The International, the pinnacle of competitive Dota 2, is a crucible where legends are forged and dreams are tested. For Team PARIVISION, their journey through this year`s tournament was nothing short of a rollercoaster, culminating in a commendable third-place finish. However, their valiant run ended amidst a storm of strategic plays, personal ambition, and an unusual twist involving alleged crowd interference that has since sparked debate.
The Decisive Clash: PARIVISION vs. Xtreme Gaming
The lower bracket final was a high-stakes encounter, pitting PARIVISION against the formidable Xtreme Gaming. It was a series that promised to be a pure test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. While PARIVISION fought tooth and nail, the outcome was not in their favor, leaving them just shy of the Grand Finals. But what truly transpired in those tense moments that led to their defeat?
Dukalis Reflects: Ambition, Frustration, and a Decade-Long Vision
Following the intense series, Andrey “Dukalis” Kuropatkin, the support player for PARIVISION, shared his candid thoughts. His words painted a picture of a team that believed in its capabilities, yet fell short due to a combination of in-game mistakes and external factors. “We expected to show a dignified game. Unfortunately, we didn`t make it to the final,” Dukalis stated, reflecting the team`s collective disappointment.
The second map, according to Dukalis, held a peculiar incident. He alleged that “Chinese fans were helping the opponent`s team when they were in smoke.” This claim hints at a form of unconventional, albeit unintentional, crowd `support` that could potentially provide an unfair advantage by revealing critical movements, even through the supposed shroud of invisibility. Whether it was the literal sound of footsteps or simply an audible reaction to unseen movement, the implication is that the `fog of war` might have been a little less foggy for Xtreme Gaming.
The third map, however, presented a more straightforward, if equally frustrating, point of failure: “The third map was also not difficult, it just happens, we couldn`t take the second Roshan. That`s all.” A missed Roshan, a critical objective in Dota 2 that can swing the momentum of an entire game, underscores the fine margins at the highest level of play.
Despite the setback, Dukalis`s personal resolve shines through. At just 23 years old, this was his inaugural appearance at The International, a debut that saw him clinch an impressive third place. His ambitions extend far beyond this single tournament. “I think I would like to play Dota 2 for more than ten years, if it doesn`t die,” he remarked, a sentiment many veteran players would echo. “I`m only 23, and this is my first TI, where I already managed to take third place. So I will continue to try to become the best.” It`s a testament to his dedication and long-term vision in esports.
Coach Astini Corroborates: The Mystery of the `Drum`
The allegations of crowd interference were not confined to Dukalis`s observations. Filipe “Astini” Astini, PARIVISION`s coach, provided further detail, describing “drum-like sounds” and vibrations emanating from a “bowl or something” that spectators were reportedly striking. Crucially, Astini confirmed these disturbances were audible within the soundproof booths.
“Chinese fans were beating some kind of bowl or something that made a drum-like sound and vibrations. I heard communication in TeamSpeak, and microphones picked up these sounds, so it was definitely audible inside the booth. There`s no reason to make this up. But at the same time, ten thousand people in the arena called me a liar, saying: `No, nothing sounded like hitting a bowl.`”
This incident raises pertinent questions about the integrity of the competitive environment, where every subtle advantage can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Astini noted a curious detail: “On the third map, it completely stopped. I don`t know if they removed the item they were beating, or simply moved further away from the player booths.” This cessation, whether by design or coincidence, added another layer to the narrative of an already intense series.
The Aftermath and the Spirit of Competition
PARIVISION`s journey ended with a third-place finish, a significant achievement for any team at The International. While the alleged interference from the crowd injects a touch of controversy into the narrative, it also highlights the passion, sometimes overzealous, that defines esports spectatorship. The challenge for tournament organizers is to maintain a sterile, fair competitive environment amidst the fervent energy of live audiences.
As for Dukalis, his ambition remains unwavering. Previously, he had commented on the unpredictable playstyle of Edgar “9Class” Naltakyan, emphasizing the dynamic nature of high-level Dota 2. This continuous analysis and self-improvement are hallmarks of a top-tier professional. For PARIVISION, this tournament was a powerful statement of their capabilities and a crucial step in their ongoing pursuit of esports glory. The Aegis may have eluded them this time, but the experience, the lessons learned, and the determination of players like Dukalis suggest that their story is far from over.
In the grand tapestry of The International, where every moment is scrutinized, and every play matters, PARIVISION has etched its mark not just through their skill, but also through a narrative that reminds us of the human element — the triumphs, the heartbreaks, and the unexpected challenges that make esports so compelling.
