The intensity of The International 2025 (TI14) reached a fever pitch in the upper bracket semifinals, pitting two titans of Dota 2 against each other: Team Falcons and BetBoom Team. Following their hard-fought 2:1 victory, Team Falcons` mid-laner, Stanislav “Malr1ne” Potorak, offered candid insights into the series, touching upon crucial strategic decisions and even extending a rather pointed “thank you” to an opponent.
A High-Stakes Clash in the Upper Bracket
The stakes were immense, with a direct path to the upper bracket final on the line. Team Falcons, known for their aggressive play and innovative drafts, faced a formidable BetBoom Team. The series, as Malr1ne detailed in a post-match interview, was a testament to both teams` tactical depth, and the razor-thin margins that define elite-level Dota 2.
Game One: The Roshan That Got Away
Despite their eventual triumph, the series began with a stumble for Team Falcons in the first game. Malr1ne openly acknowledged a fundamental oversight that cost them the map. “There was a very simple mistake [in Game 1]; we`d made it before in groups,” he explained. “We just had to take Roshan, and the game would have ended. In the second and third games, we simply took Roshan, moved forward, and that was it—they couldn`t do anything.” His reflection highlighted the critical importance of objective control, a lesson they quickly re-applied to secure their comeback.
The Drafts That Defined Game Two: A Tactical Gambit
Perhaps the most talked-about segment of the interview revolved around the pivotal Game Two drafts. This is where strategic vision clashed, leading to some unexpected hero choices and Malr1ne`s memorable comments.
Pure~`s Anti-Mage: A Calculated Risk, or a Gift?
BetBoom Team`s decision to draft Anti-Mage, piloted by Ivan “Pure~” Moskalenko, raised eyebrows among analysts and, evidently, among their opponents. Malr1ne, with a hint of dry wit, commented on the choice. “I can`t help here; Pure~ has his own vision of the game. And Sand King, in general, I wouldn`t say is bad against Anti-Mage; he can`t dodge the stun. I don`t know. Well, thank you, Pure~.” The “thank you” carried an unmistakable undertone, implying that the Anti-Mage pick, particularly against Team Falcons` Sven, might have inadvertently smoothed their path to victory. It was a moment of subtle competitive banter, suggesting Falcons felt they were handed an advantage.
ATF`s Huskar: The Trump Card Unveiled
On Team Falcons` side, the last-pick Huskar, played by Ammar “ATF” Al-Assaf, proved to be an ingenious counter to the Anti-Mage. Malr1ne elaborated on this strategic maneuver: “Huskar was, let`s say, a trump card. Ammar [ATF] never really considered him, but he understood there was one condition: Anti-Mage. Who is Anti-Mage going to drain mana from? So Ammar looks, thinks, `Well, there`s this hero and that hero.` But no, he just picked Huskar.” This illustrates the dynamic interplay of hero counters at the highest level, where one player`s seemingly risky pick becomes the perfect setup for another`s decisive move. Malr1ne also playfully highlighted ATF`s strong will in drafting: “He gave us a choice of two heroes. We`ve been working with Ammar for a long time, so I know: when there`s a choice of two heroes, there`s no choice.”
Sealing the Deal: Game Three and Beyond
With the momentum from their Game Two victory, Team Falcons closed out the series in the third game. When asked about his approach to opponents in the final map, Malr1ne responded with characteristic confidence and a touch of showmanship: “I think I specifically left that for dessert, when the throne was already falling. To finish off the enemy, so to speak.” It`s a mentality indicative of a team operating at peak performance, meticulously planning not just to win, but to dominate.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Grand Finals
Team Falcons` 2:1 triumph over BetBoom Team propels them forward in the upper bracket. Their next challenge awaits on September 13th, where they will face PARIVISION for a coveted spot in the Grand Finals of TI14. BetBoom Team, while relegated to the lower bracket, will continue their arduous journey through the elimination rounds, with every match now a fight for survival. The tournament promises more strategic battles and high-octane Dota 2 action as teams vie for the Aegis of Champions.
Finley Holt