The road to The International 2025 (TI14), Dota 2`s most prestigious tournament, is often paved with intense practice, strategic planning, and the hopes of a championship. For players like Gleb “Kiyotaka” Zyryanov, the mid-laner for Aurora Gaming, it also involves navigating the sometimes less-than-glamorous realities of international travel. While his teammates soared smoothly towards Hamburg, Kiyotaka found himself grounded, caught in a bureaucratic tangle at Munich’s passport control, transforming a routine connection into an unexpected overnight adventure.
An Unscheduled Stop: The Italian Visa Question
Kiyotaka and his Aurora Gaming squad began their journey to Germany on September 1st, flying as a group. Their itinerary included a connecting flight from Munich to Hamburg, the host city for TI14. However, what should have been a seamless transition quickly devolved into a three-hour interrogation at Munich’s passport control. The sticking point? Kiyotaka’s Italian visa.
As he recounted in a recent video, the issue stemmed from his visa not being “open”—a phrase that, in the context of international travel, often hints at specific Schengen Area regulations. A Schengen visa typically requires travelers to enter the zone via the country that issued the visa or the country where the primary purpose of their visit lies. For a Russian citizen holding an Italian visa, entering directly through Germany for an esports tournament might have raised questions about the primary destination or the correct point of entry, even within the seemingly borderless Schengen zone. This precise interpretation by border officials can, at times, become a significant hurdle for globetrotting professionals.
The Three-Hour Hold and the Missed Connection
For three grueling hours, Kiyotaka found himself explaining his situation to border authorities. While the details of the discussion remain private, one can easily imagine the frustration: the clock ticking, his team departing, and the weight of a major tournament looming. Eventually, he was released, albeit with a rather understated and perhaps ironic piece of advice from the police: “Good luck at the tournament.” A kind sentiment, perhaps, but one that came after making him miss the very flight that would get him there with his team.
With his original flight already in the air, Kiyotaka approached the service center, armed with a police note, hoping for a swift rebooking. Alas, bureaucracy rarely moves at the speed of esports. The next flight to Hamburg within a reasonable timeframe was already full. The subsequent option? A 6:40 AM flight the following morning—an unappealing prospect that would mean significant delays and disruption to his tournament preparations.
Aurora Gaming`s Swift Response and Kiyotaka`s Solo Journey
In moments of unexpected crisis, the support system around a player becomes paramount. Aurora Gaming, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly sprang into action. The organization promptly booked Kiyotaka a hotel near the Munich airport, ensuring he had a place to rest and recuperate. They also secured him a new ticket for a flight departing at 11:00 AM on September 2nd. This decisive action underscores the critical role of robust team management in navigating the unpredictable challenges of global esports.
After a solitary night near the airport, Kiyotaka eventually boarded his rebooked flight, finally making his way to Hamburg. While he arrived a day later than his teammates, the incident served as a stark reminder of the unique logistical challenges faced by esports professionals. “Not the most pleasant situation I have with flights,” he remarked, a sentiment many frequent international travelers—and certainly many esports players—can undoubtedly echo.
Beyond the Game: The Realities of Esports Travel
Kiyotaka`s experience is not an isolated incident but rather a common thread in the tapestry of international esports. Players from diverse backgrounds frequently navigate a complex web of visa requirements, immigration policies, and flight logistics. What might seem like a simple flight can quickly become a gauntlet of paperwork, interviews, and unexpected delays. These incidents highlight:
- Visa Complexity: The varying interpretations and specific rules of visas, especially within multi-country zones like Schengen, can be a constant source of friction.
- Tight Schedules: Esports tournaments often demand precise travel plans. Any delay, even a few hours, can throw a player`s preparation, rest, and team cohesion into disarray.
- Organizational Support: The incident showcases the crucial role of professional esports organizations in managing these logistical nightmares, providing timely assistance and solutions.
- Player Stress: Beyond the physical inconvenience, such delays can take a mental toll on players already under immense pressure to perform at peak levels.
As Kiyotaka now joins his team in Hamburg, likely a little more weary but no less determined, his brief detour serves as a compelling narrative twist on the journey to TI14. It’s a vivid illustration that while the battles are fought in the digital realm, the path to glory is very much grounded in the sometimes frustrating, often unpredictable, realities of the physical world. For Kiyotaka, the biggest test before the tournament wasn`t an in-game opponent, but a passport control officer and an “unopen” Italian visa. One can only hope his performance at TI14 will be as resilient as his travel arrangements.
Jasper Hawthorne