Photo of author

Playing ranked Dota 2 pubs felt more stressful for Tundra Esports than winning TI11

Tundra Esports Emphasizes the Importance of Stress Reduction in Dota 2

Being skilled is not enough to reach the top of the Dota 2 competitive scene. As players become evenly matched, they must find other ways to gain an edge over the competition, such as reducing stress.

In a post-championship interview, Tundra Esports revealed that stress reduction was a key focus in their preparation for The International 2022. They showcased the importance of playing without worry to achieve success.

Shortly after winning the championship, Tundra players discussed their emotions on the main stage. They expressed that the stress they experienced in pub matches where they used double down tokens was often greater than the stress felt during the finals.

This insight sheds light on Tundra’s approach to TI11. They understood that true skill can only be fully exhibited when players are feeling the least amount of pressure. This allowed them to treat the grand final like any other game of Dota, while their opponent, Team Secret, may have let the pressure get to them.

The Impact of Psychological State in the Grand Final

Team Secret’s pre-game speech highlights why Tundra’s approach was victorious. While Secret acknowledged the grandness of the finals, it caused them to play more cautiously and avoid taking risks. In contrast, Tundra played with fewer burdens, giving them a psychological advantage.

Both teams were evenly matched and had split matches earlier in the season. However, Tundra’s controlled and chaotic playstyle put Secret on the back foot. The outcome of the grand final seemed to depend more on the teams’ psychological states than their skill level.

Overcoming Doubt and Rebuilding Trust

Tundra’s dominance in the grand final was a result of their hard work and journey to overcome doubt. They had moments of low confidence and doubted their performance leading up to TI11. However, they rebuilt trust in each other and their approach to Dota, which ultimately contributed to their success.

Tundra’s coach, Aui, credited Saksa for playing a crucial role in the team’s success. Saksa initiated an honest discussion among the team, which helped them pull together and lay the foundations for their TI victory.

The Reign of Tundra Esports in Dota 2

Tundra Esports now stands as the undeniable best team in Dota 2. With the Aegis of Champions in their hands, they enter the 2023 season as the team to learn from and defeat.

Dota 2, Tundra Esports, stress reduction, The International, psychological state, skill level, confidence, trust-building