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        <title><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Daily Updates and Events on the Esport scene]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The premier destination for DOTA 2 esports coverage, including breaking news, features, analysis, opinion, tournament coverage, and more.]]></description>
        <link>https://dota2times.com</link>
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            <title><![CDATA[Miposhka entered the eSportsmen hall of fame]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The organisers of the Russian Video Game Hall of Fame have announced the latest inductees, recognising individuals and games that have left an indelible mark on the industry. In 2024, the Hall expanded to include esports categories for the first time, with three legendary Dota 2 players among the honourees. Esports Legends Honoured In the new "Legendary Esports Players" category, three iconic names from Dota 2 were recognised for their achievements: Yaroslav "NS" Kuznetsov – Renowned player, analyst, and pioneer of Russian esports. Aleksei "Solo" Berezin – Captain of some of the most successful CIS rosters and a symbol of perseverance in the Dota 2 scene. Yaroslav "Miposhka" Naidyonov – TI10 champion and a key figure in the resurgence of CIS teams on the global stage. This recognition highlights their lasting contributions to the growth and success of esports in Russia and beyond. Legendary Games and Personalities The Hall of Fame also honoured classic video games and influential industry figures in two other categories: Legendary Games: Allods Online – A cornerstone of Russian MMORPG history. Heroes of Might and Magic V – A beloved strategy game with deep ties to the Russian gaming community. Rig’n’Roll (Truckers 2) – A cult-favourite driving simulator cherished for its unique gameplay.  Legendary Personalities: Ilya "Maddyson" Davydov – A gaming content pioneer whose influence transcends platforms. Nikita Buyanov – Key figure behind Escape from Tarkov , a global success. Yuri Miroshnikov – Veteran developer and visionary in the Russian gaming industry. The Legacy of the Hall of Fame Launched in 2023, the Russian Video Game Hall of Fame began by honouring three iconic games and seven trailblazing individuals. The introduction of esports categories in 2024 reflects the growing importance of competitive gaming in Russia’s cultural landscape. This year’s inductees exemplify the innovation, talent, and passion that have shaped the gaming and esports scenes in Russia. As the Hall of Fame continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the industry’s rich history and its ongoing contributions to global gaming culture.]]></description>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Dec 2024 20:00:36 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[1win Team Crashes Out of FISSURE PLAYGROUND]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[1win Team, led by Georgiy “swedenstrong” Zainalabidov, has been eliminated from the Eastern Europe Closed Qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025, following a decisive 0-2 loss to One Move in the lower bracket. This defeat ends their journey, leaving the team without a slot in the tournament's main event. The qualifiers, held online from December 23–27, feature eight teams competing for a single spot in the main stage of the tournament. While the stakes are high, 1win’s recent performance has drawn sharp criticism from the Dota 2 community, raising questions about the team’s decline. A Fall from Grace Prominent caster Rustam "Adekvat" Mavlyutov commented on the team’s poor showing, highlighting the stark contrast between their current struggles and their past successes. "1win are the first to exit the EEU qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND. Quite the downgrade—going from a spectacular Tier-1 LAN final against Liquid to failing to clear a single qualifier in this season. And all this within just five months. Not even a midlaner change could save them. It’s puzzling what could’ve caused such a rapid collapse," he remarked. The Debate Over Stability and Roster Changes The discussion about 1win’s performance ties into a broader critique of team management in Dota 2. Russian esports analyst and former pro player Khaled "sQreen" El-Khabbash voiced his concerns about teams clinging to roster stability at the expense of competitiveness. "I’m seeing teams like 1win and l1ga, once stable forces last season, getting demolished in qualifiers by ad hoc mixes like Chimeras. It raises the question—what’s the value of their past achievements and so-called stability if a casual mix can take them down effortlessly? Once again, it proves that advocates for stable rosters often fail by not making the necessary changes when it matters. This leads to severe slumps they can’t recover from because the root cause of the problem wasn’t addressed in time. Organisations today have far more resources than a decade ago, so I don’t see why they can’t hire competent scouts to ensure timely replacements instead of clinging to outdated ideas of stability while ignoring glaring issues," sQreen stated on his Telegram channel. What Went Wrong for 1win? The team’s struggles highlight a deeper issue: their inability to adapt to the fast-paced evolution of competitive Dota 2. Despite a roster change in the midlane, 1win hasn’t regained their footing since their stellar performance against Liquid at a Tier-1 LAN just months ago. The criticism from figures like Adekvat and sQreen underscores a growing consensus: teams must balance stability with adaptability. Failing to address performance issues promptly can leave even the most promising rosters vulnerable to sudden and irreversible declines.]]></description>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Dec 2024 18:00:22 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[OG Faces Major Restructuring Amid Sponsorship Crisis]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[One of the most decorated organisations in Dota 2 history, OG, is reportedly undergoing significant restructuring. Rumours suggest that the team is grappling with internal conflicts and financial instability following the loss of a key sponsor. This insider information was shared by sources from multiple Telegram channels, including Dota Durnik and Doter's Chaos, stirring speculation about the future of the iconic team. Insider Reports Highlight Organisational Turmoil According to insider Ruslan Kerimov, head of the Dota section at CyberSports, OG has already begun searching for a Head of Esports and a team manager to stabilise the situation. However, uncertainty reigns within the organisation, with even staff reportedly unclear about the fate of the Dota 2 roster. "Here’s a verified scoop from me personally—OG is in the middle of a major overhaul. They’ve already started looking for leadership roles like a Head of Esports and a team manager. Even internally, there’s little clarity about what the Dota roster will look like," Kerimov stated. The loss of a major sponsor, believed to be one of their largest contributors, has exacerbated the crisis. Sponsors such as PARI, Red Bull, Wintermute, Socios, and Secret Lab have historically supported OG, but no official statement has been made regarding any recent changes in these partnerships. N0tail’s Role in the Crisis Legendary Dota 2 player and OG co-founder Johan “n0tail” Sundstein has also been mentioned in these reports. Insiders suggest that n0tail, once pivotal in securing high-profile sponsorships, could potentially resolve the current financial difficulties. However, he appears to be taking a step back from organisational responsibilities, reportedly enjoying a well-deserved break by the ocean. "N0tail is the only person who could bring a sponsor back into the organisation, but he’s currently relaxing on a beach," an insider quipped.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/og-faces-major-restructuring-amid-sponsorship-crisis/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Dec 2024 16:00:23 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Valve Releases a Cosmetic-Focused Update for Dota 2]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[In the early hours of December 24, Valve rolled out a minor update for Dota 2, addressing various issues with cosmetic items across several heroes. This patch brings subtle yet important tweaks to ensure a smoother visual experience for players who enjoy customising their favourite characters. Key Changes in the Update The update focused on improving the functionality and compatibility of specific cosmetic items, particularly for heroes like Anti-Mage, Tinker, Dawnbreaker, and Phantom Assassin. Here are the highlights of the changes: Anti-Mage: Particle effects for the blades of the persona have been fixed, ensuring they now display as intended. Bounty Hunter: The weapon from the Verminator set is now selectable as an ability effect, adding more flair to gameplay customisation. Tinker: The Immortal headpiece Rollermawster can now also be used as an ability effect, enhancing the hero's visual identity. Windranger: Improved compatibility between certain head-slot items and her Arcana, addressing aesthetic inconsistencies. Dawnbreaker: The hammer model from her new set has been fixed to display correctly during ability animations, avoiding visual glitches. Phantom Assassin: Fixed the mobility animation for the back-hat accessory in the Onikage Disciple set, ensuring it moves naturally during the hero’s motion. A Focus on Cosmetic Quality This update aptly fits in with Valve’s gradual plan to improve the aesthetic aspect of Dota 2 for engaging players who own cosmetic items. Consequently, these do not use the term ‘cosmetic sets’ literally but rather understand the need to balance customisation options and their functionality in-game. From a customisation point of view, these patches add to Valve’s efforts to make Dota 2 look as good as possible, even through the most minor changes to the game. The holiday season comes with a present, as Dota 2 fans received a patch that grants cosmetic changes to heroes, including Anti Mage and Tinker. As the end of the year approaches, this patch is a good illustration of how things are with Valve—or rather were. One thing that’s great about them is that they never get lazy.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/valve-releases-a-cosmetic-focused-update-for-dota-2/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Dec 2024 14:00:50 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Steam’s Best of 2024: Dota 2 Shines in Two Platinum Categories]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Valve has revealed the 2024 highlights on Steam, showcasing the year’s top games across various categories. Dota 2 earned recognition in two prestigious lists: Top Grossing Games of the Year and Most Played Games of the Year . Steam’s categories are divided into four tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. While Steam does not disclose exact sales figures, games within each group are listed in random order. Dota 2 achieved Platinum status in both categories, cementing its place as one of the year’s standout titles. Top Grossing Games of 2024: Platinum Tier In the Top Grossing category, Dota 2 is highlighted alongside other blockbuster titles based on gross revenue. The full list of Platinum-tier games includes: Palworld Dota 2 Apex Legends PUBG: Battlegrounds Destiny 2 Counter-Strike 2 Elden Ring Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Baldur's Gate 3 Black Myth: Wukong Most Played Games of 2024: Platinum Tier In the Most Played category, Dota 2 was recognised for surpassing 450,000 concurrent players—a milestone achieved by only a select few games. The Platinum-tier games in this category are: Black Myth: Wukong Palworld PUBG: Battlegrounds Dota 2 Apex Legends Counter-Strike 2 Path of Exile 2 Elden Ring]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/steams-best-of-2024-dota-2-shines-in-two-platinum-categories/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Dec 2024 12:00:41 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Apex Genesis: The Journey to the Top and Reflections on NA Dota]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Apex Genesis, a young team in the North American Dota 2 scene, has made a resounding statement by qualifying for an international LAN tournament. Its owner, Eagle2120, an independent sponsor and Dota 2 enthusiast, shared the story behind the team's creation, the challenges of competing against major organisations, and his thoughts on the current state of North American Dota 2, including sharp criticism of BuLba, a prominent coach in the region. The Foundation of Apex Genesis Eagle2120 began his esports journey as the owner of a team in the semi-professional NADCL, a league organised by ppd. This experience proved to be a pivotal inspiration: "I thoroughly enjoyed participating in NADCL. It motivated me to reach out to professional players, fund coaching sessions, and use them to brainstorm ideas on how I could support the North American scene. That’s how Apex Genesis was born." Competing Against Major Organisations Eagle2120’s financial resources pale in comparison to those of larger organisations, making it particularly challenging to secure players and resources. "I could only afford minimal housing subsidies, and each month, I had to figure out ways to keep the team going. Competing with organisations like Leviatán, Infinity, Hokori, and others was out of the question. We had to find players willing to dedicate themselves to the dream." Despite these constraints, the team managed to unite and demonstrate their strength, achieving significant milestones on the competitive stage. Victory at FISSURE PLAYGROUND 2025 The team’s efforts culminated in a victory during the American qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025. Apex Genesis defeated notable opponents, including M80 (a roster featuring K1, the former carry of beastcoast). The team showcased innovative strategies, such as employing a jungle Venomancer, which became the decisive factor in the finals. "This is why I love NA Dota: it’s full of risk and creativity. In the bo5 match for a LAN spot, we went with a jungle Venomancer, and the team didn’t hesitate for a moment. We won. And then we did it again. This team is something special." Criticism of BuLba and Issues in NA Dota Eagle2120 also addressed the challenges facing North American Dota, placing some of the blame on BuLba. "BuLba has been a barrier to emerging talent, misleading players with false hopes of reaching Tier 1. At worst, his actions and poor leadership have undermined NA Dota, setting the region back by years. Even with Shopify Rebellion’s resources and near-constant bootcamps, you barely scraped past us in the last qualifiers. Now I’m eagerly waiting for the moment we block your path to a LAN, just like Nouns Esports did."]