The International 2025, Dota 2`s pinnacle event, is a stage where legends are made and dreams are shattered. For BetBoom Team, widely considered a formidable force, their journey concluded abruptly with a 4th-place finish, a result that, while respectable, fell short of their own lofty expectations. Following their elimination by Xtreme Gaming in the lower bracket, BetBoom`s star mid-laner, Danil “GpK~” Skutin, offered a candid and somewhat somber reflection on what went wrong.
The Weight of Self-Perception: “We Are Top-3”
In a world where confidence is often synonymous with capability, GpK~`s initial assessment of BetBoom Team`s standing at TI2025 was telling. “I don`t think this is a good end to the year. We definitely consider ourselves, well, we are a top-3 team in terms of strength at this The International,” he declared. This statement isn`t merely bravado; it underscores the profound belief and rigorous preparation that top-tier teams invest, making any result below their internal benchmark a particularly bitter pill to swallow. To be a “top-3 team” yet fall short of the grand finals creates a cognitive dissonance that fuels introspection.
The 60-Minute Crossroads: A Battle of Voices
When pressed about the critical moments of their final map against Xtreme Gaming, GpK~ pinpointed a familiar, yet often devastating, flaw in high-stakes esports: a breakdown in communication. “What I remember most from the last map? That we`re discussing things at the 60-minute mark. People don`t hear each other, and complete chaos ensues,” he revealed. This isn`t just about strategy; it’s about the human element under immense pressure. Sixty minutes into a professional Dota 2 match means gold leads are massive, buybacks are critical, and one misstep can cascade into defeat. In these moments, clarity and unified decision-making are paramount. When internal voices clash or fade into the white noise of adrenaline, even the most mechanically skilled teams can falter.
“People don`t hear each other, and complete chaos ensues.”
The irony here is palpable: a team that trains tirelessly, knowing their opponents “inside and out,” can still be undone by internal disharmony when it matters most. It highlights that in competitive gaming, the mental game, the cohesion, and the ability to maintain composure are as crucial as raw skill.
The Scrim Paradox: When Practice Doesn`t Translate
One of the most frustrating aspects for any professional player is the chasm between practice performance and live tournament play. GpK~ articulated this perfectly: “We play all scrims very well, we win. Even against Xtreme, we played practice games after the group stage, well, before the playoffs, and played them a lot. We knew them inside and out, how they play, but then *this* happens here. What can you do?”
This is a common lament in esports. Scrims (practice matches) allow teams to refine strategies, test limits, and build confidence without the crushing weight of a live audience, a ticking prize pool, or millions of viewers. To dominate in a controlled environment, only to “play very poorly” on the main stage, is a perplexing and emotionally draining experience. It raises questions about mental fortitude, adaptability under pressure, and the mysterious ways in which live performance can deviate from meticulously rehearsed plans.
Nerves, Support, and the Road Ahead
GpK~ also touched upon the more nebulous factors impacting their performance: “Maybe there wasn`t enough support for our team. Maybe someone`s nerves started to give out a little.” Esports, for all its digital combat, is deeply human. The relentless schedule, the travel, the constant analysis, and the sheer pressure can erode even the strongest resolve. The notion of needing “more support” could refer to anything from in-game decision-making to emotional backing within the squad – a reminder that even gladiators need their corner-men.
Looking to the future, GpK~ expressed a common desire among the battle-weary: a longer break. However, he quickly tempered this wish with the professional reality: “It probably won`t be possible to do that. But there are already plans for the next season, yes.” This brief exchange speaks volumes about the relentless cycle of professional Dota 2. The season ends, a short respite might be granted, but the planning for the next campaign begins almost immediately. There`s little time to truly “breathe and think,” as the interviewer suggested, before the grind resumes.
The International 2025: A Chapter Closed
BetBoom Team`s journey at The International 2025 concludes with a 4th place finish, securing approximately $158,800 USD from the event`s minimum $2.6 million prize pool. Held from September 4th to 14th in Germany, this iteration of TI once again showcased the unpredictable nature of top-tier Dota 2, where even the most dominant teams can find their aspirations cut short by a well-timed upset or, perhaps more tragically, internal missteps.
GpK~`s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the psychological battlefield that is competitive esports. Beyond the flashy plays and strategic drafts, there lies a profound human story of ambition, frustration, and the continuous quest for perfection against an ever-evolving landscape of talent and pressure. For BetBoom Team, this season ends with a mix of disappointment and resolve, but the lessons learned on this grand stage will undoubtedly shape their path forward.