Aurora Gaming support Nikita “Panto” Balaganin commented on the team`s qualification for Riyadh Masters 2025 in Dota 2. In an interview during the DreamLeague Season 26 broadcast, he noted that as a high-level player, he wasn`t overly surprised by the result, as he had set this goal from the start.
[Qualifying for EWC] was my main goal. Most Dota players have huge egos. For example, you might not say it about me based on my words, but I consider myself almost the best `position five` and believe I play better than everyone else. Therefore, my goal is to perform and win at the biggest championships. So, qualifying for EWC is not some kind of surprise for me, but something I deserve. Yes, you could say I think too highly of myself, but I believe you need exactly this mindset at the highest level.
Question: `And how does such an ego coexist with you not being allowed to hit creeps?`
It`s a matter of balance: I won`t hit creeps as long as others are winning for me. If they don`t win, well…
Aurora Gaming finished in the top 4 at DreamLeague Season 26 and secured an invitation to Riyadh Masters 2025. Panto`s team can still achieve a higher place in the tournament: on May 31, the roster will face PARIVISION in the upper bracket of the playoffs.
Finley Holt