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/apex-genesis-the-journey-to-the-top-and-reflections-on-na-dota/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Dec 2024 10:00:46 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Dota 2 Fans Outraged as Aegis Tinseltown Trophies Found in Seattle Store for $60]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[A Reddit user has stirred up the Dota 2 community after discovering Aegis Tinseltown trophies from 2017 and 2018 listed for sale at a Seattle store for a modest price of $60 each. The post included an image showing two trophies displayed in a shop's showcase, sparking debates and frustration among fans. Why Fans Are Upset For many, the sight of these trophies being sold at such a low price is disheartening. These Aegis replicas represent major milestones in Dota 2 history, commemorating the victories of legendary teams like Team Liquid (2017) and OG (2018). Fans argue that these trophies hold significant sentimental and historical value, making their current price tag feel insulting. Adding to the frustration is the contrast with online auction sites, where similar items often sell for over $100, with some fetching prices as high as $200–$300 among collectors. Fans who might have bought the trophies earlier and sold them to collectors for a profit now feel cheated by their apparent devaluation. A Strange Find The appearance of such rare trophies in a regular retail store has puzzled the community. Some fans question how items of this importance ended up being casually displayed for sale, while others speculate about the origins and legitimacy of the trophies themselves.]]></description>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:37:45 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Valve Stops Banning Smurfs and Abusive Accounts: The Community Reacts]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Recent speculation within the Dota 2 community suggests that Valve may have significantly reduced its efforts in addressing smurf accounts, win-trading, and other disruptive behaviours. Unconfirmed reports claim that the sole employee responsible for banning cheaters and smurfs, including notorious offenders like "rostik999", has been dismissed. Allegations Against Valve The community has raised concerns that Valve has deprioritised maintaining a fair competitive environment. Key points from the discussion include: No action against smurfs: Players participating in challenges like "From 0 to Immortal" on low-ranked accounts, despite having over 10,000 MMR on their mains, are reportedly going unpunished. Win-trading left unchecked: Accounts involved in match manipulation for monetary gain allegedly face no bans. Decline in overall enforcement: The absence of bans for streamers and exploiters has led to increased frustration among players. The Role of the Fired Employee According to unverified sources, the fired employee was instrumental in maintaining a healthy game environment by: Issuing hardware bans to serial offenders like rostik999, effectively preventing them from playing Dota 2 on the same device. Strictly targeting smurf accounts and disruptive players. This individual’s removal has allegedly left a gap in enforcement, leading to a surge in disruptive activities. Community Sentiment The speculation has sparked debates across forums, with players expressing disappointment in Valve’s priorities: Focus on monetisation: Many players believe Valve is more focused on releasing cosmetic treasures and monetising the game, rather than improving the player experience. Neglecting patches: Some also argue that Valve is slow in releasing gameplay updates, adding to the perception of disengagement.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/valve-stops-banning-smurfs-and-abusive-accounts-the-community-reacts/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 20:00:35 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Nigma Galaxy Motivation in Dota 2 and the Need for Change Among Veterans]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Esports player, streamer, and analyst Andrey "Afoninje" Afonin shared his thoughts on how a lack of motivation hinders veteran players like the legendary Miracle from Nigma Galaxy from achieving success on the professional stage. He highlighted that even the best players can lose their form without the drive to win. The Issue of Motivation Among Veterans Afonin pointed out that many players who have already achieved everything in Dota 2 often lose their inner fire: "I feel like there’s a lack of proper motivation. Half the team has already won a lot. They get paid well, they’ve got everything they need in life. Some of them have been playing Dota for 20 years. The key factor is the spark and motivation. They lose because they’ve already accomplished everything they wanted in this game. These older guys have different values and priorities now." He emphasised that even players of Miracle’s calibre, who once dominated the global stage, now struggle to maintain their previous level of performance. According to Afonin, Miracle needs a change of scenery and should join a younger, more ambitious team to reignite his energy and passion for winning. The Contrast with Young Stars Afonin also cited Yatoro as an example of a young player who, despite winning two The International championships, remains highly motivated: "It’s not like with Yatoro, who’s 18 or 20 years old—I can’t quite remember. He’s won two Internationals, and you can see he still wants to win more because he hasn’t been in Dota for long. He doesn’t need to find motivation; he just wants to play Dota. You can tell by how much he streams." Yatoro’s highest MMR and streaming activity are clear evidence of his hunger for victories. Afonin firmly believes that with the right team, Yatoro could win several more major championships.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/nigma-galaxy-motivation-in-dota-2-and-the-need-for-change-among-veterans/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 18:00:39 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Bignum Returns to LAN: Triumph of the American Team in Qualifiers]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Renowned caster Arseniy "ArsZeeqq" Usov shared his emotional reaction to the unexpected success of the American team featuring Danil "Bignum" Shekhovtsov, who advanced through the closed qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025. A Decade in the Making Arseniy did not hold back his surprise and admiration: "What the ***, NO WAY??? I went to bed early to prepare for commentary, and this old-timer made it to FISSURE PLAYGROUND! I haven't seen Bignum in years, and he hasn’t been on a LAN in about ten years, if not longer!" Indeed, Danil "Bignum" Shekhovtsov, a veteran of the esports scene, has been away from major tournaments for a long time. His success in the qualifiers has become a sensation among fans and analysts alike. Tournament Context FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 will take place from 24 January to 2 February in Serbia’s capital, Belgrade. The tournament boasts a prize pool of $1 million, which will be distributed among 16 teams, including 11 invited squads and five qualifier winners. Bignum isn't the only seasoned veteran participating in the event. The Western European qualifiers also featured LeBronDota, another iconic figure from the Dota pro scene. This tournament is quickly becoming a stage that attracts legendary veterans back into the spotlight.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/bignum-returns-to-lan-triumph-of-the-american-team-in-qualifiers/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 16:00:11 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Nikola "LeBronDota" Popović: Motivation, Talent, and a Meeting with His Protégé]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The 34-year-old Serbian esports veteran, Nikola "LeBronDota" Popović, remains a prominent figure on the Dota 2 professional scene. During the Western Europe Closed Qualifiers for the FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025, he shared insights into his enduring motivation and some fascinating team stories. Staying Motivated Despite Age Despite being at an age often considered advanced for professional players, LeBronDota continues to demonstrate his dedication and drive: "I want to win. Dota is my life, and it gives me so many emotions. Retiring is not an option for me. If I stop playing, I will betray myself. I am inspired by people like Cristiano Ronaldo, and I want to still be competing at 40." A Peruvian Talent in the Team LeBronDota recounted the story of how Peruvian player DaaD joined his team. Initially recommended by Brazilian player Thiolicor during roster trials, DaaD quickly impressed everyone with his unique skill set: "He has an incredible number of heroes at level 30 on Dota Plus. Whatever we pick, he’s mastered it. He even played Phoenix as a carry. When we chose Sven, he calmly said, ‘Yeah, I can play that.’ It turned out to be his signature hero! We were all stunned: ‘What the *** [heck]?’" A Meeting of Teacher and Protégé One of the highlights of the qualifiers was LeBronDota’s match against Nigma Galaxy, featuring No!ob, a player whose professional journey began under Nikola’s mentorship. In a dramatic showdown, the protégé managed to outplay his mentor with a 2:1 victory, adding a layer of personal intrigue to the competition.]]></description>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:00:57 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Virtus.pro: Roster Restructuring and Missing Out on tournament]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The once-dominant Virtus.pro, a powerhouse on the professional Dota 2 scene, is currently facing challenging times. Recent rumours and insider statements have shed light on the team's absence from the qualifiers and the list of invited participants for the FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 tournament. Statement from Former 9Pandas Manager Former 9Pandas manager Aldar "Jamba" Djambinov shared his insights on Virtus.pro's current situation: "Almost all the players in the team are open to offers, except for Zhenya 'Noticed' Shirinkin. From what I understand, the new roster is being built around him. It's clear that the team is undergoing restructuring. If they were offered an invite to the tournament, they probably declined." Absence from FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 Virtus.pro neither received an invite to the closed qualifiers nor participated in the open ones. Given their recent underwhelming performances and rumours of significant roster changes, this decision comes as little surprise. The Team’s Struggles Once the top team in the region, Virtus.pro now faces serious challenges, including a lack of strong players and inconsistent performances. Their recent tournament results have underscored the need for a rebuild to regain competitiveness on the global stage.]]></description>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 12:00:24 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Dyrachyo could strengthen Tundra Esports]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The professional Dota 2 scene is abuzz with roster changes, and one of the hottest topics is the potential return of Anton "dyrachyo" Shkredov to competitive play as part of Tundra Esports. According to journalist Polina Mashina, the player may join the European team, although this information remains unconfirmed. Potential Strengthening of Tundra Esports Speculation about dyrachyo’s transfer gained momentum following insider reports from Bauyrzhan "lilskrip" Bisembaev, who previously revealed that a tier-1 carry from the CIS region was placed on the transfer list. This description fits Egor "Nightfall" Grigorenko, the current position one player for Tundra Esports, who helped the team secure second place at the BetBoom Dacha Dota 2 2024 and BLAST Slam I tournaments. Meanwhile, caster Vladimir "Maelstorm" Kuzminov previously suggested that dyrachyo was initially set to join the second roster of BetBoom Team, but according to unverified reports, that roster has since been disbanded, with players moving to other teams. Community Reactions Russian streamer and professional player Zaur "Cooman" Shakhmurzaev shared his thoughts during a Twitch broadcast: "There are some interesting roster changes happening right now. Tundra Esports’ new addition is decent, but not outstanding. Still, it’ll be interesting to see how it impacts their performance." Ukrainian commentator Oleksii "STORM" Tumanov also weighed in on the potential moves: "Adding bzm and dyrachyo to Tundra is an incredible buff. On paper, this roster looks insanely strong. Anton just needs to regain his form, which is a matter of time. This lineup could be unbeatable." Tundra Esports Roster Post-TI13 Following TI13, Tundra Esports made adjustments to its lineup, with Artem "Lorenof" Melnik, who played on loan, leaving the team. While it remains unclear who will fill the vacant position, rumours of dyrachyo and bzm joining the team have made Tundra one of the most talked-about squads during the pre-holiday shuffle period.