As the professional Dota 2 season draws to a close, casting its shadow before The International 2025, the focus intensifies on the athletes who navigate its demanding landscape. Among them is Matvey “MieRo” Vasunin, the offlaner for BetBoom Team, a player who embodies a philosophy far beyond mere in-game mechanics. In a recent discussion, MieRo offered a candid glimpse into his personal regimen, his perspective on recent tournaments, and his strategic vision for the upcoming pinnacle event, revealing a commitment to holistic well-being that underpins his competitive edge.
The Athlete`s Discipline: Beyond the Digital Arena
For many, the image of an esports professional is one glued to a screen, immersed in a digital world. MieRo, however, champions a different narrative. His post-tournament routine isn`t just about disconnecting from Dota 2; it`s about reconnecting with his physical self. “I personally recover, exercise, walk a lot, and go to the pool,” he shared, highlighting a stark contrast to the sedentary lifestyle often associated with professional gaming. This dedication to physical fitness wasn`t always a given. Early in his career, around 2021-2022, he experienced health issues stemming from his lifestyle. Recognizing the critical link between physical health and sustained performance, he integrated a consistent fitness routine. “I immediately understood that I needed this, and it brings me pleasure,” he affirmed, noting that these issues resolved within six months of dedicated training.
The commitment extends even to the rigorous travel and demanding schedules of tournaments. MieRo believes that finding even 15-30 minutes for physical activity, be it a quick jog or a simple warm-up, is always possible and beneficial. It`s a testament to a growing trend within the professional esports scene, where players are increasingly recognizing the importance of physical well-being for both longevity and peak performance.
Navigating the Gauntlet: A Season of Relentless Competition
The current Dota 2 season has been marked by a relentless succession of tournaments, prompting questions about player fatigue. Yet, MieRo remains remarkably unfazed. “No, I practically don`t feel tired. After each tournament, I tried to reset myself, so I don`t feel anything of the kind,” he stated, attributing his resilience to a disciplined approach to recovery. He views the packed schedule not as an obstacle, but as the inherent “rules of the game” set by tournament organizers. “You simply come to terms with it and do everything possible to adapt,” he explained, a pragmatic acceptance that underlines his professional demeanor.
Even the joy of securing their first Tier-1 trophies this season, a significant milestone for both MieRo and BetBoom Team, felt somewhat muted by the rapid succession of events. “You experience emotions somewhere at 20-30%, because you immediately have the next tournament and another game,” he admitted. This speaks volumes about the intensity of the competitive circuit, where even moments of triumph are fleeting pauses before the next challenge.
Beyond the Prize Pool: The Soul of a Tournament
The discussion inevitably turned to the contrasting experiences of recent major tournaments, particularly the much-debated Riyadh Masters 2025 and the preceding event in China. While Riyadh Masters was once touted as a potential “TI killer” with its astronomical prize pool, MieRo`s assessment offered a dose of reality. “On closer inspection, it turned out that due to the format and other circumstances, this championship was weaker in terms of game level than other tournaments throughout the season,” he revealed. The “overhype” surrounding Riyadh, he contends, was unnecessary; it was “just another tournament, another step, just a part of life.”
His preference? The tournament in China. Despite a significantly smaller prize pool than the Riyadh Masters (part of the Esports World Cup), it offered a vastly superior experience. “It was much more atmospheric and alive thanks to the fans,” MieRo emphasized, praising the Chinese audience for their presence. “Fans are an integral part of the professional scene and one of the reasons why people play Dota.” This sentiment highlights a crucial aspect of esports: while prize money draws headlines, the true heart and soul of an event often lie in the energy and engagement of its live audience, a factor notably absent from Riyadh`s more subdued atmosphere, which he noted hosted a mere 300-400 spectators in a stadium built for thousands.
On the competitive format, MieRo displayed a similar adaptability. While acknowledging single-elimination formats introduce “a bit more randomness,” he remains unfazed. “Everyone was in the same conditions, so in that regard – okay. I don`t really care how to play.”
Mastery of the Offlane: Adaptability as a Core Principle
When it comes to the game itself, MieRo embraces the dynamic nature of the offlane role, which he believes is currently the most varied. From traditional aura-bearers to unconventional damage dealers, the position demands a broad understanding of heroes. “I initially dreamed and wanted to be a player with a large hero pool,” he confessed. This preference for versatility aligns perfectly with the current meta, where he enjoys experimenting and implementing unusual picks. Whether it`s playing a team-centric support offlane or taking on a more carry-oriented role, MieRo views himself as a “more universal player.” This adaptability is not just a preference; it`s a strategic advantage in an ever-evolving game.
The Road to The International: A Grounded Approach
With The International looming, the ultimate prize in Dota 2, MieRo`s approach remains refreshingly grounded. Learning from the Riyadh experience, where “great hopes and excessive worrying” proved detrimental, BetBoom Team intends to prepare as they would for any other major tournament. This means focused training and a bootcamp, but without undue pressure or the hiring of specialized staff solely for TI. “If you place huge hopes on a tournament and worry too much about it, it will only be a minus,” he wisely observed.
Intriguingly, the fluctuating prize pool of The International holds little sway over MieRo`s motivation. “No, for me, it doesn`t matter,” he asserted. His true drivers are the arena, the conditions of the tournament, and above all, the electric atmosphere generated by a live audience. This desire for an authentic, engaging experience also extends to his nostalgia for the old Battle Pass system, a sentiment shared by many long-time Dota 2 fans. “It`s cool,” he reminisced, recalling the childhood excitement of collecting cosmetics and phrases, acknowledging its power to “refresh Dota 2.”
Despite acknowledging that the current iterations of The International might not capture the same grand spectacle as past events (lacking the presence of Valve`s Gabe Newell or fewer arena matches), MieRo remains pragmatic. “There`s nothing you can do about it. Life goes on… I play in my generation of players.” His focus remains on the present, striving for excellence within the current competitive ecosystem.
In terms of competitive landscape, MieRo sees few dark horses for TI, a consequence of the non-stop tournament circuit leaving little room for teams to develop truly unique strategies. “It`s difficult to surprise when you have tournament after tournament,” he noted, contrasting it with earlier eras that afforded months for strategic innovation. When pressed to name top offlaners, he pointed to familiar names: “Collapse – he is in good form and plays very well right now. I generally like how he plays. And I would also highlight 33 – in terms of his gameplay and builds.”
A Player Forged in Discipline and Passion
Matvey “MieRo” Vasunin`s journey through the professional Dota 2 scene is a compelling testament to the evolving demands of esports. His commitment to physical well-being, his adaptive mindset towards an unforgiving schedule, and his insightful critique of tournament prestige underscore a professionalism that extends far beyond clicks and key presses. He represents a new breed of esports athlete – one who understands that sustained success in the digital arena is deeply intertwined with discipline, self-care, and a genuine passion for the game, fueled by the roar of the crowd. As BetBoom Team prepares for The International, MieRo’s message to his fans is simple yet profound: “We will try to show a good game. Thank you very much for your support. We will try!”
Finley Holt