Anton “dyrachyo” Shkredov, the prolific carry player representing Gaimin Gladiators, recently offered a remarkably direct assessment of certain professional Dota 2 teams during a stream. Known for his candid commentary alongside aggressive in-game performances, dyrachyo did not mince words when discussing his viewing preferences, specifically highlighting Xtreme Gaming and Talon Esports for their lack of entertainment value.
According to dyrachyo, these two particular squads occupy the bottom tier when it comes to spectator appeal in competitive Dota 2. He unequivocally branded them as the “most boring teams” he watches, attributing this directly to their strategic methodology and gameplay execution.
Elaborating on his perspective regarding Talon Esports, dyrachyo explained his long-standing difficulty in finding their matches engaging. He characterized their approach by habitually drawn-out games, frequently exceeding the hour mark. This style, he noted, typically involves an extended phase of passive farming and the selection of late-game focused heroes specifically designed to scale into the ultra-late stages. “They would just farm for an hour… and then be able to fight properly,” he remarked, conveying a sense of tedium derived from this protracted build-up phase.
Xtreme Gaming, in dyrachyo`s view, employs a strategically similar, uninspiring tempo. He specifically referenced the propensity for players, such as their carry Ame, to “farm the jungle for 40 minutes” with the singular goal of emerging later with a completed inventory of powerful items. This emphasis on extensive, passive preparation before committing to significant team engagements was something he found personally “disgusting” to witness, questioning the appeal of such patient, low-action gameplay for a viewer.
In stark contrast to these perceived slow and predictable styles, dyrachyo expressed enjoyment watching teams like Team Liquid. He cited their strategic flexibility, willingness to attempt surprising plays, and varied approaches as qualities that make their matches significantly more compelling. This preference underscores a desire for dynamic, less formulaic gameplay over methods focused solely on minimizing risk through delayed aggression.
Dyrachyo`s comments inadvertently touch upon a persistent point of discussion within esports: the inherent tension between pursuing the most strategically optimal path to victory and delivering a performance that is simultaneously captivating for an audience. While methodically farming for an extended period to secure a late-game advantage might represent a technically sound, low-variance approach, it appears this path garners scant appreciation for dramatic flair from players like dyrachyo. It perhaps offers a wry observation that achieving strategic mastery in Dota 2 might require navigating the delicate balance between winning efficiently and, dare one say, winning *without* inducing a state of strategic slumber in the viewership.
The Gaimin Gladiators carry`s forthright opinions on Xtreme Gaming and Talon Esports certainly inject a sharp take into the ongoing conversation about the competitive meta. His remarks serve as a notable example of how professional players themselves perceive and evaluate not just the strength of their opponents, but also the entertainment value, or lack thereof, in different strategic philosophies employed at the highest echelons of competitive Dota 2.
