Prominent Dota 2 caster Alexey `Lex` Filippov has voiced his frank assessment of the Riyadh Masters 2025 tournament following the conclusion of the group stage. Taking to his Telegram channel, Lex expressed a notable lack of enthusiasm for the event`s current state, suggesting it doesn`t yet feel like a premier competition despite its significant scale as part of the Esports World Cup 2025.
Concerns Over Team Performance
Lex`s primary point of contention lies with the perceived level of play from participating teams. He described many top contenders as appearing to be on “autopilot,” a state suggesting a lack of peak performance or perhaps necessary strategic depth. Singling out specific teams, he noted Parivision seemed “lost,” while Heroic surprisingly impressed, looking like a top-6 caliber squad—a stark contrast to their prior standing. Team Liquid, according to Lex, maintained a stable performance, perhaps being the sole team consistently meeting expectations. Regarding Virtus.pro (VP), Lex offered a poignant, albeit brief, comment, stating, “you don`t hit a man who is down,” indicating the team`s evident struggles.
Organizational Hurdles and Event Atmosphere
Beyond the server, Lex also directed criticism towards the tournament`s logistical execution and overall atmosphere. He characterized the organization as feeling “raw,” citing a number of “mistakes.” The experience, he commented, felt somewhat reminiscent of a “comeback to 2015,” implying a lack of polish or modern efficiency perhaps expected from such a high-profile event. While acknowledging the undeniable scale of the tournament, Lex felt it currently lacked “soul.”
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
Despite his current reservations, Lex holds out hope that the upcoming playoff stage will elevate the tournament`s quality and intensity. The Riyadh Masters 2025, part of the massive Esports World Cup 2025 with its $70 million total prize pool across numerous titles, features 16 elite Dota 2 teams competing for a $3 million share. The event is set to conclude on July 19th.
Lex`s comments highlight a critical perspective from within the scene, suggesting that even tournaments with immense financial backing and grand ambitions must deliver on both competitive execution and seamless organization to truly capture the essence of a world-class event.