The Riyadh Masters 2025, a premier Dota 2 tournament featuring 16 elite teams battling for a $3 million prize pool, concluded with PARIVISION securing a commendable top-3 finish. Their journey, which saw them defeat Tundra Esports for the bronze medal after a hard-fought semifinal loss to Team Spirit, was undoubtedly a success by many metrics. Yet, in the high-stakes world of professional esports, where ultimate victory is the only true measure for some, even third place can feel like a bitter pill. This sentiment was poignantly captured in a recent team vlog, revealing a candid interaction between PARIVISION`s veteran mid-laner, Vladimir “No[o]ne” Minenko, and his younger, visibly dejected teammate, Alan “Satanic” Gallyamov.
The Weight of the Moment
The scene unfolded during a break between maps in the third-place decider match. Satanic, despite the team`s strong performance, seemed to be wrestling with the disappointment of not reaching the grand final. No[o]ne, observing his teammate`s mood, approached with a calm, reassuring demeanor, attempting to gauge the depth of his frustration.
No[o]ne: “Let`s go.”
Satanic: “No, I don`t want to.”
No[o]ne: “You don`t want to? Really? Is everything okay?”
Satanic: “Yes.”
No[o]ne: “But you just dominated them, you were incredible.”
The exchange quickly revealed Satanic`s core struggle: the desire for an absolute win, the tournament trophy itself, overshadowed any satisfaction from a bronze medal. His simple, “I just play for the win,” encapsulates the relentless, often brutal, mindset required at the pinnacle of competitive gaming. When a voice from off-camera asked if he was angry at the team, Satanic quickly dismissed it, confirming his frustration was purely personal, stemming from the inability to claim the ultimate prize.
Satanic: “It`s just that we play, but we can`t win the tournament and…”
No[o]ne: “Brother, we`ve won three tournaments this year. We will win The International.”
Satanic: “You see, I just play for the win.”
No[o]ne: “Me too.”
Satanic: “It`s just that even if I win this game, I won`t be able to win the tournament.”
Veteran Wisdom: A Lesson in Perspective
This is where No[o]ne`s experience truly shone. Recognizing the `all or nothing` trap that can ensnare even the most talented players, he systematically worked to reframe Satanic`s perspective. His approach was not dismissive of Satanic`s feelings but aimed at broadening his view beyond the immediate outcome. He reminded Satanic of their collective achievements this year, strategically pivoting the conversation towards the grandest stage of all: The International (TI).
No[o]ne: “So what? It means you can win the next tournament. Look, life isn`t structured so you can win everything consecutively. You`re playing against strong teams, not against pushovers.”
Satanic: “Yes, it`s just that no matter if we win now or not, we won`t win the tournament.”
No[o]ne: “Okay, but you can win The International, you can set the tempo now to win TI. Agree, it`s nicer with the Aegis?”
Satanic: “Yes, I agree.”
No[o]ne`s genius here lies in his practical philosophy. He acknowledged Satanic`s disappointment but quickly provided a future-oriented, actionable alternative. The “Aegis” he refers to is the Aegis of Champions, the iconic trophy for The International, effectively shifting the goalpost from a mere tournament win to the pinnacle of Dota 2 success. He painted a vivid picture of future glory, turning the current frustration into a motivator for something far greater.
No[o]ne: “Then let`s do it, and then after `Int,` when we`re holding the plate — you know what it`ll be like? You`ll think: `What a fool I was for worrying.`”
Satanic: “Darn, if I win `Int,` of course, I`ll think that.”
No[o]ne: “See! There you go!”
The Unspoken Challenges of Esports
This candid glimpse into PARIVISION`s internal dynamics highlights a critical, yet often unseen, aspect of professional esports: mental resilience and team cohesion. For every triumphant victory, there are countless moments of crushing defeat or, as in Satanic`s case, the frustration of not achieving absolute perfection. Veterans like No[o]ne play an indispensable role, not just as in-game leaders, but as emotional anchors, guiding younger talents through the psychological minefield of high-level competition.
The Riyadh Masters 2025, held from July 8-19 in Saudi Arabia, showcased intense competition. PARIVISION`s journey concluded with a bronze medal, a testament to their skill and strategic play, setting a strong precedent for their continued pursuit of Dota 2`s highest honors.
In a landscape where performance anxiety and burnout are real concerns, the ability to reset, find motivation, and maintain focus on long-term goals is paramount. No[o]ne`s simple yet profound advice to Satanic serves as a reminder that the path to greatness is rarely linear. Sometimes, the most valuable victories are not found on the scoreboard, but in the quiet, supportive moments that forge unshakeable team spirit and prepare players for the next, even larger, challenge. And in the world of Dota 2, that larger challenge is always The International, waiting to be conquered.
Jasper Hawthorne