PARIVISION secured a commendable third place at The International 2025 (TI14), held from September 4 to 14 in Hamburg, Germany. For many teams, reaching the top three at Dota 2`s pinnacle event is the culmination of years of relentless effort and a cause for immense celebration. Yet, for Vladimir `No[o]ne` Minenko, the team`s celebrated mid-laner, this significant achievement was less a cause for triumph and more a stark reminder of what wasn`t.
The Champion`s Burden: Why Third Place Isn`t Enough
In a recent candid livestream, No[o]ne articulated a sentiment that might bewilder casual observers but resonates deeply within the cutthroat world of elite esports. “For me, if not top-1, then it`s a lost tournament,” he declared with an almost dismissive air, equating third place to “like top-12” and barely distinguishing it from second. This isn`t merely a touch of hyperbole; it is the distilled essence of a competitor whose entire career revolves around the singular pursuit of ultimate victory.
The International isn`t just a tournament; it`s a proving ground, a crucible where legacies are forged and shattered. With millions of dollars on the line and the coveted Aegis of Champions awaiting only one victor, the pressure on professional players is astronomical. For seasoned competitors like No[o]ne, who have dedicated countless hours, sacrificed personal lives, and navigated the grueling competitive circuit, anything less than holding that trophy can genuinely feel like an unfulfilled journey. It`s a mindset that prioritizes absolute dominance over mere participation, a stark contrast to the common wisdom that `it`s the taking part that counts.` In esports, taking part means aiming for first, always.
The Shifting Sands of Reward: Prize Money and Prestige
No[o]ne also touched upon a tangible aspect of this disappointment: the prize money. “Money for third place isn`t what it used to be,” he mused, hinting at a landscape where the financial gap between the top spot and even a respectable third has widened. While the overall prize pool for TI14 still exceeded an impressive $2.8 million, distributed among 16 elite teams, the lion`s share traditionally goes to the champions. This evolving financial structure further cements the perception among pros that only the very top is truly rewarding, both in terms of prestige and monetary gain. One might ironically conclude that even a seven-figure sum offers little solace if it doesn`t come with the ultimate title.
The Unfinished Symphony: The Grind Continues
Despite the perceived shortcomings of a bronze finish, No[o]ne confirmed his intention to continue his professional career for at least another year. This decision speaks volumes about the unwavering resolve of an esports veteran. The sting of past defeats, the agonizingly close moments (like losing 1:2 to Xtreme Gaming in the lower bracket final), and the unyielding desire for the Aegis fuel the tireless grind. For players of No[o]ne`s caliber, each tournament is a chapter, and the ultimate story remains unwritten until they stand atop the podium.
No[o]ne`s words offer a rare and valuable glimpse into the psyche of a top-tier esports athlete. While a third-place finish at one of the world`s largest esports events is objectively a colossal achievement, for him, it merely serves as further motivation. It`s a testament to a sporting philosophy where perfection is the only acceptable outcome, and every other result, no matter how impressive, is simply another stepping stone on the relentless path to becoming truly number one. And so, the quest continues, one intense battle at a time, until the Aegis of Champions is finally within reach.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Rupert Fairfax