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/dyrachyo-could-strengthen-tundra-esports/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 09:58:57 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[1win Series Dota 2: Players’ Impressions]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The online tournament 1win Series Dota 2 Punch took place from 21 to 22 December, boasting a prize pool of $30,000. The event featured four teams, with all matches played in a best-of-5 format, a standout feature that set this tournament apart. A New Format and Players’ Impressions The unique tournament format sparked interest among participants. Alexander "v1olent" Pak, a player for L1GA TEAM, shared his thoughts in an interview with the tournament’s production team: "The format is new and unusual. Four teams, all bo5 matches. It’s actually a very interesting approach. I’d love to play more tournaments like this. I really enjoyed it." The Tournament Journey: From Semi-Finals to the Grand Final In the semi-finals, Kazakhstan’s L1GA TEAM triumphed over the Russian team 1win Team, despite their opponents repeatedly picking Alchemist in three consecutive games. Alexander Pak summed it up succinctly: "The result speaks for itself." However, in the grand final, L1GA TEAM fell to the CIS powerhouse Chimera Esports, who displayed exceptional preparation and coordination throughout their matches. Chimera Esports’ Mindset and Approach Chimera Esports player Nikita "Daxak" Kuzmin revealed the team’s mindset going into the tournament: "We treated this as practice. Sometimes our scrims didn’t go as well as official matches, as some players take official games more seriously and perform better under those conditions. This tournament was essentially our first real battle to fine-tune our synergy."]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/1win-series-dota-2-players-impressions/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:41:58 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Gaimin Gladiators: Quinn Callahan Mocks His Team, While Seleri Reflects on the Year]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[As 2024 draws to a close, professional Dota 2 players continue to make waves with bold statements and memorable moments. Once again, Gaimin Gladiators stars Quinn Callahan and Melchior 'Seleri' Hillenkamp are in the spotlight, each sharing their thoughts on the passing year. Quinn Callahan: Team Shenanigans and a Japanese Vacation Quinn Callahan, the mid-laner for Gaimin Gladiators, keeps his fans entertained with sharp humour. On his Instagram page, he posted a picture of his teammates with the caption "My teammates in pubs." This playful jab refers to the NPC (non-playable character) mechanic, implying that his teammates resemble bots, always found around pubs and lobbies. Currently on holiday in Japan with fellow Gaimin Gladiators players NatTea and Cr1t, Quinn regularly shares group photos on their social media accounts. Seleri: Year in Review and Hopes for 2025 Meanwhile, Melchior 'Seleri' Hillenkamp, also from Gaimin Gladiators, reflected on the year in a post on Twitter. He shared a light-hearted update about his suitcase, which, according to him, has worn out from the constant travel to tournaments. "My year in Dota is over, as is the lifespan of my suitcase," he wrote, adding that despite the tough year, it had been a successful one overall. Seleri also expressed hopes for improvements in Dota 2, particularly regarding the ongoing issues with account selling and buying. He also mentioned his desire for the return of group matchmaking for high ranks, especially for duo play. His comments followed his achievement of reaching 13,000 MMR, something of a tradition among professionals to announce after hitting each new milestone.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/gaimin-gladiators-quinn-callahan-mocks-his-team-while-seleri-reflects-on-the-year/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:00:55 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Rumours: TORONTOTOKYO and Fishman Set to Join BetBoom's New Roster]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The end of 2024 has been marked by intense discussions surrounding the potential formation of a second roster for BetBoom, featuring star players like Alexander "TORONTOTOKYO" Hertek and Dmitry "Fishman" Polischuk.  Roles and Positions: TORONTOTOKYO to Move to Off-lane According to sources, TORONTOTOKYO, previously known as one of the world's top mid- players, is set to switch to the off-lane position (position 3). Fishman, on the other hand, will take up his familiar role as the 5-position support, strengthening the team's support line. The rumoured second BetBoom roster could also feature: Anton "Dyrachyo" Shkredov — one of the most consistent carry players in the professional scene, Daniil "Gpk" Skutin — a talented mid-laner, Vladimir "RodjER" Nikogosyan — an experienced offlane support. No official statements have been made by the players or the organisation yet, but the rumours continue to generate buzz within the community. A Volatile Duo Caster Vladimir "Maelstorm" Kuzminov shared his opinion on his personal Telegram channel, pointing out the dynamic between TORONTOTOKYO and Fishman. According to him, Fishman has consistently shown his talent as a captain, bringing many players into the professional scene, but his recent team collaborations have been fraught with challenges. Maelstorm also highlighted TORONTOTOKYO's explosive character, which is particularly noticeable behind the scenes. "The duo looks quite fiery and volatile, which isn't always a good trait in Dota 2," he remarked. BetBoom's New Roster: Continuity or a Fresh Start? It is expected that BetBoom's potential second roster will operate as a separate entity, with its own staff and management. While the team will technically be under BetBoom's banner, it will likely have a different name to avoid confusion, much like teams in the past such as VG.Jeremy or VG.Potential. Looking Ahead If the rumours turn out to be true, this roster could become one of the most talked-about teams of 2025. The combination of experience, individual skill, and the unique approach of both TORONTOTOKYO and Fishman promises not only great potential but also potential conflicts within the team.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/rumours-torontotokyo-and-fishman-set-to-join-betbooms-new-roster/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:00:50 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[New Roster Changes and New Champions in the 1win Series]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The end of 2024 brought a flurry of activity and significant developments in the world of Dota 2. From roster shuffles in China to successful tournaments and organisational changes, these key events captured the community's attention. Yakult’s Brothers: A New Carry and Plans for 2025 Chinese team Yakult’s Brothers has announced a roster change. Their primary carry, Jin "flyfly" Zhiyi, has departed, making way for former Gaozu player Wang "Ame" Chunyu. With Gaozu, Ame demonstrated solid performances, notably securing qualification for ESL One Bangkok 2024, where the team finished 9th–10th. Now, Yakult’s Brothers are preparing for a new challenge: the FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 qualifiers, running from 23 to 27 December. Eight Chinese teams will compete for a single LAN slot, with a prize pool of $1 million awaiting the contenders. The updated Yakult’s Brothers roster includes: Wang "Ame" Chunyu Zhou "Emo" Yi Nicolas Lim "zeal" Eng Han Ye "BoBoKa" Zhibiao Li "Undyne_" Qiancheng Cloud9: The End of an Era in Dota 2 Organisation Cloud9 has officially concluded its presence in the professional Dota 2 scene. Recent departures include assistant coach Alexey "TheChosenOne" Karanevich and team manager Noah "Th3RealJP" Eigenhir, with the organisation expressing gratitude for their contributions and wishing them well in future endeavours. On 2 November, the contract with the final player of the previous roster expired, leaving Cloud9’s Dota 2 division without any active members. The organisation has yet to announce its plans for 2025. Chimera Esports Crowned Champions of 1win Series Dota 2 Punch The year ended with the 1win Series Dota 2 Punch, an online tournament held from 21 to 22 December. In the grand final, Chimera Esports, led by captain Nikita "Daxak" Kuzmin, convincingly defeated L1ga Team 3–0 to claim the championship title. The prize pool was distributed as follows: 1st Place: Chimera Esports — $15,000 2nd Place: L1ga Team — $8,000 3rd Place: 1win Team — $5,000 4th Place: 9Pandas — $2,000]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/new-roster-changes-and-new-champions-in-the-1win-series/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:00:57 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025: Eastern European Teams]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[From 23rd to 27th December, the closed qualifiers for Eastern Europe will take place for the upcoming FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 Dota 2 championship, set to be held in Belgrade from 24th January to 2nd February. The tournament will feature 16 teams, including 11 invited ones, with a total prize pool of $1 million. Invited Teams and Open Qualifiers Among the invited teams are some of the brightest stars of the Eastern European scene: 1WIN, World Chimera Esports, L1GA TEAM, 9Pandas, and One Move. They will be joined by the winners of the open qualifiers – HYDRA, Nemiga Gaming, and 4Pirates. These 8 teams will battle it out for a single spot in the final tournament, which promises to be action-packed and highly competitive. Qualifier Format The closed qualifiers will be played in a Double-elimination format. All matches, except the grand final, will be played in a Best of 3 (bo3) format, while the grand final will be in Best of 5 (bo5). Only one team from all participants will secure a spot in the main tournament. Match Schedule The qualifiers will begin on 23rd December, with the following match schedule: 23rd December 07:00 – 1WIN vs 4Pirates 10:30 – 9Pandas vs One Move 12:00 – Chimera vs Nemiga 17:30 – L1ga vs HYDRA 24th December 07:00 – Winner of 1WIN/4Pirates vs Loser of 9Pandas/One Move 10:30 – Winner of Chimera/Nemiga vs Winner of L1ga/HYDRA 12:00 – Winner of 1WIN/4Pirates vs Winner of 9Pandas/One Move 17:30 – Winner of Chimera/Nemiga vs Winner of L1ga/HYDRA]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/fissure-playground-belgrade-2025-eastern-european-teams/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:00:46 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Сlosed qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[​​ Talon Esports and AVULUS secured dominant victories in the grand finals of the closed qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 in Dota 2, which took place from December 18 to 22, 2024. Both teams have advanced to the main stage of the tournament, set to take place in Belgrade from January 24 to February 2, 2025, where they will compete for a prize pool of one million dollars. Talon Esports, led by Carlo Kuku Palad, left BOOM Esports with no chance, winning 3-1. This result earned them a spot in the main phase of the tournament. Meanwhile, in Western Europe, AVULUS also triumphed in the grand final, defeating Nigma Galaxy and securing their place in the main stage. The team's captain, Akbar SoNNeikO Butaev, and his players demonstrated their strength in the challenging qualifiers. AVULUS's mid-laner, Daniel Stormstormer Schöetza, shared his thoughts on his team's advancement to FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 in a post on X: "We’ve made it through the qualifiers for the next LAN in Belgrade. I’m proud of my team — each of us worked hard for this result. It’s been a long season of qualifiers and tournaments, so now we’re looking forward to some rest. GG WP, Nigma Galaxy." Thus, both teams have earned their place among the best at the year’s main tournament, and now they will battle for the title and the substantial prize.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/slosed-qualifiers-for-fissure-playground-belgrade-2025/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:00:58 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[American Team's victory and Rumour about Kiyotaka’s leave]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The American team Apex Genesis achieved an unexpected victory in the qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025, defeating the Peruvian team M80 with a 3-0 score. The team's carry, Luke YamSun Vonne, expressed his surprise in a post on X, noting that the team from a region often considered "dead" in the professional scene emerged victorious. "The dead region won the mixed qualifiers at LAN. Shocking turn of events," the player wrote, emphasising the unexpected nature of their triumph. Before the final, one of the opponents of Apex Genesis expressed confidence in their victory, claiming in the general chat that Vonne’s team was doomed to lose. However, the players of Apex Genesis proved otherwise. Meanwhile, another piece of news circulated in the Dota 2 community: BetBoom Team's mid-laner, Gleb kiyotaka Zyrjanov, is leaving the team. This was announced by caster Andrey Afoninje Afonin on his Telegram page, leaving behind a cryptic message: "Has anyone already written about this?) BB -kiyotaka".]