this crucial role, casting doubt on the current roster`s capacity for shotcalling. He specifically mentioned players like Poloson and XinQ, suggesting they focus more on individual mechanics (“just pressing buttons”) rather than overarching strategy. Even the team`s midlaner, Xm, according to Nix, doesn`t seem to be providing the necessary strategic calls.
In a rather bleak assessment, Nix suggested this issue wasn`t necessarily new or unique, painting a picture of a team whose success seems more dependent on chance than calculated execution. He expressed cynicism about the situation improving quickly, lamenting that some players seem to miss “basic moments,” reducing games to a simple coin flip: “Got lucky – won, didn`t get lucky – lost, one of two.”
Xtreme Gaming`s run at Riyadh Masters 2025 concluded in the second stage, failing to reach the playoffs after a decisive 0-2 loss against PARIVISION. Nix`s analysis provides a stark explanation for their performance, suggesting that despite possessing a roster of individually skilled players, their inability to function as a strategically cohesive unit ultimately proved to be their downfall on the international stage.
Finley Holt