The Riyadh Masters 2025 Dota 2 tournament, hosted in Saudi Arabia with a substantial $3 million prize pool, reached a critical juncture as teams battled through the Elimination Phase. One such decisive match pitted Tundra Esports against Talon Esports, with the tournament future of both squads hanging in the balance.
In a straightforward best-of-three series, Tundra Esports delivered a clean 2-0 victory over their opponents. This result was conclusive, providing Tundra, led by the strategic prowess seen in players like Neta “33” Shapira`s team, with the coveted outcome: a guaranteed spot in the playoff stage of the championship.
Conversely, the defeat marked the end of the road for Talon Esports. The team featuring players such as Rafli “Mikoto” Fathur`s squad saw their Riyadh Masters 2025 campaign conclude earlier than they undoubtedly hoped. Their journey concluded with a 9th-12th place finish, earning them a prize of $75,000 – a respectable sum, perhaps, but short of the ultimate goal of claiming the Aegis.
With Tundra Esports now advancing, the tournament continues to heat up. The next anticipated clash on the schedule features Team Falcons facing off against Natus Vincere (NAVI), a match set to unfold on July 13th.
As the Riyadh Masters 2025 progresses towards its grand final on July 19th, the stakes for the remaining teams only escalate. Each match in the playoff bracket is a step closer to the prestigious title and the lion`s share of the $3 million prize pool.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Wesley Dunham