The International 2025, Dota 2`s most prestigious event, has officially kicked off, immersing fans worldwide in a torrent of high-stakes action. The group stage, notorious for its parallel broadcasts and relentless pace, has already delivered a plethora of unforgettable moments. For those who found themselves navigating the demands of work or study rather than live streams, we`ve compiled a recap of the most impactful and intriguing events from the tournament`s opening matches.
A Fiery Opening: Rampage and Roster Mayhem
The wait for the first major highlight was remarkably brief. Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk wasted no time in making his mark, securing a Rampage in his very first game of the championship. Poor Wildcard Gaming found themselves on the receiving end of this early display of dominance, setting a high bar for individual performance right out of the gate.
Perhaps one of the most talked-about series of the initial round was the clash between BetBoom Team and Nigma. BetBoom, widely considered a strong favorite from the CIS region, faced an unexpected challenge. Prior to TI, Nigma`s carry, Daniel “Ghost” Chan, had hinted at some unconventional hero picks, including a potent Lone Druid. True to his word, Ghost unleashed the “bear” in their debut match, and what followed was a masterclass in solo macro-play.
Despite BetBoom Team`s superior teamfight prowess and control for much of the game, they struggled to convert their advantage. Ghost`s Lone Druid relentlessly outmaneuvered them on the map, forcing BetBoom to repeatedly return to base as a full unit to defend against the encroaching bear and its handler. Initial chuckles from commentators and viewers about BetBoom potentially using Faceless Void`s ultimate, Chronosphere, on a single bear soon turned to incredulity when it actually happened. The astonishing part? Even a Chronosphere wasn`t enough to save their barracks. Nigma, largely avoiding direct teamfights, leveraged Ghost`s unparalleled macro-pressure to claim the map, cementing the “BetBoom vs. The Bear” narrative as an instant meme that will likely echo throughout the tournament.
Innovation and Revival: Tinker`s Unexpected Comeback and Pudge`s Return
PARIVISION entered The International with a clear intent to experiment, and their first matches were a testament to this philosophy. They showcased a support Alchemist, with “9Class” farming an Aghanim`s Scepter for his teammates – a sight rarely witnessed since the days of Ceb. However, the true showstopper was their Tinker pick against Heroic. Not as a support, nor even as a traditional mid-laner, but as a carry. “Satanic” didn`t attempt a physical damage build, opting instead for a familiar mid-lane item progression. Despite Heroic`s valiant efforts and several moments where victory seemed within reach, they simply couldn`t contend with a hyper-late game Tinker dealing an astronomical 97,000 damage. Satanic`s performance declared his readiness for his TI debut with resounding clarity.
Another beloved hero, Pudge, had been steadily gaining traction in high-MMR matchmaking and the professional scene leading up to TI2025. The question lingered: would the “Butcher” be relevant on the biggest stage? While PARIVISION and Team Falcons were expected to unveil him, it was Heroic who drew first blood, picking Pudge for “Wisper” in the offlane. The pick proved reasonably effective, though not enough to secure a win against PARIVISION. Nevertheless, Pudge`s early debut suggests fans might see more of his iconic hooks throughout the tournament, perhaps even defining a new meta.
Struggles of Giants and the Rise of Underdogs
Aurora Gaming`s start to TI was, to put it mildly, less than ideal. Their 0:2 loss to Xtreme not only highlighted a lack of synergy but also a performance well below their usual standard. Excluding the matches involving Wildcard, this series was arguably the least engaging due to its stark lack of competitive tension. Across two maps, Aurora managed a mere 19 kills, struggling visibly with fragmented teamfights and a noticeable absence of coordination.
The underwhelming performance clearly frustrated not only Aurora`s fans but also the players themselves. A particularly candid moment captured “TORONTOTOKYO” before the second map, passionately (and at length) addressing his teammates – a rare glimpse into the raw emotions and urgent strategizing that define high-stakes esports at this level.
Conversely, Xtreme Gaming, a team that was reportedly on the brink of disbandment just months prior, and whose carry, Wang “Ame” Chunyu, had shown inconsistent form, exploded onto the scene. Many pundits had written them off as a mid-tier contender, perhaps even outside of playoff contention. Yet, Xtreme and Ame`s start was nothing short of spectacular. Across their first three maps, Ame achieved a flawless 40 kills with zero deaths – a remarkable feat, especially considering these victories came against two top-tier CIS teams. Chunyu has certainly started his TI journey on a high note; the challenge now is to maintain that incredible momentum and prove the doubters wrong.
Pleasingly, many of the nominal underdogs displayed impressive resilience and skill in their opening matches. Teams like Yakutou Brothers, Natus Vincere, BOOM Esports, and Team Nemesis all managed to challenge their stronger counterparts, even snatching maps. Nigma Gaming, as previously highlighted, went a step further, securing an entire series win against a formidable BetBoom Team, proving that the gap between favorites and dark horses might be narrower than anticipated.
However, for Wildcard Gaming, the opening series was a harsh reality check. Already dubbed a strong contender for a 0-4 record, their pre-TI online league struggles (losing to numerous tier-2 and tier-3 CIS rosters) only fueled skepticism. These fears were unfortunately validated. In their second map against Team Spirit, the North American roster set a rather dubious anti-record – managing just a single kill throughout the entire game, a statistic that may well endure as the tournament`s lowest, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of The International.
What`s Next?
The initial clashes of The International 2025 have undoubtedly been packed with drama, strategy, and unexpected twists. As the group stage progresses, the intensity is only expected to escalate. With storylines emerging, heroes redefining roles, and teams battling for every advantage, the journey to the Aegis of Champions promises to be an enthralling spectacle. Fans can anticipate even more thrilling matchups and potentially game-changing strategies as the tournament unfolds, proving once again why Dota 2 remains a cornerstone of competitive esports.
Finley Holt