The air crackles with anticipation as The International 2025, Dota 2`s most prestigious tournament, hurtles towards its electrifying playoff stage. Eight elite teams stand on the precipice of esports glory, each vying for the coveted Aegis of Champions and a place in history. As the community buzzes with predictions, professional player Ilya “Kiritych” Ulyanov has offered his candid insights, not only on who might lift the ultimate prize but also on the capricious nature of predictions themselves.
Kiritych, known for his impactful presence in the Dota 2 scene, wasted no time in unveiling his primary contenders. His gaze turns eastward, pinpointing Chinese powerhouses Xtreme Gaming and ThyBound as the most likely candidates to seize the Aegis. His reasoning is as blunt as it is strategic: “the main kryptonite in the form of Spirit is not there, which means a direct road to the Aegis.” This assessment speaks volumes about the shifting meta, regional strengths, and the historical rivalries that define Dota 2`s highest echelons. The absence of a dominant force like Team Spirit, previous champions known for their disruptive strategies, theoretically clears a path, yet in the volatile world of professional Dota 2, a “direct road” often conceals the most treacherous detours.
However, Kiritych doesn`t limit his foresight to the East. He also casts a watchful eye on BetBoom Team and Team Falcons, suggesting that if these teams “get into the flow,” their victory could make this year`s International “even more interesting.” This notion of “getting into the flow” is a fascinating window into the psychological battlegrounds of esports. It speaks to the elusive momentum, the synergy that propels a team from contenders to champions, often built on adapting to pressure, executing flawlessly, and simply hitting peak performance when it matters most.
The group stage, often a warm-up act, received a rare commendation from Kiritych, who described it as “one of the most interesting tournaments in recent years,” a spectacle he hadn`t witnessed in a long time. This sentiment resonates with fans who appreciate the raw, unfiltered competition that precedes the double-elimination bracket. An engaging group stage sets a formidable precedent for the playoffs, hinting at the depth of talent and unpredictable strategies that will undoubtedly unfold.
Yet, even seasoned professionals like Kiritych are not immune to the whims of competitive Dota 2, particularly when it comes to the community`s beloved Compendium Fantasy Challenge. Ulyanov openly shared his struggles with the fantasy component, admitting that his early emblem choices and mid-lane/support selections were “very bad,” leading to a position far from the top 90%. His lament, “most likely already in 95% I will not get in, which means no spears on the floor,” is a relatable tale for many fans who`ve seen their meticulously crafted fantasy rosters crumble under the weight of unexpected outcomes.
He points to a specific incident – Nigma`s loss to Yakult in a crucial third map, despite holding a 30k net worth advantage – as a prime example of how a single unforeseen turn can derail an entire fantasy prognostication. Such moments underscore the inherent randomness and complexity embedded within Dota 2, where even insurmountable leads can vanish in a flurry of perfectly executed counter-plays.
Despite his fantasy woes, Kiritych retains a glimmer of hope for his playoff predictions. “Hope dies last,” he declares, acknowledging that accurately forecasting the main bracket, especially the early stages, is a “random” endeavor. His candidness offers a refreshing perspective: even with deep game knowledge, the sheer number of variables, the pressure, and the evolving meta make definitive predictions a high-stakes gamble.
As The International 2025 playoffs commence on September 11th, the world will watch as these eight teams battle for immortality. Kiritych`s insights offer a blend of professional analysis and personal reflection, reminding us that while strategy and skill are paramount, the unpredictable human element, the ebb and flow of momentum, and the occasional stroke of luck, often dictate who ultimately claims the Aegis of Champions. The stage is set, the predictions are in, and the journey to glory begins.
Finley Holt