Gaimin Gladiators, the dominant force in the Dota 2 Pro Circuit, suffered their first LAN loss at Riyadh Masters 2023. However, star player Dyrachyo assures fans that the team is recharged and ready to give their all at The International in October.
At Riyadh Masters, Gaimin failed to reach the grand finals for the first time this season, finishing in fourth place after a surprising defeat to Talon Esports. In an interview with Escorenews, Dyrachyo explained that the team’s exhaustion and lack of practice time due to visa issues contributed to their defeat. The intense games and stress of the playoffs, combined with a busy schedule and a stressful tournament entry, took an emotional toll on the team.
However, Dyrachyo now states that the team is fully recharged and ready to perform at their best. They have identified the heroes that weren’t working and have learned from their mistakes. Despite finishing fourth and winning $1.2 million USD, the team acknowledges that they could have performed better.
After returning from Riyadh Masters, the team took a break in August to rest before the upcoming events leading up to TI12. Dyrachyo admits to feeling bored during this downtime and is eager to grind with a refreshed and ready team. The goal to win every tournament in the year was set long ago, and they are determined to achieve it.
Dyrachyo also mentions that burnout has not been an issue for the team this year. While team captain Seleri scaled back on drafting mid-season due to burnout, the rest of the team has remained comfortable and not felt pressured at events. This has helped them stay in shape throughout the year.
Gaimin is now entering a three-event stretch to end the 2023 season, starting with BetBoom Dacha from September 10th to 16th, followed by DreamLeague Season 21 from September 18th to 21st, and finally TI12 from October 12th to 29th.
The team sees BetBoom Dacha as a transitional tournament to get back into shape after their break. They have been warming up with around three scrim games per day to shift from a relaxed mindset to full tryhard mode. After DreamLeague, they will head to a Serbian boot camp before heading to Seattle for TI. Dyrachyo confidently states that Gaimin will enter TI as the favorites and in peak form.
Source: DOTESPORTS
