In the high-stakes arena of professional Dota 2, where split-second decisions and strategic prowess define careers, a growing number of athletes are looking beyond mere in-game mechanics. For Matvey “MieRo” Vasyunin, the acclaimed offlaner for BetBoom Team, the path to The International 2025 is as much about physical conditioning and mental fortitude as it is about drafting and tactical execution. His recent reflections offer a compelling glimpse into the evolving landscape of esports, emphasizing the vital role of holistic well-being and the nuanced realities of competitive play.
The Unsung Battle: Esports and Physical Wellness
The stereotype of the perpetually sedentary gamer, fueled by energy drinks and endless hours in a chair, is rapidly becoming a relic of the past. MieRo`s personal journey stands as a testament to this paradigm shift. He openly recounts a period early in his professional career, around 2021-2022, when physical discomfort — specifically muscle strain from prolonged sitting — severely impacted his ability to play. This discomfort served as a pivotal wake-up call, prompting him to integrate a rigorous regimen of exercise into his daily routine.
“I immediately realized that I needed this and it brings me pleasure. Plus, I understand that I`m doing the right thing.”
His routine now includes morning runs, swimming, and simple walks, activities often dismissed by those outside the esports bubble as irrelevant. Yet, for MieRo, these are non-negotiable components of his performance toolkit, restoring him to peak physical condition within months of adopting the lifestyle. He advocates for dedicating even a mere 15-30 minutes daily, whether in a hotel room or a gym, to basic stretches or a treadmill session. It`s a pragmatic acknowledgment that the demands of professional gaming extend beyond the digital realm, requiring a body capable of enduring the immense mental and physical strain of competition and travel. While not every member of BetBoom Team might be as devout, the collective aspiration towards greater physical activity is clear.
The Shifting Stages: Riyadh Masters vs. The Spirit of Competition
The 2025 season has been a whirlwind of tournaments, and MieRo, despite the relentless schedule, claims to feel surprisingly little fatigue. His secret? A disciplined approach to “recharging” after each event, preventing burnout. However, this packed calendar has, in his view, somewhat diluted the emotional impact of victories, reducing the euphoria of a Tier-1 trophy to a mere 20-30% of its potential due to the immediate anticipation of the next challenge.
Perhaps nowhere is this sentiment more evident than in his candid assessment of the Riyadh Masters 2025. Once touted as a potential “TI killer” due to its exorbitant prize pool, the event, according to MieRo, fell short of expectations. He noted a surprisingly lower skill level compared to other tournaments throughout the season, attributing it to the format and overarching circumstances. The single-elimination bracket, while not inherently disliked, injected a degree of randomness that, in his words, made it “just another tournament.”
Contrast this with the recent tournament in China, which, despite a significantly smaller prize pool, garnered MieRo`s admiration. The key differentiator? The fans. Over two thousand enthusiastic spectators in China created an atmosphere that starkly contrasted with Riyadh`s muted 300-400 attendees. This highlights a crucial, often overlooked aspect of top-tier esports: for players like MieRo, the ultimate prize isn`t just the money, but the electric energy of a live audience, the tangible connection with those who fuel their passion. The absence of such fervent support renders even the most lavish events somewhat hollow.
The Offlaner`s Art: Versatility in a Dynamic Meta
From a strategic standpoint, MieRo views the offlane as Dota 2`s most versatile position. The current meta, he observes, allows for a vast array of hero choices, with many able to confidently hold their lane with just a couple of bans. This flexibility is a personal delight for him, as he has always aspired to master a wide hero pool. Embracing “non-standard” offlaners like Dazzle, Omniknight, or Undying over traditional picks like Dark Seer or Centaur Warrunner is precisely where he thrives.
He sees himself as a “hybrid” player, equally adept at building aura-centric items for team utility or focusing on individual power. This adaptability is critical in a competitive environment where strategic innovation is becoming increasingly rare. With tournament after tournament, teams simply lack the extensive “windows” of time—the two to three months of preparation once common—to develop truly unique and surprising strategies. Consequently, top teams often converge on similar meta-game approaches, making genuine strategic upsets a rarity.
The Road to The International: Pragmatism Over Hype
As The International 2025 looms, MieRo and BetBoom Team are adopting a decidedly pragmatic approach. Learning from the “over-hype” experience of Riyadh, they plan to prepare for TI as they would for any other significant tournament: serious practice, a week-long bootcamp, and a focus on performance rather than the weight of expectations. External support, such as psychologists, remains optional and integrated into their ongoing routine, not a last-minute addition for the biggest stage.
Intriguingly, the fluctuating prize pool of TI holds little sway over MieRo`s motivation. For him, the true value lies in the tournament`s core elements: a high-quality arena, optimal playing conditions, and, crucially, the atmosphere generated by the spectators. This reiterates his conviction that fans are the irreplaceable heart of professional Dota 2.
A touch of nostalgia surfaces when discussing the old Battle Pass system. He fondly recalls chasing levels as a younger player, appreciating how it “refreshed Dota 2” with new cosmetics and voice lines. While no longer a child`s yearning, the sentiment underscores a longing for Valve`s more direct engagement with the fan experience and the competitive scene.
MieRo also acknowledges the undeniable shift in TI`s grandeur since his spectator days—fewer stadium matches, no Gabe Newell appearances, a generally less “massive” feel. Yet, he carries no regret, instead embracing the reality of playing in his own era. He acknowledges the current elite, singling out Collapse and 33 as top offlaners in peak form, but sees no clear “dark horses” capable of truly surprising at TI. In a meta where strategic individuality is constrained by relentless competition, consistency and solid execution remain paramount.
A Player Forged in Fire
The season has been challenging, but MieRo sees it as a period of profound personal and professional growth. He speaks of changing his “vision of life” and making significant conclusions. The difficulties he encountered were not setbacks but stepping stones, opportunities to address problems and continue evolving. His message to the fans who will support BetBoom Team at TI is simple yet profound: “We will try to show a good game. Thank you very much for your support. We will try our best!”
MieRo`s journey through the demanding world of professional Dota 2 exemplifies a modern esports athlete: one who understands that success isn`t solely defined by in-game mechanics but by a holistic blend of physical discipline, mental resilience, strategic adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the fans who make it all possible. His story is a compelling narrative of growth, pragmatism, and the enduring human spirit within the digital arena.
