Mid player PARIVISION Vladimir "No[o]ne" Minenko, after defeating HEROIC on September 11 in the upper bracket playoffs of The International 2025, shared with "Tavern" about the match preparation, strategic decisions in the draft, and expectations for the encounter with Xtreme.

PARIVISION advanced to the upper bracket semifinals of TI14, defeating HEROIC 2:0. In the first game, the team showed resilience in a long match, and in the second — completely dominated, winning 33:8. This series strengthened the team's position in the playoffs, but a much more serious challenge lies ahead — a match with the Chinese team Xtreme, one of the main contenders for the title.

Preparation and Initial Challenges

No[o]ne noted that the team had a few days to prepare, and during this time the focus was on the hero pool and psychological mindset:

On the hero pool, on the game, and on approaching the match with a positive vibe.

   

However, the player admitted that not everything was executed perfectly:

Who would reveal their cards.

   

The difference between the two maps in the series was also explained. According to the mid player, the opponents feel pressure, which affects the outcome:

They are afraid to play against us because they haven't won a single map against us in the last 30 series. First of all. Secondly, the first game on stage is always a bit shaky for us.

   

Tactical Decisions

The original choice of Beastmaster in mid on the first map was dictated by HEROIC's draft:

They picked Puck and Crystal Maiden. Beastmaster would probably have a hard time against a last pick under CM. And Night Stalker is a good hero against Puck.

   

The main challenge in preparation was the choice of the first hero, which added tension before the game:

Probably the choice of the first hero, because we didn't know which one they would give us. In the end, they gave us Monkey King twice.

   

Outlook on the Upcoming Match

Speaking about Xtreme, No[o]ne emphasized their strength and discipline:

A very strong team, disciplined, with a good understanding of the game. I think the maps will be very even, and the winner will be the one who makes fewer mistakes.

   

Who is the "Final Boss"?

A journalist asked the player which team he considered the main threat of the tournament. No[o]ne replied that his expectations did not match reality:

I thought it would be Spirit or Liquid, but it turned out differently.

   

However, he refused to single out a specific favorite:

I don't think there is one. Any team can beat any other.

    

As an example, he mentioned the match between Tundra and Xtreme, where the English team was leading by 15,000 gold but lost the victory:

They just jumped under the tier-4 tower, Crystallis died, and the game turned around. So every team can beat each other, especially in the top 8.

  

The International 2025 takes place from September 4 to 15. Teams compete for the Aegis of Champions and a prize pool of $1,600,000 + a portion of the compendium funds. Follow the results, match schedule, and news at this link.