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/american-teams-victory-and-rumour-about-kiyotakas-leave/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:33:46 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Yatoro and Mira gonna return]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Team Spirit’s Dota 2 manager, Dmitry "Korb3n" Belov, shared his thoughts on the potential return of Ilya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk and Miroslav "Mira" Kolpakov to the professional stage. Speaking on his stream, he noted that despite rumours of offers for both players, their comeback remains uncertain. "Mira has had offers, but he’s officially stated that he’s not ready to return right now. He doesn’t play much, and when he does, it’s only on streams. As for Yatoro, there are no questions about him yet—he hasn’t made any statements about returning," Korb3n explained. Since leaving Team Spirit immediately after The International 2024, both players have remained inactive. According to Korb3n, Mira hasn’t shown much interest in rejoining the competitive scene, while Yatoro’s situation remains unclear.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/yatoro-and-mira-gonna-return/</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:08:55 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[LenaGol0vach on sports and Dota 2: "I can be #1 in anything if I set my mind to it"]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Renowned Dota 2 streamer Sergey "LenaGol0vach" recently shared his thoughts on his potential in various sports and his aspirations in eSports during a Twitch broadcast. He expressed unwavering confidence, asserting that with the right motivation and training time, he could excel in any discipline. "Honestly, I can be #1 in any sport if I dedicate time to training and stay motivated. Give me a month, and I'll be semi-professional in whatever sport you choose. Do I really need to?" Sergey responded to a viewer's inquiry about football. In addition to his sports ambitions, LenaGol0vach revealed plans to form a team to compete at a lower level in Dota 2.  "I'll be putting together five players soon. We'll be playing at 1,000 MMR, and I plan to f*** everyone we encounter. We'll be there, taking on all the competition," the streamer remarked, emphasizing that he isn't concerned about any negative feedback on Reddit. While some might view LenaGol0vach's statements with skepticism, it's worth noting that his Dota 2 team recently triumphed in the BetBoom Streamers Battle 8 tournament, securing nearly 2 million rubles in prize money.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/lenagol0vach-on-sports-and-dota-2-i-can-be-1-in-anything-if-i-set-my-mind-to-it/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 22 Dec 2024 15:00:27 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[The Importance of Support in Dota 2: Why They Deserve Assistance]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The role of a support in Dota 2 is far from simple. Constantly present to provide vision, protect teammates, and remain in the background while core players shine, supports often go unappreciated. Here are five common frustrations that support players encounter regularly, which many who have played this role will recognize. 1. No Wards! One of the most frequent grievances. Supports strive to place vision at crucial locations on the map to safeguard their team and track enemies. However, wards are not unlimited; they can be destroyed, and a support cannot cover the entire map alone. Yet, as soon as a core player falls in an unmonitored area, the chorus of "Where are the wards?" emerges. The real question is: where is your awareness of the situation? 2. Where Are You Running? This remark is often directed at teammates. When core players plunge into dangerous situations, it can be challenging for supports to keep pace. This jeopardizes their positioning and often leaves them unable to deploy vital abilities in time. It’s essential to remember that spell and item ranges are limited, and recklessly pursuing teammates can result in the demise of both the support and the entire team. 3. Don't Touch the Creeps! For core players, creeps are invaluable. Nonetheless, there are times when a support needs to secure resources for crucial items that could turn the tide of battle. When a carry snatches the last creeps from a support, it can lead to disastrous outcomes in fights. Without essential items like Eul's Scepter or Aghanim's Scepter, the support may become ineffective when it matters most. 4. Feeding Again! Supports often find themselves shadowing core players, even when their decisions are reckless. If a carry charges into danger, the support can end up facing the consequences. Consequently, they are often blamed for unnecessary deaths, despite simply fulfilling their role of providing assistance to an ally. 5. Where is Glimmer? Supports frequently have to adapt their item builds based on teammates' requests for items like Glimmer Cape, Force Staff, or Lotus Orb. However, not all support heroes can easily accommodate these demands. Some require their core items, such as Blink Dagger or Aether Lens, to maximize their effectiveness for the team. Completely yielding to core demands can hinder the support’s potential. Supports play a critical role in a team's success, yet their contributions are often overlooked. It's vital to show them more respect and understanding for their efforts. Remember, by aiding your support, you enhance the performance of the entire team.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/the-importance-of-support-in-dota-2-why-they-deserve-assistance/</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 22 Dec 2024 13:00:41 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[MMR Boosting Issues in Dota 2: Accounts from Uzbekistan and Spain in the Top 5]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Recently, there has been a rise in concerning trends in Dota 2, particularly regarding MMR boosting and the use of bots. Accounts from Uzbekistan and Spain have made their way into the top 5 of the European MMR leaderboard, raising suspicions within the community. One such account is tv/deepdoto, which at one point overtook the famous Ukrainian player Ilya 'Yatoro' Mulyarchuk, holding the top spot before settling in second place. Another suspicious account is GioTriso, who occupies the fourth spot. Many members of the Dota 2 community believe these accounts are not operated by real players but are bots that artificially boost their MMR, creating a false impression of high-level players. Well-known content creator and streamer Gleb 'y0nd' Vazhnov has already highlighted the issue of MMR boosting in Dota 2, claiming that half of the top 20 players on the European ladder engage in this illicit practice. During one of his streams, y0nd shared his thoughts on the matter, mentioning that MMR boosting has become a serious issue that the developers have failed to address. He explained how accounts with MMRs of 16,000 or higher have dominated the European ladder for months, making the game unfair, especially when these accounts are sold for large sums of money. Yatoro, for instance, reached 16,000 MMR, but previously, an account with a Russian name had a rating of 16,400-16,600, which was boosted using the "overflow" method. Miroslav 'Mira' Kolpakov, a professional player from Virtus.pro, also weighed in on the topic, comparing the MMR system in Dota 2 to the ranking system on FACEIT for Counter-Strike 2. He pointed out that in CS2, reaching the top 1 requires competing against professional players, while in Dota 2, both pros and pub players compete at the same level, making a 16k MMR ranking particularly significant for players who aren't part of the pro scene.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/mmr-boosting-issues-in-dota-2-accounts-from-uzbekistan-and-spain-in-the-top-5/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Dec 2024 15:00:31 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Resolut1on on Retiring and the Decline of The International’s Prestige]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Ukrainian esports player Roman "Resolut1on" Fominok made a candid statement during his Twitch livestream, sharing his thoughts on his future career and the current state of esports. Roman revealed that after a conversation with Team Liquid coach, William "Blitz" Lee, he lost the motivation to return to the professional scene. A Life-Changing Conversation Resolut1on admitted that his dream was to play for Team Liquid, but his discussion with Blitz provided a reality check that influenced his decisions going forward: "I had a conversation with Blitz — a very sobering one. He told me I no longer have a chance of joining Team Liquid. I was upset and stopped striving for it. The only team I ever wanted to play for was Team Liquid, and they turned me down. Their game intelligence [referring to SabeRLighT-] is top-two. Who am I? What am I trying to achieve? I'll just stream every day and keep training." These remarks confirm that Resolut1on is stepping away from professional play, focusing instead on content creation rather than pursuing a competitive comeback. The Decline of The International’s Prestige Beyond his career plans, Resolut1on shared his opinion on the current state of The International. When asked by viewers if he still aspired to win the tournament, he stated that TI’s prestige had greatly diminished due to the reduction of its prize pool. "TI isn’t the same anymore. Once the prize pool hit $40 million, it truly became TI. TI10 was incredible and extraordinary, but with TI11, the focus on the World Championship began to fade. Now, its prestige relies only on the legacy of what it used to be. The real prestige was always in the money." According to Resolut1on, the shrinking prize pool has negatively impacted the tournament’s standing. He also expressed doubt over whether a tournament like Riyadh Masters could fill the void, despite its impressive financial backing. A Future Without TI Resolut1on made it clear that a return to professional play is not in his plans. However, his candid comments have sparked debate within the Dota 2 community. Opinions on what matters most — money or the spirit of competition — remain divided among players and fans alike.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/resolut1on-on-retiring-and-the-decline-of-the-internationals-prestige/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Dec 2024 11:00:49 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Prize Leadership and the Battle for the New Season]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Dota 2 Records in 2024 In 2024, Dota 2 reaffirmed its status as the most lucrative eSports title, with over $23 million distributed across 85 tournaments. In comparison, the prize pool for the second-ranking game, Counter-Strike 2, reached $20 million, while League of Legends secured the fifth spot with $8.6 million. Among eSports organizations, MENA Team Falcons emerged as the top contender, earning $7.2 million from 121 tournaments. Following them, Team Liquid secured second place with $5.4 million, and All Gamers rounded out the top three with $4.9 million. However, despite these impressive financial achievements, The International 2024 did not rank among the top 10 tournaments in terms of peak viewership, falling behind other events in terms of popularity. 4Pirates Advance to Closed Qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 While larger teams are reflecting on their earnings, smaller squads are preparing for upcoming competitions. Team 4Pirates has triumphed in the Last Chance Qualifier, defeating Blue Submarine to secure a spot in the closed qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 in Eastern Europe. 4Pirates Roster: - Roman "Otaker" Aliullov - Vsevolod "nattynarwhal_" Pelekh - Ivan "mister moral" Ilyichev - Alexander "ariel" Kolyasev - Anton "PERDAN4IK" Suslov The closed qualifiers are set to take place online from December 23 to 27, featuring eight teams vying for a place in the tournament's main stage.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/prize-leadership-and-the-battle-for-the-new-season/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:00:07 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[New Hero: Frog Bard and Arcana for Windranger]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Data miners have uncovered potential evidence pointing to the upcoming introduction of a new hero, Frog Bard, in Dota 2. Upcoming Hero: Frog Bard The Telegram channel "Dota Stepana" reported that Valve has reserved IDs ranging from 822 to 827, likely for this new character.  "Prior to the update, the last used ID for cosmetic slots was 821 (Belt of Keza). With the introduction of the Frostivus 2024 event, a slot for Windranger's base hero with ID 828 emerged. This suggests that the intermediate IDs may be set aside for Frog Bard," the message states.  While Valve has yet to confirm this, Frog Bard has been mentioned previously as a potential new hero, with a release anticipated in early to mid-2025. Windranger Arcana: Fluttering Breeze Valve has launched a new arcana called Fluttering Breeze for Windranger as part of the Winter 2024 Hero Hoard set. However, the drop rate for this arcana is less than 1%, making it quite costly to acquire. Players have calculated that to achieve a 50% chance of receiving the arcana, one would need to open 43 treasures. The initial drop rate is only 0.001%, and even after 10 attempts, the probability only rises to 0.8%. After 50 openings, the chance increases to 65.4%, yet it still does not guarantee a successful drop. In practice, obtaining Fluttering Breeze could cost around $130. An alternative option is to wait for its potential sale in the summer of 2025, though even then, it might retail for around $100. Additionally, with the launch of the Frostbite event, players received some bugs in the spirit of the New Year. Last night, Valve rolled out a minor update to fix an issue related to the use of abilities and items during teleportation.