The grand stage of The International 2025, Dota 2`s most prestigious tournament, recently bore witness to both thrilling triumphs and heartbreaking goodbyes. Among the latter was the departure of South American squad Heroic, whose journey concluded in the Top 6. Yet, it wasn`t the defeat itself that resonated most profoundly, but the impassioned promise delivered by their support player, Mateus “KJ” Diniz.
In a moment that encapsulated the raw emotion and unwavering ambition inherent in esports, KJ stepped into the spotlight after Heroic`s elimination by BetBoom Team. His words, delivered with a mix of gratitude and fierce resolve, immediately captured the attention of the global Dota 2 community.
An Emotional Farewell and a Fiery Vow
Heroic`s run at TI15 was nothing short of captivating. They demonstrated remarkable resilience, first falling to PARIVISION in the upper bracket, only to stage an impressive comeback in the lower bracket, eliminating the formidable Tundra Esports. Their path ultimately led to a fierce best-of-three against BetBoom Team, where, despite a valiant effort, they fell 2:1. Finishing in the Top 6 is a commendable achievement, particularly for a team representing the dynamic, burgeoning South American scene.
It was after this final match that KJ addressed the crowd, not with despair, but with a vibrant celebration of their journey and an unshakeable promise for the future. His speech, translated from Portuguese, conveyed the team`s spirit:
“It was damn fun! Unfortunately, we couldn`t break the enemy`s Ancient, but I`m still happy to have been here and to have shown you guys that we are a world-class team. Individually, we are just Brazilians, a Peruvian, a Nicaraguan, but together we are a world-class team. If you doubted us before, I hope we managed to convince you now and truly put up a fight.
Thank you to the fans for watching our match! It`s because you follow us that this moment is so special. Without you, it would be very boring; we would just be playing some game. But thanks to you, it`s no longer a game, but a dream. For me, this is the most important thing in the world, I love this stuff. See you next year, I`ll be here, you`ll definitely see me again, and next time I will win! I`ll be back!”
The Weight of a Promise on the Grandest Stage
KJ`s declaration is more than just a casual statement; it`s a public commitment made on the largest platform in competitive Dota 2. Such a promise carries immense weight, setting a clear, ambitious goal for himself and his team. In the often-unpredictable world of esports, where rosters can shift and metagames evolve rapidly, this kind of steadfast resolve is both rare and inspiring.
For fans, it provides a compelling narrative for the upcoming season. Will Heroic, under KJ`s determined leadership, be able to build upon their Top 6 finish? Can they transform this emotional exit into the fuel needed to return to The International (presumably TI16) and claim the coveted Aegis of Champions?
South America`s Rising Tide
Heroic`s multicultural South American roster — comprising players from Brazil, Peru, and Nicaragua — further amplifies the significance of KJ`s speech. The region has steadily grown into a formidable force in Dota 2, constantly challenging established powerhouses. Heroic`s performance at TI15, along with KJ`s assertion of their “world-class” status, underscores this growth.
His words serve not only as a personal vow but also as a rallying cry for the entire SA Dota 2 community, reinforcing the belief that the region is not merely participating but genuinely competing at the highest echelons of the game.
The Road Ahead: A Dream to Chase
The journey to The International is long and arduous, filled with regional qualifiers, Major tournaments, and countless hours of practice. For KJ and Heroic, the immediate sting of defeat will undoubtedly give way to a renewed focus on improvement and preparation. His passion for the game, eloquently described as “not a game, but a dream” thanks to the fans, highlights the deep personal connection many professional players have with their craft.
As the Dota 2 circuit gears up for its next season, all eyes will certainly be on Heroic. A promise made on the grandest stage is a heavy burden, but as history has shown, it can also be the most powerful catalyst for achieving greatness. KJ`s vow has set a thrilling expectation, and the Dota 2 world waits with bated breath to see if Heroic can turn a heartfelt promise into a championship reality.
