Professional Dota 2 player Gleb “Kiyotaka” Zyryanov, the esteemed midlaner for Aurora Gaming, recently found himself navigating a more complex strategy than any in-game Roshan fight: the labyrinthine corridors of international travel bureaucracy. His journey to The International 2025 (TI14) in Hamburg, Germany, hit an unforeseen snag in Munich, leading to a several-hour delay and a missed connecting flight.
A Visa Vexation in Munich
The incident, detailed by Kiyotaka himself, unfolded as the Aurora Gaming squad, a group of five, transited through Munich. While his teammates proceeded without issue, Kiyotaka encountered a roadblock at passport control, highlighting the often-unpredictable nature of international travel for esports athletes.
“We were flying as a group of five through Munich. And in Munich, at passport control, I was stopped because I had an Italian visa,” Kiyotaka recounted. He then clarified the crux of the issue: “It wasn`t an open visa. Because of that, they `held me` for about three hours, then let me go, saying: `Good luck at the tournament`.”
This situation often arises with Schengen visas, where the initial entry point into the Schengen Area (a zone of 27 European countries) is typically expected to be the country that issued the visa. While not always a strict rule, deviations can sometimes raise questions and lead to delays, particularly if the visa hasn`t been “activated” by first entering the issuing country. For a professional gamer on a tight schedule, three hours at passport control can feel like an eternity, jeopardizing carefully planned travel itineraries.
The Ripple Effect: Missed Connections and Organizational Support
Despite being eventually cleared with a “good luck” from the German authorities, the extensive delay had already sealed Kiyotaka`s fate for his original connecting flight. “But I had already missed my flight,” he stated matter-of-factly. He was provided with official police documentation and advised to seek assistance from the service center for rebooking, an all-too-common ritual for delayed travelers.
However, the immediate solutions were less than ideal. “I went there, and they told me: `We have a flight in 40 minutes, but it`s already full.` They couldn`t put me on it. The next flight was at 6:40 AM.” Faced with an unappealing overnight wait at the airport, Kiyotaka realized this was not a viable option, and further late-day bookings were unavailable, leaving him temporarily stranded.
Thankfully, Aurora Gaming swiftly intervened. The organization, recognizing the urgency and importance of their player reaching the prestigious The International 2025, arranged for an overnight stay at a hotel near the airport. This allowed Kiyotaka to get some much-needed rest after the unexpected ordeal. He eventually departed on a new flight at 11:00 AM the following morning, September 2nd, successfully reaching Hamburg to rejoin his team for the highly anticipated tournament.
Navigating the Pressures of Esports Travel
Kiyotaka`s experience is a stark reminder of the often-unseen challenges faced by esports professionals. While the glamour and intense competition of top-tier gaming are frequently highlighted, the logistical nightmares of international travel – involving complex visa requirements, tight schedules, and potential bureaucratic hurdles – can add significant stress to players already under immense pressure. As Kiyotaka himself put it, with a hint of weary resignation, “Not the most pleasant situation I have with flights.” This sentiment resonates with many who have experienced the unyielding logic of airport operations.
Despite the initial setback and the unexpected “side quest” in Munich, Kiyotaka`s journey to TI14 ultimately concluded successfully. With the travel drama behind him, fans of Aurora Gaming can now look forward to seeing him back in his element, battling for the Aegis of Champions on the main stage, hopefully with fewer unexpected detours and more predictable Pudge hooks.
Finley Holt