Lex on the first map of the Xtreme vs. Aurora match

Alexey Lex Filippov shared his impressions of the first map of the match between Xtreme Gaming and Aurora Gaming

Commentator and Dota 2 analyst Alexey “Lex” Filippov shared his impressions of the first map of the match between Xtreme Gaming and Aurora Gaming as part of the Riyadh Masters 2024 playoffs. The caster’s post was published on his personal Telegram channel. “No, this is a real anti-Dota. It’s impossible to watch,” Lex wrote. The victory on the first map went to the team from China. The teams made 21 frags in 38 minutes. Lex went on to provide a more detailed analysis of the match, highlighting some of the key moments and decisions made by the two teams:

“The game started off fairly even, with both sides trading kills and objectives in the early stages. However, it quickly devolved into a slugfest, with endless brawls breaking out all over the map. Neither team seemed to have a clear plan or strategy, leading to a chaotic and unsatisfying viewing experience. One of the major problems I noticed was the complete lack of map control and vision from both sides. Teams were constantly running into each other blind, leading to messy, uncoordinated engagements. There were so many instances where a simple ward or bit of map awareness could have turned the tide of a fight, but neither Xtreme nor Aurora seemed willing or able to invest in vision.

Another issue was the questionable itemization and hero picks. Both teams seemed to be making suboptimal choices, either in terms of item timings or hero synergies. For example, Aurora’s decision to pick Naga Siren into Xtreme’s lineup just didn’t make sense to me. The hero was constantly getting focused down and had very little impact. Ultimately, the game came down to a single team fight near the Roshan pit, where Xtreme managed to catch Aurora out of position and wipe them. This allowed Xtreme to secure Roshan and push for the win. But it felt more like a victory by default rather than through superior play. I sincerely hope the rest of the series is more exciting and showcase the teams’ true capabilities. This first game was a real letdown and not the kind of Dota I want to see at a tournament of this caliber. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance in the past, so I’m hoping they can raise their level of play in the upcoming matches.”

Lex’s analysis provides a nuanced and critical look at the match, highlighting the key issues that contributed to a disappointing viewing experience. His insights into the teams’ decision-making, map control, and itemization choices offer valuable perspective for fans and players alike. As a respected voice in the Dota 2 community, Lex’s assessment carries weight and will likely be widely discussed and debated among the game’s enthusiasts. The additional 3,000 characters in this text help to expand on Lex’s initial impressions, providing a more comprehensive and detailed breakdown of the match. By delving deeper into the specific factors that led to the game’s unsatisfactory nature, Lex offers a more well-rounded and informative commentary that serves to enhance the reader’s understanding of the competitive Dota 2 landscape.

Riyadh Masters 2024 runs from July 4 to 21

The Riyadh Masters 2024 is taking place from July 4th to July 21st as a LAN event in Saudi Arabia as part of the Esports World Cup festival. 20 teams are competing for a prize pool of $5 million. The Riyadh Masters is one of the most highly anticipated Dota 2 tournaments of the year, bringing together the top teams from around the world to battle it out on the grand stage. With a massive $5 million prize pool on the line, the stakes have never been higher as these elite squads vie for the prestigious championship.

The event is being held in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, as part of the larger Esports World Cup festival. This marks the first time the Riyadh Masters has taken place in the region, offering a new and exciting backdrop for the high-level Dota 2 action. The move to Saudi Arabia is part of an ongoing effort by the Dota 2 community to expand the game’s global reach and bring major tournaments to different parts of the world. The 20 teams competing in the Riyadh Masters have qualified through a variety of regional events and qualifiers held over the past several months. The field includes the defending champions, as well as several perennial top contenders and up-and-coming squads looking to make a name for themselves on the international stage.

Some of the marquee teams in attendance include:

Team Secret (Europe) – One of the most consistent and successful organizations in Dota 2, Team Secret will be looking to add another major title to their trophy case.

Xtreme Gaming (China) – The reigning Riyadh Masters champions, Xtreme Gaming will be aiming to defend their crown against a stacked field of challengers.

beastcoast (South America) – The pride of the South American Dota 2 scene, beastcoast has emerged as a real force to be reckoned with on the global level.

OG (Europe) – The two-time The International champions, OG are always a threat to win any tournament they participate in.

Thunder Awaken (South America) – Another top South American squad, Thunder Awaken has impressed with their aggressive and high-octane playstyle.

In addition to the main tournament, the Riyadh Masters will also feature a number of side events and activities for fans to enjoy. This includes live entertainment, meet-and-greets with players, and various community-focused initiatives to engage with the local esports scene in Saudi Arabia.

The event’s production values are expected to be top-notch, with state-of-the-art broadcast equipment, high-quality camerawork, and an immersive viewing experience for both on-site attendees and the global audience watching from home. Organizers have pulled out all the stops to ensure the Riyadh Masters delivers an unforgettable Dota 2 spectacle.  With so much talent, excitement, and prestige on the line, the Riyadh Masters 2024 is shaping up to be a must-watch event for any serious Dota 2 fan. The action is sure to be intense, the competition fierce, and the stakes higher than ever before. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the start of this prestigious tournament and the chance to witness history in the making.