As the Riyadh Masters 2025 heads into its highly anticipated playoff stage, Dota 2 caster Vladislav “BLACKARXANGEL” Ivashchenko has offered his expert, and at times critical, perspective on the teams vying for the title. Sharing his thoughts via his personal Telegram channel, Ivashchenko provided a succinct breakdown of the remaining contenders, highlighting perceived strengths, weaknesses, and potential sticking points.
Key Assessments from the Caster
BLACKARXANGEL`s analysis touched upon each of the eight teams still in the running, giving followers a glimpse into an analyst`s mindset ahead of the decisive matches. His brief points included:
- Team Spirit: Noted for a weak laning phase and average drafts, but deemed potentially strong if allowed to pick signature heroes like Shadow Fiend or Terrorblade.
- Gaimin Gladiators: Praised their mid-laner`s capability to carry (“1v9”) and Ace`s proficiency on heroes such as Pit Lord. Added a touch of commentary regarding Melady`s early game tendencies.
- Aurora Gaming: Marked as a team capable of delivering surprises, with Ivashchenko expecting them to showcase strategic innovations (“zagotovok”).
- PARIVISION: Acknowledged a general slump within the team but highlighted their resilience under pressure (specifically against Xtreme) and the perceived strength of their mid-lane player combined with their support duo.
- BetBoom Team: Identified as having a strong laning stage, with gpk specifically called out as the top mid-laner in Ivashchenko`s view.
- Tundra Esports: Found their performance throughout the tournament rather unremarkable, singling out only one bright spot in 33`s notable Broodmother (“spider”) pick.
- Team Liquid: Described as the “strangest team,” appearing as favorites but potentially vulnerable to BetBoom Team in a semifinal matchup.
- Team Falcons: The most direct critique was reserved for this team, with Ivashchenko stating plainly that they “won`t start playing well until they change Cr1t-.” This points to a perceived fundamental issue with the team`s dynamic or performance stemming from the position 4 support player.
The Pointed Critique of Team Falcons
While assessments on form and strategy are commonplace in esports analysis, BLACKARXANGEL`s specific call for a roster change on Team Falcons is particularly noteworthy. Suggesting that replacing Andreas “Cr1t-” Nielsen is a prerequisite for the team`s success is a strong statement, implying a belief that the issue is not merely tactical or temporary but potentially tied to the team`s core composition or synergy around the veteran support player.
Tournament Context
These playoff analyses arrive as the Riyadh Masters 2025, a flagship event within the Esports World Cup 2025, enters its most critical phase. Hosted in Saudi Arabia from July 8th to 19th, the tournament features a significant $3 million prize pool. The remaining eight teams will begin their battle in the single-elimination playoff bracket starting July 16th, competing for ultimate glory and the lion`s share of the prize money.
BLACKARXANGEL`s candid observations provide fans and analysts alike with plenty to consider as the Riyadh Masters 2025 playoffs unfold, particularly the pointed suggestion regarding Team Falcons and their path forward.
Finley Holt