The intensity of the Riyadh Masters 2025 Dota 2 tournament brings together the world`s elite teams, where every detail can potentially influence the outcome. A recent series between Aurora Gaming and Tundra Esports, which concluded in a 1-1 draw, offered a surprising insight into the less visible challenges players sometimes face.
Nikita “Panto” Balaganin, support player for Aurora Gaming, shared details regarding their match against Tundra. While reflecting on the series outcome and strategic adjustments, Panto revealed an unexpected technical hurdle faced by his teammate, midlaner Gleb “kiyotaka” Zyryanov, during the crucial opening game.
According to Panto, kiyotaka was compelled to play the first map of the series using a different mouse than his preferred, personal device. It wasn`t until the second game that he was able to switch to his standard equipment. This detail is particularly noteworthy given the match results: Aurora lost the first game against Tundra but then secured a convincing victory on the second map.
Offering a lighthearted, yet perhaps telling, observation, Panto pointed to this equipment change with a simple, almost technical-report-like conclusion: “Mouse diff.”
Beyond the peripheral specifics, Panto also commented on the team`s overall performance and strategic approach. He felt the series was one they potentially could have won 2-0, indicating that after analyzing their play and draft choices in the first game, they made necessary adjustments that contributed significantly to their dominant performance in the second. While mentioning a specific in-game moment near Roshan that didn`t go as planned, the core takeaway from his statement for many was the impact, however slight, that a player`s primary tool might have.
This 1-1 draw against Tundra adds to Aurora`s journey through the group stage of the Riyadh Masters 2025. Earlier in the tournament, they demonstrated strong form by defeating Team Yandex with a clean 2-0 scoreline. With their final group stage series approaching, Aurora aims for another decisive victory to solidify their position and contend for a top seed.
The Riyadh Masters 2025, part of the larger Esports World Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia, features 16 top teams competing for a substantial $3 million prize pool. The tournament, running from July 8th to 19th, is a high-stakes environment where players operate under immense pressure, highlighting how even minor technical discrepancies, like a temporary change in gaming gear, can become part of the competitive narrative. Panto`s candid comment serves as a reminder that in esports, as in traditional sports, athletes rely heavily on their equipment, and sometimes, the right mouse truly makes a difference.
Finley Holt