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/new-hero-frog-bard-and-arcana-for-windranger/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:30:05 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Collapse Makes a Surprise Comeback to Team Spirit]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Magomed "Collapse" Khalilov, the off-laner for Team Spirit and a two-time world champion, has unexpectedly rejoined the team earlier than anticipated. Initially, his return was slated for January, but he has already arrived at the team's base in Belgrade. Collapse returned to "dragons" Vyacheslav "Art1st" Lyadnov, the team host, announced Collapse's return on Telegram, sharing a photo with the player. The community speculates that Collapse's comeback is a response to the struggles faced by Team Spirit's new roster, prompting the team to begin training sooner to prepare for upcoming tournaments. Collapse's Remarkable Physical Transformation The striking transformation of Collapse has sparked intense discussion among fans. Team Spirit streamer Kamil "Koma`" Biktimirov expressed disbelief at the drastic change, stating, "This can't be Collapse! He looks like a machine; there's no way he could have gotten this fit in just three months." He humorously referred to Magomed as a "closet." Meanwhile, Miroslav "Mira" Kolpakov suggested that Collapse's rapid physical change might be attributed to sports nutrition. Ilya "Yatoro" Mularchuk has previously joked about wanting to fight Collapse, but given the latter's current physique, such notions now seem quite humorous. Collapse's return to Team Spirit signals a serious commitment to preparation, and his new appearance has not only surprised fans but also heightened anticipation for his performances in upcoming tournaments. Everyone is eager to see how the revamped Collapse will fare on the competitive stage.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/collapse-makes-a-surprise-comeback-to-team-spirit/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:00:03 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[BLAST Slam I Highlights: Results, Player Insights and Lil's Career Shift]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Tournament Overview and Feedback on BLAST Slam I Format Caster Avery "SVG" Silverman commended the organization of the BLAST Slam I tournament, noting the impressive lighting, stage design, and comfortable seating. However, he criticized the HUD, stating, "The HUD was poorly designed. I struggled to quickly recognize information. I believe they will definitely address this based on the feedback." SVG also voiced concerns about the tournament format, which featured only four best-of-1 matches and one best-of-3 before the grand final. "The top teams didn’t have the opportunity to showcase their skills, adapt to the meta, or demonstrate their growth. This format left a sense of uncertainty," he remarked. He added that while the format may appeal to viewers seeking a "fun and fast event," it falls short for competitive integrity. BetBoom Team's Triumph and gpk's Performance Russian player Danil "gpk" Skutin, who stepped in for Gleb "kiyotaka" Zyryanov, played a pivotal role in BetBoom Team's grand final victory at BLAST Slam I. SVG highlighted gpk’s high-level gameplay, stating, "He rarely makes mistakes in fights and reliably executes his role. He can be considered one of the key factors in their success." However, he also pointed out that gpk struggles with team dynamics, raising questions about his long-term compatibility within the team. Lil's Search for a New Team Ukrainian eSports player Ilya "lil me alone" Ilyuk is on the lookout for a new team for the upcoming competitive season. He expressed his desire to make a memorable exit, stating, "I’m ready for the last dance. I want to finish beautifully. I urge teams that are reshuffling: here’s your chance to test a young, promising player." Lil is confident that, with the right conditions, he can break into the top 50 in MMR rankings and aims to prove his worth in the support roles of "4" or "5." In summary, BetBoom Team's victory at BLAST Slam I has solidified gpk's reputation as one of the top mid-laners, despite concerns about his fit within the team. The tournament format has garnered mixed reviews, while Lil prepares for a new chapter in his professional journey, leaving room for significant changes ahead.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/blast-slam-i-highlights-results-player-insights-and-lils-career-shift/</link>
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            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:30:03 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Smurf Bans and Bugs]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Smurf Account Bans and Bugs Following Frostivus Update On December 19, Valve introduced a pre-New Year update for Dota 2 called “Frostivus”. Players gained access to the Winter 2024 Heroes' Hoard treasure, featuring exclusive cosmetic items. However, the highlight of this update was Valve's decision to ban tens of thousands of smurf accounts. "Sixty-five thousand smurf accounts, along with some griefers, have been banned. It’s time to enjoy Dota again," commented caster Austin "Capitalist" Walsh, expressing his approval of the move. Despite this significant action, the new update also introduced some issues. Luka "Lukawa" Nasuashvili, the manager of BetBoom Team, and e-sports player Roman "RAMZES666" Kushnarev shared their thoughts on “Frostivus”.  "We're creating exclusive cosmetics for you to purchase, and we're reintroducing previously exclusive items for you to buy," Nasuashvili pointed out on social media. RAMZES666 had a succinct yet impactful reaction, simply stating, "Nice patch," accompanied by a clown emoticon. Players were eagerly anticipating the full patch 7.38 and the accompanying event that would alter the current meta. However, the update was primarily focused on holiday-themed content, along with some bugs. Teleportation Issues Affecting Abilities and Items The holiday-themed update came with an unexpected surprise—a bug that caused several items and abilities to malfunction during teleportation. Team Spirit analyst Denis "sikle" Lerman addressed the issue, noting, "When using the Town Portal Scroll, instant items like Shadow Blade, Silver Edge, Shiva's Guard, Phase Boots, Radiance, and others fail to activate. Some heroes, like Invoker, also lose access to their abilities." Additionally, the "dragons" analyst highlighted a quirky interaction with Aghanim's Scepter, where heroes can "steal hats" within a 400-unit radius instead of the usual one target. Valve has yet to respond to this bug, but players are hopeful for a swift resolution. The "Frostivus" update has elicited mixed reactions, ranging from excitement over the ban of smurf accounts to disappointment regarding the absence of the long-awaited patch. The new bug has added to the community's frustration, and players are eagerly looking for further developments from Valve.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/smurf-bans-and-bugs/</link>
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            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:11:27 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Quinn Callahan and Esports Breaks: From Tournaments to Travels]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Quinn Callahan, better known as Quinn, the mid player for Gaimin Gladiators, decided to take a break after a series of defeats for his team in tournaments, and travelled to the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 to enjoy the CS2 event. This move came as a surprising turn in the esports player's career, who, despite the setbacks in Dota 2, chose to spend time watching other disciplines and relaxing. Additionally, Andreas "Cr1t-" Nielsen, another player from Gaimin Gladiators, was also spotted at the event, further confirming their shared downtime. In Shanghai, Quinn likely joined other professional players and figures from the esports world, including a member of Falcons, who attended the event shortly after his team was eliminated from the ESL One Bangkok 2024 tournament. However, that's not all. During his break, Quinn was also seen with popular streamer and The International host Natalie "NatTea" Mahony. Photos of them enjoying their time together in Osaka, Japan quickly spread across the internet. Reddit users couldn’t help but notice the closeness between Quinn and NatTea, joking about the nature of their relationship and speculating whether they are just friends or something more. This isn’t the first time they’ve been seen together, which has only fueled more rumours. Despite the attention on their interaction, neither Quinn nor NatTea have commented on the speculations, leaving it all up to the fans and viewers. This event adds to the broader narrative where the personal lives and relaxation of professional players intertwine with their esports careers, sparking even more curiosity among fans.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/quinn-callahan-and-esports-breaks-from-tournaments-to-travels/</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:00:31 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[DreamLeague Season 25: Qualifiers Begin as Banned CIS Players Return]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The professional Dota 2 scene is gearing up for the 25th season of DreamLeague, accompanied by developments that could significantly impact team line-ups. Open Qualifiers Begin Registration for the open qualifiers of DreamLeague Season 25 is now open. Matches in the Western and Eastern European regions, hosted on the FACEIT platform, will commence on 3 January. Each region will hold two open qualifiers, with one slot per qualifier leading to the closed stage. The winners will join six invited teams in the closed qualifiers. Organisers have allocated three spots for Western Europe and two for Eastern Europe. Four teams have already secured direct invites to the tournament based on their ESL Pro Tour points: World Team Falcons SE Team Liquid RU PARIVISION RU BetBoom Team DreamLeague Season 25 will take place online from 16 February to 2 March, boasting a prize pool of $1 million. Sixteen teams will compete for the championship. Return of Previously Banned Players Coinciding with the qualifiers, 19 December marks the end of a two-year ban for several CIS players punished for account-sharing violations. Among the notable names are Kamil "Koma'" Biktimirov and Bauyrzhan "lilskrip" Bisembaev. The sanctions, imposed in December 2021, were the result of a joint decision by Valve, PGL, and ESL. However, ESL initially set the ban duration at two years, contrasting with the indefinite bans upheld by Valve and PGL. Natus Vincere manager Zhanna "Radiactivebaby" commented on the milestone via her Telegram channel: "An interesting fact – two years ago, these players were banned for account-sharing by Valve and major tournament organisers. Today, their ban period ends. Time flies." Banned players: Aslan "paradise" Vadilov Emil "keintseru" Daminov Viktor "SuperNova" Galichkin Danil "illusion" Grzhevka Bauyrzhan "lilskrip" Bisembaev Kamil "Koma'" Biktimirov Vladislav "chambi" Khoroltsev Yaroslav "Limitless" Parshin Sergey "[T]SA" Timchenko Kirill "deihraa" Kharitonov It remains unclear whether these players will be allowed to participate in major tournaments, as PGL continues to uphold its indefinite bans.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/dreamleague-season-25-qualifiers-begin-as-banned-cis-players-return/</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:00:29 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Roster changes in the World of Dota 2 and Conflicts in China]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The professional Dota 2 scene continues to evolve, with news of player transfers, roster changes, and the resolution of legal issues making waves. Nikita "dualrazee" Dubinsky in 1win Team Ukrainian player Nikita "dualrazee" Dubinsky has been announced as the stand-in mid-laner for 1win Team, according to the organisation’s social media channels. Known for his wide hero pool and high rank (Top 110 in the European ladder), dualrazee will compete in the upcoming 1win Series Dota 2 Punch, starting on 21 December. Current 1win Team roster: Russia: Nikita "Munkushi~" Chepurnykh Ukraine: Nikita "dualrazee" Dubinsky (stand-in) Russia: Alexander "Cloud" Zakharov Russia: Georgy "swedenstrong" Zainalabidov Belarus: Yegor "RESPECT" Prokurat Russia: Timur "Ahilles" Kulmukhametov (coach) Natsumi- Joins Talon Esports Filipino esports player John "Natsumi-" Vargas has officially joined Talon Esports. Previously, he stood in for Eljohn "Akashi" Andales in the first position during the MESA Invitational 2024 in Mongolia, where the team secured first place. Current Talon Esports roster: Philippines: John "Natsumi-" Vargas Indonesia: Rafli "Mikoto" Fathur Rahman Malaysia: Chung "Ws" Wei Shen Indonesia: Tri "Jhocam" Kuncoro Philippines: Carlo "Kuku" Palad Legal Conflict Between NothingToSay and Invictus Gaming Chinese professional player Cheng "NothingToSay" Jin Xiang remains embroiled in a legal dispute with Invictus Gaming, despite the team’s roster disbanding. The conflict began after NothingToSay signed with IG in November 2023, during which the organisation secured sponsorship from G2. However, after a disappointing season, the partnership ended, leaving players in limbo. NothingToSay commented on his absence from the scene, stating he had retired. Meanwhile, prominent Chinese businessman Yang is willing to mediate and resolve the conflict.