Team Yandex’s Noticed Eyes Top Contention at Riyadh Masters 2025, Reflects on Dota 2 Meta

Esports

As the Riyadh Masters 2025 tournament unfolds, spotlighting top-tier Dota 2 competition, players are keenly analyzing both their own performance and the ever-shifting landscape of in-game strategy. Evgeny “Noticed” Ignatenko, a key member of Team Yandex, recently offered his perspective on his team`s journey and their prospects at this prestigious event.

Speaking on Team Yandex`s chances in the high-stakes environment of Riyadh, Noticed expressed a clear sense of optimism and determination. While acknowledging the formidable competition, the professional player articulated ambitious goals for the squad.

“I think we feel more confident at this tournament,” Ignatenko stated, reflecting on their current form. “We are trying to show our maximum. I hope that we will make it into the top 8, but I think we can achieve even more.”

This confidence appears rooted in lessons learned from past major tournaments. When asked about his most significant takeaway from previous high-pressure events, Noticed pointed directly to the critical skill of rapid adaptation.

“I think the most important lesson I`ve learned is to adapt faster to the tournament meta, heroes, and builds,” he explained.

Adaptability is particularly vital in the current state of Dota 2, where meta definitions often seem fluid. Noticed shared his intriguing view on this, suggesting that the game`s current strategic landscape is remarkably open-ended.

“I think anything can work right now,” he commented on the meta. “A lot depends on confidence in your game. For example, there are players now, like 9Class, who can do anything: Terrorblade in the fourth position or Slark. You can play old school like Cr1t-, Save-. If you feel confident in the lane, make stacks, and so on, then it all depends on yourself.”

This perspective highlights a meta less defined by strict rules or dominant strategies and more by individual player comfort and conviction – a somewhat refreshing, if slightly chaotic, state of affairs that rewards both innovation and solid fundamental play.

Team Yandex`s aspirations are currently facing a direct challenge. At the time of these comments, Ignatenko`s team is locked in a critical match against Shopify Rebellion. This encounter is not merely for seeding; it`s an elimination bout with a coveted spot in the quarter-finals on the line.

The winner of the Team Yandex vs. Shopify Rebellion match will advance to face Gaimin Gladiators, one of the perennial powerhouses in the competitive scene. For the loser, the Riyadh Masters 2025 journey will come to an immediate end.

The Riyadh Masters 2025 tournament is a central component of the Esports World Cup 2025, taking place from July 8th to 19th in Saudi Arabia. The event brings together 16 of the world`s best Dota 2 teams competing for a substantial $3 million prize pool. As the Elimination Phase progresses, every match carries immense weight, putting Noticed`s observations on confidence and adaptation to the ultimate test.

Malcolm Thwaites
Malcolm Thwaites

Malcolm Thwaites, 44, respected sports writer based in Newcastle. Specializes in the historical and cultural aspects of football, particularly focusing on northern English clubs.

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