Hamburg, Germany, is currently the epicenter of the Dota 2 universe, hosting The International 2025. Amidst the roar of the crowd and the strategic clashes of the world`s best teams, a notable spectator has emerged: Eva Elfie. Known for her prominent online presence, Elfie`s attendance offers a unique lens through which to view the premier esports event. Our conversation with her provided candid insights into the tournament`s atmosphere, the contentious issue of community toxicity, and the evolving landscape for women in competitive gaming.
The Grand Stage: Atmosphere and Memorable Moments
Elfie`s enthusiasm for The International 2025 in Hamburg is palpable. She praises the venue`s elaborate three-story decoration, declaring it superior to previous iterations, including Copenhagen. For her, the pinnacle remains The International 2022 in Singapore, a tournament that evidently left a lasting impression. When pressed on her current favorites among the competing teams, she cautiously named Xtreme Gaming and Team Falcons, reflecting the unpredictable nature of high-stakes Dota 2.
Navigating the Trenches: The Enduring Debate on Toxicity
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of our discussion revolved around the persistent issue of toxicity within the Dota 2 community. Elfie recently announced a personal initiative aimed at combating this very problem. Her objective is clear: to highlight egregious player behavior in chats and advocate for greater courtesy and mutual respect among players.
Her observations reveal a striking regional disparity. “This is a big problem mostly in the CIS region,” Elfie noted, “because in Europe and America, I don`t see such behavior from people. But in CIS countries – yes, I think it`s part of the culture, part of the game`s vibe.” This statement, delivered with a hint of resigned irony, echoes the sentiment recently expressed by Valve co-founder Gabe Newell, who acknowledged toxicity as an inherent “part of Dota.”
While agreeing with Newell`s assessment of Dota`s historical character, Elfie maintains a hopeful outlook. “It`s true that it`s part of `Dota`,” she affirmed, “at least the `Dota` I know. But I want it to change. In fact, I`ve seen changes in recent years. People have become less toxic. It`s simply become less toxic.” This perspective suggests a subtle shift, indicating that even deeply ingrained cultural aspects are not entirely immutable.
A New Era: Women in Esports
Shifting focus to the broader landscape of esports, Elfie expressed strong support for the growing presence of women. While she personally prefers spectating Dota 2 rather than playing, she is a vocal advocate for the advancement of female players. “I think it`s great that separate tournaments for girls have started to appear,” she stated, “and I like that this sphere is developing and attention is being paid to it. So, I am all for it developing further.” Her endorsement underscores a significant trend in the industry, as efforts to foster inclusivity and create dedicated platforms for female talent gain momentum.
Beyond the Pro Circuit: A Gamer`s Personal Escape
Away from the competitive intensity of Dota 2, Elfie`s personal gaming habits offer a stark contrast. She gravitates towards single-player experiences on PlayStation, revealing a dedication to immersive storytelling and completionism. “Right now, I`ve been playing Spider-Man for 5-6 hours every day this month,” she shared. “My main goal is to complete it 100%, finish all missions, all tasks, open the entire map. That`s why I spend a lot of time on it.” This personal preference highlights the diverse ways individuals engage with gaming, whether as a spectator of global competitions or a dedicated explorer of virtual worlds.
A Glimpse of Levity: The “Handsome Players” List
Bringing a touch of lightheartedness to the interview, Elfie was asked to name her top five most attractive Dota 2 players. Her list, while not exhaustive, included a few notable names from the professional scene:
- Mira
- zai
- SabeRLighT-
- Dyrachyo (whom she described as “cute”)
The interaction with fans at The International also drew her positive remarks. Despite her public profile, she finds the fan interactions polite and respectful, suggesting a generally courteous atmosphere among attendees.
Eva Elfie`s presence at The International 2025 provides more than just celebrity appeal; it offers a unique vantage point on the multifaceted world of Dota 2. From appreciating the spectacle of the highest-tier competition to actively campaigning for a more civil online environment and championing the growth of women in esports, her insights reflect both the challenges and the progress within this dynamic global phenomenon.
The International 2025: Event Snapshot
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Dates: September 4 to September 14
Participants: 16 elite teams from around the globe
Prize Pool: A minimum of $2.6 million, with the final sum influenced by sales of tournament bundles and caster-specific items.