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/roster-changes-in-the-world-of-dota-2-and-conflicts-in-china/</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:00:11 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Upcoming Changes in the Dota 2 Scene: Malik Parts Ways with Team Spirit]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The Dota 2 esports world is gearing up for one of the most significant changes in its history. Player Abdimalik "Malik" Sailau has announced the end of his collaboration with Team Spirit and the start of his search for a new team, while the professional community is abuzz with discussions about a massive upcoming roster shuffle. Malik Ends His Journey with Team Spirit On his social media, Malik bid farewell to Team Spirit, expressing gratitude to the team and its fans for their support: "Hello everyone. My journey with Spirit has come to an end. It was a lot of fun and a pleasure working with them, and I wish them all the best! Big thanks to the Spirit fans who welcomed me warmly and supported me. My plans remain unchanged: I will continue playing Dota and looking at offers — LFT, so to speak." Malik confirmed that his priority remains his professional career, and he is actively exploring opportunities with other organisations. Anticipating the Biggest Roster Shuffle The Dota 2 community is already abuzz with speculation about the impending roster changes. Konstantin Doroshyonok, the creator of the KD ALL IN YouTube channel, stated that this shuffle could be unprecedented: "After the New Year, we’re expecting the biggest shuffle in history, even bigger than the one after The International." This view was echoed by streamer, analyst, and professional player Andrey "Afoninje" Afonin, who shared his thoughts during a Twitch stream: "The shuffles coming up — if only you knew. They’ll be even bigger than the last ones after the New Year. It’s going to be insane. There are qualifiers coming in mid-January, and everyone’s shuffling for them." Afonin highlighted that the changes are driven by the need for teams to adapt ahead of the January 2025 qualifiers.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/upcoming-changes-in-the-dota-2-scene-malik-parts-ways-with-team-spirit/</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:52:54 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[PARIVISION Triumphs at ESL One Bangkok 2024 and Players’ Reflections]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The team PARIVISION emerged as champions of the prestigious ESL One Bangkok 2024 Dota 2 tournament, defeating Team Liquid 3:1 in the grand final. This triumph earned the team $300,000 from the $1 million prize pool. The tournament, held from 9 to 15 December in Thailand, gathered the world’s best players and teams. Crystallis: "It’s the difference in the team" PARIVISION’s carry player, Remco "Crystallis" Arets, shared his thoughts in an interview on the team’s YouTube channel: "It’s quite funny. If I could sum up my emotions in one word, I’d say poggers . [Carry diff?] Not with miCKe. Carry diff was with Pure~, but not with miCKe. It could have been with Pure~. Maybe with Nightfall, but not with miCKe. It’s the difference in the team, you see? Our team is strong." Crystallis emphasised that the key to their success was the synergy within the team rather than individual player performances. No[o]ne: "Emotions come later" PARIVISION’s mid-laner, Vladimir "No[o]ne" Minenko, reflected on his feelings after this long-awaited victory, marking his first major tournament win since 2018, when he claimed the title at The Kuala Lumpur Major with Virtus.pro: "When you win such a tournament… I don’t feel anything right now. The emotions come a day or two later. At the moment, you’re still in work mode. We turned around three hour-long matches that were nearly impossible to win. After games like that, you lose touch with reality. I don’t have emotions right now, but we’ve won a tier-1 tournament. Obviously, everyone is ecstatic. I’m in shock." For No[o]ne, the victory at ESL One Bangkok marked a crucial milestone in his career, highlighting his return to the top tier of global esports. Stormstormer on AVULUS’s Progress Meanwhile, AVULUS’s midlaner, Daniel "Stormstormer" Schoetzau, reflected on his team’s performance, as they secured a top-6 finish: "I’m really proud of how we’ve grown. We delivered a strong performance. Finishing in the top six at our first LAN event is something I’m very proud of. As for myself, I think I played reasonably well. There were games where I performed very well, but there were also games where I underperformed. I’m not 100% satisfied with my performance, but honestly, I feel that way after nearly every tournament." Stormstormer underscored the tournament's significance as a valuable experience that strengthened his team.]]></description>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:17:22 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Peruvian Esports Player Yadomi Parts Ways with Waska, K1 Returns to M80]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Several significant changes have taken place in the Peruvian esports scene. In one of the recent updates, Junior Reyes "Yadomi" Rimari officially announced his departure from Waska. Since joining the team in August 2024, Yadomi helped secure 8th place at DreamLeague 24 and 3rd place at Elite League 2 with Boom. His departure came as a surprise, and at the moment, it is unclear who will take his place in the roster. The Waska team continues to strengthen its position with players Hfn, Darkmago, Sacred, and Matthew. Meanwhile, another Peruvian esports player, Héctor "K1" Rodríguez, known for his long tenure with beastcoast, has returned to the esports scene by joining M80 (formerly beastcoast) for the closed qualifiers of the FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 Dota 2 championship. K1 replaced Yheremi "payk" Arroyo as the first position carry and will now compete with the new roster. Remember, K1 was a key player for beastcoast from 2019 to 2023. Recently, the North American esports organisation M80 officially announced the acquisition of beastcoast, including all of its esports rosters and divisions. This acquisition marks a significant step for the team’s future on the international stage. The FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 championship will take place from January 24 to February 2 in the Serbian capital, Belgrade. The event will feature a $1 million prize pool, divided among 16 teams, including 11 invited teams. M80’s roster for the qualifiers: Héctor "K1" Rodríguez Luis "Lumpy" Vilarreal Mario "ILICH-" Valdivia Yelsthin "Elmisho" Hurtado Joel "MoOz" Ozambela]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/peruvian-esports-player-yadomi-parts-ways-with-waska-k1-returns-to-m80/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:00:52 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[N0tail Releases Autobiography, while Resolut1on Shares Thoughts on the TI's Prestige]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Two prominent figures in the world of esports, two-time The International champion Johan "N0tail" Sundstein, and professional player and streamer Roman "Resolut1on" Fominok, have shared their important thoughts regarding their careers and perceptions of the current esports scene. N0tail Releases Autobiography Denmark’s Johan "N0tail" Sundstein, a two-time The International champion, has released his long-awaited autobiography in English, titled "Character Beats Talent." The 300-page book offers insights into N0tail’s life and professional Dota 2 career. He shares his highs and lows, personal experiences, and successes on the scene. The book is available for purchase on the official OG website for 29 euros. The autobiography was also released in Danish back in April of this year, and for esports fans, it’s a true gem that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the life of one of the most successful players in Dota 2 history. It’s worth noting that N0tail began his professional Dota 2 career in 2012, and as part of OG, he became a two-time champion of The International in 2018 and 2019, earning worldwide fame and recognition as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Resolut1on on The International’s Declining Prestige While N0tail reflects on his achievements, Roman "Resolut1on" Fominok has expressed doubts about the current prestige of The International. During a recent stream, Fominok commented that the tournament has lost its former significance due to the reduction in its prize pool. According to him, TI was prestigious when the prize pool was $40 million, but it has now lost its allure, despite ongoing discussions about its high status: "TI is not the same anymore. No matter how much people say it's a prestigious tournament and all that, it was prestigious when the prize pool was $40 million. Now, it's not prestigious. Now, everyone wants it to be prestigious without the actual prestige. And the fact was in the money." This statement sheds light on how perceptions of the tournament’s prestige have changed, particularly in light of current circumstances. His words have sparked discussions among fans and professional players, highlighting how crucial the prize pool is to the perception of a tournament's grandeur.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/n0tail-releases-autobiography-while-resolut1on-shares-thoughts-on-the-tis-prestige/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:00:58 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Off-lane Legends: Fng and Resolut1on Discuss the Best Off-laners]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The world of Dota 2 has always been known for its exceptional talents in the off-lane position. Two prominent players, Artem Fng Barshak and Roman Resolut1on Fominok, have shared their thoughts on the greatest off-laners of both the past and present. Fng on Off-lane Geniuses During a personal stream, Fng hailed 33 (Neta Shapira, Israel) as the best off-laner in terms of intelligence and influence on the game. According to him, 33 brings innovative ideas, showcases unconventional strategies, and truly earns the title of a Dota 2 “genius.” However, when it comes to execution, Barshak believes no one can rival Collapse (Magomed Khalilov, Russia): “33 is a wild intellectual who introduces so many new things to the game. But in terms of execution, it's Collapse, and no one even comes close. Winning two Internationals with two different teams is simply an extraordinary achievement.” Fng also shared a reserved opinion on Ammar ATF (Ammar Al-Assaf, Jordan), acknowledging his unique playstyle but highlighting his lack of significant victories in major tournaments: “Ammar is a grinder with his heroes and displays a unique gameplay style, but until he has Riyadh Masters or The International under his belt, it doesn’t count for much.” Resolut1on on Yoky’s Career Roman Resolut1on Fominok reflected on his former teammate, Maxim Yoky Kim. According to him, Yoky had talent comparable to Collapse in his prime but failed to realise his potential due to his ambitions: “He came from a wealthy family, so he didn’t have a strong drive. He was an excellent off-laner, but he didn’t enjoy the role — he wanted to play mid. I even gave up my position for him, but as a mid-player, he was mediocre at best.” After leaving professional Dota 2, Yoky largely disappeared from the esports scene. His career began with HellRaisers, followed by Team Empire, but his most notable performances were with Virtus.pro in 2016. Following the dissolution of the roster, Kim struggled to find his place in major teams.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/off-lane-legends-fng-and-resolut1on-discuss-the-best-off-laners/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:00:57 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Esports Season 2024: Prize Pools, Viewership Records and Discipline Leaders]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The 2024 competitive season was a standout year for esports, delivering record-breaking prize pools, thrilling tournaments, and countless memorable moments for fans. Statistics from the analytics platform Esports Charts provide a comprehensive overview of the year's trends and achievements in the esports world. Top Disciplines by Prize Pools The largest prize pool of 2024 was awarded in Dota 2, with $22.68 million distributed across 102 tournaments. Trailing closely behind was Counter-Strike, with $22.67 million awarded in 712 events. Despite the close results this year, the gap over the past eight years is striking: Dota 2: $330 million Counter-Strike: $155 million Mobile esports continued to gain momentum, with Honor of Kings securing third place with $13.34 million in prize money, followed by PUBG Mobile ($12.95 million) and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, which completed the top 10 list. Meanwhile, League of Legends ranked seventh with $9.23 million awarded across 120 tournaments. Valorant followed in eighth with $8.94 million across 296 tournaments. Viewership Records of the Season In terms of peak viewership, the 2024 World Championship for League of Legends emerged as the undisputed leader, drawing over 6.941 million peak viewers, a new esports record. The top 10 tournaments by peak viewership included: 4 tournaments for League of Legends 4 events for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang 1 tournament for Counter-Strike 2 1 event for Valorant Notably, The International 2024 for Dota 2 failed to secure a spot in the top 10 for peak viewership, with its maximum audience reaching 1.438 million viewers. Total Hours Watched: Leaders and Dota 2's Position In total hours watched, the 2024 World Championship dominated with over 190 million hours. By comparison, The International 2024 ranked ninth with 55.18 million hours, highlighting a declining interest in Dota 2’s flagship event compared to other disciplines. The International 2024 Highlights The International 2024 took place from 4 to 15 September in Copenhagen, Denmark. The tournament concluded with a triumphant victory for Swedish Team Liquid, who defeated the European squad Gaimin Gladiators in the grand final. Despite its prestige, The International 2024 faced challenges, including a noticeable drop in viewership. This serves as a wake-up call for organisers to rethink the format and re-engage the audience.