Following their resounding victory at the Riyadh Masters 2025, Dota 2 champions Team Spirit find themselves once again at the pinnacle of competitive play. However, it`s not just their flawless performance that`s captured attention, but also the refreshingly blunt assessment from their esteemed offlaner, Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov, regarding the state of the competition.
A Champion`s Perspective: More Than 100% Effort
In a post-tournament interview, Collapse reflected on Team Spirit`s curious pattern of peaking for the most prestigious events, often after periods where their performance might seem less than stellar. “When we win the main tournaments of the season, losing the others, I think it all happens by itself,” he mused, almost with a hint of bewildered humor. “I don`t know how to explain it. I walked out after we played and thought, `Damn, we won Riyadh Masters again, what is this, why do we suck all year?`”
He attributed their Riyadh Masters success to an unprecedented level of commitment. While acknowledging strong efforts at other tournaments like ESL One Raleigh 2025 and PGL Wallachia, he stressed that for Riyadh Masters, they “applied more effort than our 100%, and everything worked out.” This statement offers a glimpse into the relentless drive required at the absolute top tier of esports, suggesting that even for established champions, sometimes standard effort isn`t enough.
The Unvarnished Truth: Are Other Teams “Sluggish”?
Perhaps the most striking part of Collapse`s commentary was his frank assessment of Team Spirit`s adversaries. “And plus, it’s related to the fact that other teams look, to be honest, a bit sluggish. Personally, in my opinion,” he stated, pulling no punches. He then offered a specific example, recounting his observations from the semi-final clash between Tundra Esports and Team Falcons.
“Yesterday I watched Tundra Esports against Team Falcons, I thought that we could beat both of them, just without a chance. And so it was. I have no negativity, I don`t want to offend anyone, it`s just my opinion was and remains.”
Such directness is rare from professional players, especially immediately following a major triumph. It speaks volumes about the confidence within Team Spirit`s camp and, perhaps, hints at a perceived gap in preparedness or current form among their rivals. While some might interpret this as arrogance, it`s more likely a pragmatic analysis from a player at the very top, whose judgment is sharpened by direct competitive experience.
Riyadh Masters 2025: A Dominant Display
The Riyadh Masters 2025, held from July 8 to 19 in Saudi Arabia, saw 16 elite teams compete for a substantial prize pool of $3 million. Team Spirit`s journey to the championship was nothing short of dominant. They culminated their run with a decisive 3-0 grand-final victory over Team Falcons, solidifying their status as the champions. Collapse`s exceptional performance throughout the tournament did not go unnoticed, earning him the coveted title of Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Implications for the Competitive Landscape
Collapse`s remarks raise pertinent questions about the evolving competitive landscape of Dota 2. Is Team Spirit simply operating on a different plane when it matters most, or are their competitors truly struggling to maintain peak performance? The cyclical nature of dominance in esports means that sustained top-tier play is incredibly difficult. Teams rise, fall, and adapt constantly. Team Spirit`s ability to “turn it on” for major events suggests a profound understanding of pressure, preparation, and perhaps, a psychological edge over their rivals.
The bluntness of Collapse`s assessment could serve as a wake-up call for other top teams. In a scene where every edge matters, being called “sluggish” by the reigning champions is a direct challenge. As the Dota 2 season progresses, it will be fascinating to observe how other organizations and players respond to this candid critique. Will it fuel rivalries, spark intensified training, or simply remain a footnote from a champion`s confident moment?
Team Spirit`s victory at Riyadh Masters 2025, coupled with Collapse`s unfiltered insights, paints a vivid picture of a team that knows its worth and isn`t afraid to voice its observations. Their blend of extraordinary effort and unshakeable confidence sets a high bar, leaving the rest of the Dota 2 world to ponder just how to match, or perhaps even surpass, the reigning kings.
