The grand stages of The International, Dota 2`s most prestigious tournament, are typically synonymous with exhilarating plays, strategic masterclasses, and dreams realized. However, for team PARIVISION, their commendable run to a third-place finish at the 2025 event concluded not just with defeat, but with lingering questions about competitive fairness. The Russian squad`s support player, Andrey “Dukalis” Kuropatkin, and coach Filipe “Astini” Astini, have voiced concerns over alleged fan interference during their critical lower bracket final match against Chinese powerhouse Xtreme Gaming.
The Crucible of Competition: PARIVISION vs. Xtreme Gaming
The match was a high-stakes affair, determining who would advance closer to the coveted Aegis of Champions. PARIVISION ultimately fell to Xtreme Gaming, marking the end of their inspiring journey. Reflecting on the loss, Dukalis expressed a mix of disappointment and unwavering resolve.
We expected to show a decent game. Unfortunately, we didn`t make it to the final, because in the second map, Chinese fans were helping the opposing team when they were in smoke. The third map also wasn`t difficult; it just happens that we couldn`t secure the second Roshan. That`s all.
I think I`d like to play Dota 2 for more than ten years, if it doesn`t die. I`m only 23, and this is my first TI, where I already managed to take third place. So, I will continue to try my best to become the greatest.
Dukalis`s comments paint a picture of a team that believed they were capable of more, subtly hinting at factors beyond pure gameplay that might have influenced the outcome. The mention of the second Roshan on the third map suggests a missed tactical opportunity, a crucial misstep in a game often decided by split-second decisions and objective control. But it`s the specific accusation regarding fan behavior on the second map, particularly during pivotal “smoke” maneuvers, that has ignited broader discussion within the esports community.
The Drumbeat of Controversy: Coach Astini`s Account
Elaborating on the alleged interference, coach Filipe Astini provided a more detailed, if somewhat perplexing, account of what transpired.
Chinese fans were hitting some kind of bowl or something that made a drum-like sound and vibrations. I heard communication in team speak, and the microphones picked up these sounds, so it was definitely audible inside the booth. There`s no reason to make something like that up. Yet, ten thousand people in the arena called me a liar, saying: `No, nothing sounded like hitting a bowl.`
On the third map, it completely stopped. I don`t know if they removed the item they were banging on or just moved further away from the player booths.
Astini`s description raises serious questions about the integrity of the competitive environment at the highest level of esports. The notion that audible, distracting noise could be generated by fans close enough to impact players inside supposedly sound-proof booths is concerning. His observation that the noise mysteriously ceased on the third map, coupled with the crowd`s collective denial, adds a layer of intrigue and, dare we say, a dash of theatrical irony to the situation. Was this a spontaneous outburst of passionate, albeit poorly timed, support, or a calculated, if crudely executed, attempt to gain an illicit edge? The truth, perhaps, is somewhere in the fading echo of a forgotten bowl.
Beyond the Aegis: The Future for Dukalis and Esports Integrity
Regardless of the veracity or specific intent behind the alleged fan actions, this incident highlights a persistent challenge in live esports tournaments: maintaining a fair and uncompromised competitive space amidst enthusiastic, sometimes overzealous, crowds. Tournament organizers are continually striving to create impenetrable player environments, utilizing sound-dampening booths and strict crowd control measures. Yet, the human element, both on stage and in the stands, remains a complex and occasionally disruptive variable.
For Dukalis, this experience, while undoubtedly frustrating, appears to be a stepping stone. His ambition to play Dota 2 for another decade and his aspiration to become “the greatest” resonate strongly. At just 23, achieving a third-place finish at his inaugural International is a monumental feat, underscoring his immense potential and dedication. The road to supremacy is rarely smooth; it is often paved with setbacks, controversies, and moments of profound learning. It is in how players and organizations navigate these challenges that true champions are forged, adapting not just to in-game opponents but to the unpredictable theatre of live competition.
As PARIVISION reflects on their performance and the circumstances surrounding their exit, the broader esports community will undoubtedly ponder the implications of such incidents. Ensuring a level playing field is paramount, not just for the players competing for millions, but for the millions of fans who tune in expecting pure, unadulterated competition. The “bowl” incident, whether a minor anomaly or a symptom of larger infrastructural issues, serves as a poignant reminder that while passion fuels esports, professionalism and fair play must always take uncompromising precedence.