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/esports-season-2024-prize-pools-viewership-records-and-discipline-leaders/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:00:43 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[1win Series Dota 2 Punch: Rosters and Unexpected Changes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The company 1win has announced a new online Dota 2 tournament — 1win Series Dota 2 Punch, scheduled to take place from 21 to 22 December. With a prize pool of $30,000 and featuring four strong teams, the event promises to be a spectacular conclusion to the 2024 season for Eastern European esports. Format and Participants The following teams have been invited to compete in the 1win Series Dota 2 Punch: 9Pandas (Russia) Chimera Esports (Russia) L1GA TEAM (Kazakhstan) 1WIN (Russia) The tournament includes four matches played in a bo5 (best-of-five) format. The winning team will claim half of the prize pool—$15,000. It is worth noting that Team Liquid (Sweden) was crowned champions of the previous 1win Series Dota 2 event, held in November. Roster Changes for 1WIN Special attention is focused on the Russian team 1WIN, which announced a roster change ahead of the tournament. Ukrainian player Nikita "dualrazee" Dubinsky will step in as a stand-in, replacing Ilya "Chira JUNIOR" Khirtsov in the second position. Khirtsov was moved to the inactive roster last month, as confirmed by the organisation on social media. Current 1WIN roster: Nikita "Munkushi~" Chepurnykh (Russia) Nikita "dualrazee" Dubinsky (Ukraine, stand-in) Alexander "Cloud" Zakharov (Russia) Georgiy "swedenstrong" Zaynalabidov (Russia) Yegor "RESPECT" Prokhorat (Belarus) What to Expect from 1win Series Dota 2 Punch? 1win Series Dota 2 Punch provides an excellent opportunity for teams to showcase their skills at the end of the year while testing new strategies and player combinations. From 21 to 22 December, viewers can look forward to thrilling matches that promise to deliver excitement and highlight the calibre of Eastern European esports.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/1win-series-dota-2-punch-rosters-and-unexpected-changes/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:02:25 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Team Spirit: Season Highlights, Roster Changes and Dota 2 Update Anticipation]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The end of the year has been eventful for the Russian Team Spirit Dota 2 squad. Reflections on major tournament performances, coaching changes, and rumours of an imminent game update set the stage for a new chapter in the team's journey and the esports scene as a whole. Tournament Results and the Coach's Reflections Team Spirit’s coach, Alexander "Accell" Litvinenko, reflected on his time with the team, hinting that his tenure may have come to an end. Writing on Telegram, he shared that the past two months had been a valuable experience for him, even though the team didn’t achieve groundbreaking results. “The past two months were incredible for me, despite the lack of extraordinary results. I realised that there are teams and organisations I’d truly like to be part of. This inspired me to continue my coaching career, even though I had previously considered changing professions.” Accell highlighted the lack of bootcamp opportunities as a key factor in the team’s limited preparation. This was particularly evident during their recent tournaments: BLAST Slam I, where they placed last, and ESL One Bangkok 2024, where they secured a top-4 finish. “After BLAST Slam I, we couldn’t address the fundamental issues exposed during the event. At ESL One Bangkok 2024, the competition was tougher, but we performed better. Unfortunately, it still wasn’t enough.” Challenges and Future Changes Accell acknowledged that the current roster was assembled temporarily and will likely undergo significant changes. He also admitted to certain shortcomings in his coaching approach and promised to work on them moving forward. “I’m taking a short break until the New Year, and after that, I’ll return to work. I don’t know where or with whom yet, but I’ll strive for results.” Analysts Weigh In and Game Update Rumours While Team Spirit evaluates their season, the Dota 2 community is abuzz with speculation about an upcoming major game update. Team Spirit’s analyst, Mark "sikle" Lerman, revealed that developers have been actively updating test servers. “The Staging Server was updated 8 times today, and the experimental server 3 times. Hyping up for a full patch (finally) or a New Year event?” Dataminer “Dota Stepana” added that the 7.38 patch, accompanied by the winter event “Frostivus”, is expected to be released this week. What Lies Ahead for Team Spirit and Dota 2 Fans With a strong finish in the form of a top-4 placement at ESL One Bangkok, Team Spirit looks forward to changes and growth in the coming year. The anticipated game updates may bring a fresh dynamic to the competitive scene and play a key role in the team’s preparation for the next season.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/team-spirit-season-highlights-roster-changes-and-dota-2-update-anticipation/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:23:36 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 and Team Secret's Roster Shake-up]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The organisers of FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025, one of the most anticipated upcoming Dota 2 tournaments, have revealed the list of teams invited to the closed qualifiers for Western Europe. At the same time, major changes to Team Secret's roster have added intrigue to the competition, which is set to take place from 24 January to 2 February in Serbia's capital, Belgrade. 8 participants of the qualifying tournament: Qualifier Participants Team Secret AVULUS Nigma Galaxy MOUZ Winter Bear Team Greece Zero Tenacity Dragon Esports Club The latter two teams earned their spots through the open qualifiers. These eight teams will battle for a chance to join the tournament's main stage, where 11 invited teams are already waiting. The total prize pool for the event is an impressive $1 million, to be shared among the 16 participating teams. Major Roster Updates for Team Secret All eyes are on Team Secret, who have brought in two new players for the qualifiers. Former carry for the South American team HEROIC, Peruvian player David "Parker" Nicho Flores, will take the first position, replacing Bilguun "423" Altanginj. Altanginj departs after a series of mixed results, including a 5th-6th place finish at the MESA Invitational 2024 and a 7th-8th place finish at the 1win Series Dota 2 Fall, as well as failing to qualify for ESL One Bangkok 2024. Additionally, Team Secret has strengthened its offline presence by signing Serbian player Mihajlo "MikSa`" Jovanovic, who will replace Batsaikhan " Seimei" Munkhjin. The revamped Team Secret roster: David "Parker" Nicho Flores (Carry, Peru) Aleksei "Ainkrad" Diveevskiy (Mid, Belarus) Mihajlo "MikSa`" Jovanovic (Offlane, Serbia) Mikhail "Kyzko" Galkin (Support, Russia) Clement "Puppey" Ivanov (Captain, Estonia) What Fans Can Expect in Belgrade FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 promises to be an electrifying start to the new Dota 2 season. The closed qualifiers are set to deliver intense competition, while roster updates, such as those in Team Secret, add an extra layer of excitement.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/fissure-playground-belgrade-2025-and-team-secrets-roster-shake-up/</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:03:25 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[PARIVISION's Success, Topson's Comeback, and the Death of Chinese Dota 2]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Recent events in the Dota 2 world have continued to surprise fans, bringing together unexpected victories, comebacks, and sharp comments about changes in the esports scene. Tough wins, long-awaited titles, and the return of legends have all contributed to a unique atmosphere in the world of esports. Reevaluating PARIVISION's Success at ESL One Bangkok 2024 The PARIVISION team, representing Eastern Europe, claimed victory at the ESL One Bangkok 2024, becoming a true symbol of perseverance and teamwork. In an interview, Edgard "9Class" Naltakyan, a player on the team, shared his emotions: "I'm just happy it's over. I played with a 39-degree fever, but we made it through the group stage, then barely beat BetBoom Team, and from there it was easier," he confessed. The toughest games for PARIVISION were against AVULUS and BetBoom Team. For Naltakyan, this win was particularly significant as it marked his first victory on a stage with a large audience, unlike his experiences at tournaments like Riyadh Masters. Comments from Yaroslav "NS" Kuznetsov: Chinese Teams and the Lack of Fresh Talent Yaroslav "NS" Kuznetsov, a well-known content creator and analyst, also shared his thoughts on Chinese teams, such as Gaozu, who, in his opinion, failed to bring in fresh blood. "All these players are old-timers. Ame and Paparazi aren’t really pensioners, but they've been on the scene for over ten years, and they need a refresh. Young players with new ideas are needed, and in China, they’re practically non-existent," he remarked. Kuznetsov is convinced that the Chinese scene, like many others in Dota 2, suffers from a lack of young, ambitious players. The Return of a Legend: Topson and His Mysterious Games An unexpected event was the return of Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen, the two-time International champion, who had retired from professional play. His Steam activity over the past two weeks showed that he had played Dota 2 for over seven hours, but without participating in public matches. Moreover, his return was only noticed in custom games, leading to speculation about a possible comeback to professional esports. While the player has not made any official statements, his mysterious presence in the game raises questions about his future in Dota 2.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/china-region-of-dota-2-almost-die/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:00:52 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Conflict between No[o]ne and Dukalis]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The team PARIVISION, representing Eastern Europe, celebrated their long-awaited victory at ESL One Bangkok 2024, becoming a true symbol of perseverance and teamwork. This tournament was significant not only for the team but also for its members, who overcame personal conflicts and challenges to reach the top. The Path to Victory: Personal and Professional At the heart of the story was the team's captain, Vladimir «No[o]ne» Minenko, who shared how he managed to overcome a personal conflict with his teammate, Andrey «Dukalis» Kurapatkin. "It was a beef in public, but I understand that people in pubs are different," Minenko explained. "For me, the most important thing is to win tournaments, that’s my dream." He mentioned that their conversation went smoothly, and the conflict was quickly resolved: "I asked him, 'Will you apologise?' and he said, 'Yes.' That’s the right approach. He’s an adult guy, even though he’s 22." This episode clearly illustrates how, in professional esports, it’s crucial to set aside personal differences for the sake of a common goal. For both Minenko and Kurapatkin, winning was the priority, and they did just that, clinching the title at the prestigious Bangkok tournament. Emotions of the Winners For Andrey «Dukalis» Kurapatkin, winning ESL One Bangkok 2024 confirmed that his efforts had not been in vain. After the final victory, he reflected, "The most important thing I feel now is that all this time I’ve worked and played, and it wasn’t for nothing. The approach I used paid off. Just living Dota, you sit and play, and I enjoy it myself. I don’t want to do anything else, I just want to play Dota 2." The journey Kurapatkin took from playing in pubs to winning a major tournament became an important step in both his personal and professional growth. A Historic Moment: 1843 Days and the Captain’s Tears The award ceremony was an emotional moment for the entire team. For Minenko, the victory at ESL One Bangkok 2024 marked his first LAN tournament win in 1843 days, which explains his tears on stage. The last time he won a tournament was as part of Virtus.pro, when they triumphed at Parimatch League in November 2019. Back then, the team earned $40,000, an amount that seemed modest compared to today’s prize pools. Now, in 2024, PARIVISION claimed $300,000 at ESL One Bangkok, symbolising the growth of both the team and its captain, who had long awaited this moment. This victory not only brought financial rewards but also marked the team’s return to the elite ranks of global esports.