Battle Report: Dota 2's Week in Review

Welcome to this week's Battle Report, your comprehensive roundup of the biggest stories shaking up the Dota 2 competitive scene. From roster reshuffles to tournament announcements and community controversies, we've got all the developments that matter. Let's break down what happened this week.

Dyrachyo Opens Up About Pro Scene Burnout

Anton "Dyrachyo" Shkredov addressed the elephant in the room this week when he explained why he's hesitant to return to competitive Dota 2 despite being well-rested. Speaking to Cybersport.ru, the talented player pointed to the brutal tournament schedule as the primary factor killing his motivation.

"I don't really know yet, because the tournament format is very tough, people are playing non-stop for the second or even third month already," Dyrachyo explained. "I did rest, but the actual desire to return to such a format with non-stop matches, not really."

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The statement highlights a growing concern within the professional Dota 2 community. Players are facing an increasingly condensed tournament calendar with minimal breaks between major events. Dyrachyo's candid admission reveals that the issue isn't about recovering from fatigue but rather the prospect of diving back into a relentless competitive grind that offers little breathing room.

This conversation about player wellness and sustainable tournament scheduling continues to gain traction as more professionals voice similar concerns about the current competitive ecosystem.

Dota 2 Snubbed at Esports Awards

The Esports Awards 2025 delivered a surprising omission this week when Dota 2 failed to crack the top three in the Esports Game of the Year category. League of Legends took gold, VALORANT claimed silver, and Counter-Strike secured bronze, leaving the Dota 2 community questioning the criteria behind these selections.

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The snub feels particularly sharp given Dota 2's massive prize pools, dedicated competitive scene, and The International's continued status as one of esports' premier events. However, the community did find a silver lining when Liquipedia, a crucial resource for Dota 2 fans and analysts alike, won the Esports Supporting Platform of the Year award, beating out Discord and EsportsCharts.

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While the awards don't diminish Dota 2's competitive legitimacy, the exclusion sparked debate about how different games measure success and community engagement in the broader esports landscape.

Nigma Galaxy Roster Carousel Continues

Team Nigma Galaxy delivered a one-two punch of roster news this week that had fans doing double takes. First came the announcement that Tobi's trial period with the organization had concluded, with the team thanking him for his contributions and wishing him well.

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Just 24 hours later, Nigma dropped another bombshell with considerably more excitement attached. Maroun "GH" Merhej, the legendary support player, announced his return to active competition. "He couldn't stay away for long! Welcome back GH," the team posted, sending waves of nostalgia through the Dota 2 community.

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GH's return represents a significant moment for fans who remember his incredible performances during Nigma's (formerly Team Liquid) golden era. His mechanical skill and game sense made him one of the most respected position 4 players in Dota 2 history. Whether he can recapture that form in the current competitive landscape remains to be seen, but his comeback adds an intriguing storyline to the ongoing roster shuffle season.

PARIVISION Parts Ways with Coach Astini

PARIVISION announced the departure of coach Astini this week, a move that generated significant discussion given the team's recent performances at major tournaments including third-place finishes at both the Esports World Cup and The International 2025.

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The announcement triggered immediate speculation within the community about the reasons behind the separation. Astini quickly addressed the rumors through his own social media, making it clear that family considerations, which some had speculated about, were not a factor in the decision.

"I understand people trying to come up with reasons why I am not with Pari anymore. I don't blame them," Astini wrote. "I am usually an open book about all my Dota decisions. But some details cannot be shared. I just would love that people don't take the wrong conclusion that this has anything to do with my family."

He emphasized that both PARIVISION's staff and his family had been incredibly supportive throughout his tenure, including accommodating his presence at tournaments with his wife and newborn son Pedro. Astini clarified that he only missed two tournaments out of 17 last season due to family commitments and expressed his readiness and hunger to continue coaching at the highest level.

Future Games Abu Dhabi Brings Legends Together

The Games of the Future tournament in Abu Dhabi dropped its roster announcements this week, revealing a fascinating twist on the traditional competitive format. Rather than featuring current top-tier professional teams, organizers opted for a "media tournament" concept bringing together Dota 2 scene legends, former International champions, and popular content creators.

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The tournament runs from December 13-19 with a $175,000 prize pool. The competition format features eight teams divided into two groups playing in a GSL format with fifth-match tiebreakers. All matches are best-of-three series played on LAN to ensure competitive integrity.

Among the participating teams are squads featuring popular community figures Travoman and Rostik, adding to the event's creator-focused lineup. What's generating the most excitement is the team composition approach. Instead of current championship contenders, the tournament showcases beloved figures from Dota 2 history alongside popular streamers. The standout announcement involves team Monkey Business, which reunites The International champions Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen and Johan "Notail" Sundstein.

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For fans who watched OG's legendary back-to-back International victories, seeing Topson and Notail compete together again, even in a more relaxed tournament format, represents a special treat. The media tournament concept offers veterans a chance to compete without the crushing pressure of traditional professional events while giving fans nostalgic matchups and entertaining gameplay.

The Abu Dhabi venue's reputation for hosting major sporting events like Formula 1, NBA, and UFC makes it a fitting stage for this celebration of Dota 2's competitive history.

Ready to Make Your Predictions?

With all these roster changes, tournament announcements, and competitive storylines developing, the Dota 2 scene is heating up heading into the next wave of professional matches. Head over to Gocore's Pick'ems to lock in your predictions for upcoming tournaments and matches. Stay sharp by checking out our detailed esports predictions and match analysis to give yourself an edge when it matters most.

TL;DR

• Dyrachyo cites brutal tournament schedule as reason for avoiding pro scene return despite being rested
• Dota 2 excluded from Esports Game of the Year top 3 (League, VALORANT, CS2), but Liquipedia wins Supporting Platform award
• Team Nigma completes roster shuffle with Tobi departing and GH making his return to competitive play
• PARIVISION coach Astini leaves team, clarifies family considerations were not a factor in departure decision
• Future Games Abu Dhabi announces media tournament format featuring Dota 2 legends including Topson and Notail reunion on Monkey Business