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/conflict-between-no-o-ne-and-dukalis/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 19:00:23 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Esports Roster Changes: L1GA TEAM, MOUZ, and New Rammstein]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The Dota 2 scene continues to captivate fans with significant roster changes as teams aim to strengthen their line-ups ahead of upcoming tournaments. Recent transfers and updates have already sparked lively discussions within the esports community. L1GA TEAM Updates Kazakhstan-based organisation L1GA TEAM has announced the addition of Russian player Alexander "queezy" Lipin as their new Position 4 support. Lipin, who previously played for Nemiga Gaming, One Move, and Team NextUp, replaces Belarusian player Ivan "OneJey" Zhivitsky. Furthermore, the team has bolstered its roster with Arman "Malady" Orazbayev, who has taken over the Position 5 support role from Nikita "Pantomem" Balaganin. Balaganin has joined Nikita "Daxak" Kuzmin's new project. L1GA TEAM concluded PGL Wallachia Season 2 in 12th-14th place and secured a top-10 finish at BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 but fell short of qualifying for ESL One Bangkok 2024. The organisation hopes that their revamped line-up will deliver stronger results in the future. L1GA TEAM Roster: Alexander "v1olent" Pak Miras "Mirage" Mutanov Albert "Alberkaaa" Chernoivanov Alexander "queezy" Lipin Arman "Malady" Orazbayev Changes in MOUZ European organisation MOUZ has confirmed significant updates to their Dota 2 roster. Romanian player Stefan "Ulnit" Gavrila and Mongolian support Ravdan "NARMAN" Narmandakh have parted ways with the team. In their place, the organisation has brought in four new players: Lasha "Nande" Narsia, Austria’s Tobias "Tobi" Buchner, Brazil’s Thiago "Thiolicor" de Oliveira Cordeiro, and Israel’s Tal "Fly" Aizik. Tobi will temporarily stand in for the Philippines’ Nikko "Force" Bilocura, while the organisation has stated that the roster is currently in a trial phase. The team will compete in the qualifiers for the FISSURE PLAYGROUND Belgrade 2025 tournament with this updated line-up. MOUZ Roster: Lasha "Nande" Narsia Ondřej "Supream^" Štarha (Czech Republic) Tobias "Tobi" Buchner (stand-in, Austria) Thiago "Thiolicor" de Oliveira Cordeiro Tal "Fly" Aizik New Stack: Rammstein The Chinese Dota 2 scene has seen the formation of an ambitious new project under the banner Rammstein. Legendary players, including Faith_Bian, Y, and NTS, have joined forces with Shiro and Planet under the guidance of coach Xiao8. The team is expected to participate in the closed qualifiers for FISSURE PLAYGROUND, beginning on 23 December. This star-studded line-up has already drawn significant attention for its potential in upcoming tournaments. Potential Rammstein Line-Up: Shiro NTS Faith_Bian Planet Y Xiao8 (Coach)]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/esports-roster-changes-l1ga-team-mouz-and-new-rammstein/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:00:56 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[ESL One Bangkok 2024: Record Viewership and Meta Heroes]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[ESL One Bangkok 2024 was not only a celebration for Dota 2 fans, but also a tournament remembered for its thrilling matches, record-breaking statistics, and unexpected tactical innovations. The event brought together hundreds of thousands of viewers, esports stars, and meta-defining heroes who reshaped traditional strategies. Record-Breaking Viewership The tournament’s grand final between Team Liquid and PARIVISION drew a peak of 279,000 viewers, making it the most-watched match of ESL One Bangkok 2024. Other games featuring BetBoom Team and Team Falcons also made it into the top five most-viewed matches. The tournament averaged 103,000 daily viewers, with a total broadcast time of 73 hours, resulting in an impressive 7.5 million hours of watch time. These figures were provided by Esports Charts. Top Performers of the Tournament One of the standout players of ESL One Bangkok 2024 was Dmitry "DM" Dorokhin from PARIVISION, who achieved the highest average KDA of the tournament at 8.10. Vladimir "No[o]ne" Minenko followed with 6.88, while Remco "Crystallis" Arets secured third place with 5.98, as reported by Dotabuff. PARIVISION’s victory was a triumph for the team and a symbolic return to glory for No[o]ne. His consistent and confident gameplay was a key factor in the team’s success during the high-stakes matches. Meta Heroes: Magnus, Batrider, and the Ever-Present Alchemist One of the most impactful heroes of the tournament was Magnus, a versatile pick who appeared in 25 games with an impressive 60% win rate and was banned in 51 matches. Magnus’s ability to flex across roles and turn the tide of battles with a well-executed ultimate made him a favourite among teams. Another frequent pick was Batrider, who appeared in 28 games and boasted an even higher win rate of 64%. Often played as a position four support, Batrider’s control abilities, particularly his Flaming Lasso piercing Black King Bar, were crucial in securing teamfight victories. In contrast, Alchemist spent most of the tournament in the ban phase. His rise in popularity began at BLAST Slam I, but by ESL One Bangkok 2024, teams recognised him as a formidable force, difficult to counter. Similarly, Dragon Knight became a reliable pick, offering early utility and sustained impact throughout matches, even if slightly slower than Alchemist in amassing gold.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/esl-one-bangkok-2024-record-viewership-and-meta-heroes/</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:00:33 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Crystallis’ Triumph and the Wit of the Esports Community]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The grand final of ESL One Bangkok 2024 concluded the tournament spectacularly, leaving fans with memorable moments both on and off the stage. Team PARIVISION's victory, led by their carry player Remco "Crystallis" Arets, sparked lively discussions within the esports community. The Joy of Victory Crystallis, beaming with happiness after the win, shared his emotions in a post-match interview: "I defeated the Skibidi Rizz Lord known as SabeRLighT-. I’m proud of myself. [You played brilliantly.] I was playing Slark, jumping in and getting kills. Wow! I didn’t get to play Razor, which is sad. It hurts that I didn’t get a single game on him in this final. But it is what it is. Sometimes you’ve just got to do what’s needed. [What are you feeling right now?] I don’t know. Just good. I’m just happy." For Crystallis, this tournament was not only a milestone in his career but also proof that he can succeed at the highest level, despite criticism and doubts. Sharp Comments and Jokes from Peers The performance of PARIVISION’s carry didn’t go unnoticed by his peers. Team Falcons off-laner Ammar "ATF" Al-Assaf joked about Crystallis’ achievement: "At last, the worst carry who placed second at TI has done it." Russian analyst Pavel "9pasha" Khvastunov, meanwhile, highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of Crystallis during his Twitch stream: "Crystallis knows how to play on his heroes, but he often has issues somewhere between zero and 15 minutes. In the late game, when he has items, he can style on people, but he struggles to get those items." Despite the humorous remarks and constructive criticism, Crystallis proved that his playing style remains impactful in crucial moments. His ability to "switch on" during decisive phases of the game was a key factor in PARIVISION’s victory.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/crystallis-triumph-and-the-wit-of-the-esports-community/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:00:21 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Insania wants to return to the ESL tournament again]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The ESL One Bangkok 2024 tournament, held from December 9 to 15 in Thailand, was a spectacular event for Dota 2 fans. Packed stadiums and passionate supporters created an unforgettable atmosphere, as players from around the globe shared their experiences. However, amidst the celebratory mood, the esports community grapples with serious challenges facing the Dota 2 scene. Player Delight: Southeast Asia as a Hub for Esports Team Falcons player Andreas "Cr1t-" Franck Nielsen expressed his gratitude to the region’s fans, sharing his thoughts on social media platform X: "I absolutely love events in Southeast Asia—there’s always such an incredible crowd and so many supporters. I had a fantastic time in Thailand and hope to return here again." His sentiments were echoed by Team Liquid’s Aydin "iNSaNiA" Sarkohi: "Another magical event in Southeast Asia. This region always creates incredible memories. I can’t wait for the next tournament here. Thank you to everyone who attended ESL Bangkok!" These comments affirm that Southeast Asia remains a vibrant and inspiring region for global esports, with fans contributing to its unparalleled atmosphere. Concerned Reflections on the Scene’s Future Not everyone, however, shared the same optimism. Commentator Alexey "Lex" Filippov took to his Telegram channel to voice concerns about the global future of Dota 2: "At first glance, the consistent presence of teams or players from Eastern Europe in major tournament finals seems like a triumph for the region. However, beneath the surface lies a troubling trend: global competitive Dota is gradually declining, and the dominance of one region is merely a symptom of the scene’s overall crisis. North America has already bowed out, followed by China. Southeast Asia, despite its vibrancy, is on the brink of decline. The only region still experiencing active esports development is Eastern Europe, but this doesn’t address the global issues. If the situation remains unchanged, The International could turn into an annual showdown between the same teams." Filippov also pointed out that Western European teams increasingly rely on veteran players, with a lack of fresh talent further exacerbating the scene's stagnation.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/insania-wants-to-return-to-the-esl-tournament-again/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:30:44 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Perspectives on Southeast Asia’s Premier Tournament]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The ESL One Bangkok 2024 tournament, held from 9 to 15 December in Thailand’s capital city, sparked diverse reactions among professional players, streamers, and fans alike. With a prize pool of $1 million, the event brought together 12 of the world's strongest teams, yet the opinions about the tournament varied greatly. 23savage: Pride for His Hometown Nuengnara "23savage" Teeramahanon, a player for OG from Thailand, expressed his gratitude on social media platform X for the opportunity to be part of the event, even as a spectator: "Huge thanks to ESL for hosting the tournament in my hometown. I've never felt this much love from fans before, haha. I'm grateful to all the viewers from Southeast Asia and Thailand – the tournament was amazing, even though I attended as a spectator. Please come again!" For 23savage, the event was a special moment. Even from the stands, his presence strengthened his bond with fans and inspired the Dota 2 community in the region. Illidan: Criticism of Gameplay Quality Ilya "Illidan" Pivtsaev, a popular streamer and former professional player for Team Spirit, was far less impressed by the event. During his Twitch stream, he remarked: "Honestly, I didn’t like the tournament. All the teams played poorly. This isn’t the level we expect. The mistakes and blunders I saw here didn’t happen at Riyadh Masters 2024 or TI13. I guess everyone’s just tired." Illidan’s comments reflected his disappointment with the overall standard of play, particularly when compared to other major tournaments earlier in the year. Miposhka: Team Spirit’s Reflections and Future Plans Team Spirit’s captain, Yaroslav "Miposhka" Naidenov, emphasised the importance of adaptation and pushing boundaries for future success: "To beat strong teams and secure top places, we need to experiment more and step out of our comfort zone. New players sometimes feel constrained during critical matches. They avoid taking risks and stick to what feels safe. To achieve great results, we have to be more flexible." Miposhka also hinted at the potential return of Magomed "Collapse" Khalilov to the roster, a move that could significantly bolster the team in the upcoming season.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/perspectives-on-southeast-asias-premier-tournament/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:17:15 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Watson’s Farming Tips and Quinn’s Incredible Results on Invoker]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[Alimzhan "Watson" Islambekov, a member of the Gaimin Gladiators Dota 2 roster, shared his tips for effective farming in MOBA games during a personal Twitch stream. He discussed gold farming strategies, particularly for carry players. "If you’re playing a carry that can farm stacks quickly, like Alchemist, Dragon Knight, or Shadow Fiend, you can stack the medium camp near the tower. Stack when you have mana available and it’s not urgently needed on the lane, then farm it up. By the tenth minute, you’ll have 4k gold, even if you're not hitting many creeps on the lane. Always keep an eye on the map. Prioritize the creep wave. You’re hitting the ancients, and you see that your creep wave is pushing under the tower. It’s better to go push that wave, then return to the ancients. And always farm in enemy zones—like the enemy jungle or their "three" camp. This creates map pressure." These recommendations have become popular among players looking to improve their farming skills and map control, with Watson highlighting the importance of making the most of every moment both on the lane and across the map. Meanwhile, Gaimin Gladiators' mid-laner Quinn "quinn" Callahan continues to impress the community with his outstanding results on Invoker. According to Dota2ProTracker statistics, Quinn boasts an 83.33% win rate with the hero in matchmaking. Out of his last six games on Invoker, he won five, which is an incredible achievement, given the hero’s complexity. Quinn’s primary item build focuses on Witch Blade, Dragon Lance, and Hurricane Pike, further showcasing his high-level preparation and strategy. It would not be surprising if Quinn chose Invoker again in upcoming tournaments, knowing how effectively he can play the hero.]]></description>
            <link>https://dota2times.com/news/watsons-farming-tips-and-quinns-incredible-results-on-invoker/</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[DOTA 2 Times ]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 21:00:03 GMT</pubDate>
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