“I would compete at TI for beer and crackers, I don’t give a shit”. Dyrachyo talks about TI12 and its prizepool, and why GG will be a favoriteExclusive

In an exclusive pre-tournament discussion, Gaimin Gladiators star carry Anton “dyrachyo” Shkredov sat down with journalist Polina Mashina ahead of BetBoom DACHA. The elite Dota 2 competitor provided transparent insights about his team’s current condition, systematic preparation methodology, and championship prospects for The International 2023.

— You previously mentioned experiencing emotional exhaustion following Riyadh Masters 2023. How has your mental state evolved since then?

— The Riyadh Masters 2023 left me completely drained both mentally and physically. We navigated numerous high-pressure situations and dramatic playoff comebacks that demanded extreme emotional investment. Competing through the lower bracket creates particularly taxing psychological conditions that significantly contributed to my fatigue. Currently, I’ve achieved full recovery and feel exceptionally prepared. My focus now shifts toward reaching optimal competitive condition for The International 2023.

— What specific challenges emerged during Riyadh Masters, and what corrective measures did you implement?

— During the group stage phase, we recognized critical issues with closing out matches effectively. Our inability to maintain late-game execution led to surrendering multiple advantageous positions. Ultimately finishing fourth in our group forced us to address fundamental strategic weaknesses. In the playoff rounds, certain hero selections proved ineffective due to insufficient meta analysis. We likely underestimated the importance of thorough discussion, conducted inadequate scrimmage sessions, and failed to properly study opposing teams’ strategies, which explains Quinn’s performance fluctuations. These developmental phases occur naturally within competitive cycles.

— Your practice schedule appeared limited before The Bali Major and Riyadh Masters 2023 competitions? What adjustments have you made currently?

— Visa acquisition responsibilities prevented me from participating in standard practice matches preceding Riyadh Masters 2023. Our preparation for BetBoom DACHA involved minimal structured scrimmaging. We allocated four to five days for three practice games daily to reestablish competitive rhythm. Our current plan involves competing in official matches and organized scrims here in Yerevan before returning home for DreamLeague Season 21. That tournament will provide additional competitive experience. Pre-TI preparation includes an intensive bootcamp extending until October 8-9 where we’ll maintain constant public match participation, engage in deep strategic discussions, and refine our gameplay mechanics through concentrated Dota 2 practice.

— Your competitive calendar remains exceptionally demanding. What motivated your decision to participate in BetBoom DACHA rather than taking extended recovery time?

— Realistically, the post-Riyadh Masters recovery period of one month sufficiently addressed my fatigue requirements. I’ve reached a point where extended inactivity becomes counterproductive. Naturally, I’ll maintain relaxed engagement here. BetBoom DACHA serves as an ideal transitional competition bridging relaxed preparation with intensive training modes.

— What’s the detailed TI12 preparation blueprint?

— We’ve scheduled an intensive training camp in Serbia continuing through October 8-9. Following that, we proceed directly to Seattle focusing exclusively on scrimmage sessions and in-depth Dota analysis. Our preparation methodology mirrors standard pre-tournament routines but allocates increased time toward structured practice matches and public games while reducing non-essential activities.

Throughout the regular season, we maintained averages of four scrims combined with five to six public matches daily. For TI12 preparation, we anticipate increasing to four-six scrims complemented by eight pubs daily. Importantly, I maintain strict boundaries to prevent frustration buildup and avoid toxic matchmaking interactions. Achieving sustainable balance between competitive intensity and personal enjoyment remains paramount.

— Have you encountered professional burnout during this competitive season?

— I experienced no significant performance issues. Seleri faced challenges following DreamLeague, during my temporary drafting responsibilities. Currently, our team operates at optimal capacity. We’ve completely refreshed our approach and stand prepared competitively. Our objective to secure victory in every tournament this year was established months ago, and we remain committed to achieving this goal. Three significant competitive events remain on our schedule.

— How does your roster consistently avoid burnout symptoms?

— Our team maintains exceptional psychological resilience during tournament participation. Each member experiences comfort within our team structure and appreciates our operational methodology. This supportive environment proves critically important. We genuinely enjoy competitive Dota 2, and nobody feels externally pressured. Players understand proper recovery techniques and avoid excessive daily practice volumes like twenty pubs combined with ten scrims. We strategically incorporate recovery periods into our training schedule.

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— You could potentially win DreamLeague and DACHA tournaments then arrive at TI as clear favorites, or underperform and enter with reduced expectations. Which scenario provides competitive advantage?

— Clearly, entering as tournament favorites offers strategic benefits. Given our current competitive standing, we’re already regarded among primary championship contenders. Fellow competitors certainly won’t anticipate our elimination before top-20 placement. Such outcomes seem improbable. I expect all opponents will prepare extensively for our strategies. It would represent tactical negligence for competing teams to underestimate our capabilities. Ideally, we secure DACHA victory while maintaining relaxed approach then intensify focus for DreamLeague to claim that championship as well. TI12 will introduce unique meta developments, but our team will arrive in optimal competitive condition.

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— Why maintain confidence in favorite designation when community analysts recently expressed contrasting opinions?

— These perspectives originate from external observers rather than active professional competitors. I anticipate opposing teams will demonstrate appropriate competitive respect. Certainly, they won’t adopt dismissive attitudes like “GG achieved previous success but now we’ll dominate them.” Korb3n might express such views, potentially influencing morale within Team Spirit. Nix functions as an independent commentator without team affiliations. Most organizations will dedicate maximum effort toward TI12 preparation. However, standard preparation routines remain largely consistent across teams: structured scrimmaging combined with public match practice constitutes the foundation.

Our team established superior fundamental execution in critical areas, and these advantages should persist unless we become strategically negligent. Alternatively, if an exceptionally innovative team discovers meta-defining strategies similar to Tundra’s TI11 Wraith Pact innovation. These concerns appear overstated. While I don’t guarantee TI victory, we unquestionably rank among primary favorites and should deliver strong competitive performances.

— You referenced Tundra’s surprising performance last championship. Any predictions about potential dark horse contenders this season?

— Typically, unexpected teams emerge during major tournaments. Similar to Spirit’s performance at The International 2021. These squads maintain winning momentum throughout the event duration, ultimately shocking the competitive community. Such developments remain fundamentally unpredictable. Perhaps Thunder Awaken [laughs], honestly I cannot provide accurate forecasts.

— As a professional competitor, does the undisclosed TI12 prize pool create concern or distraction?

— Honestly, I would compete for minimal compensation like beer and crackers without hesitation. Present me with the Aegis championship plate, and I’ll celebrate with beer consumption from it. Genuinely, prize money fluctuations don’t affect my motivation. Can I influence these organizational decisions? Realistically no. Therefore, why should I allocate mental energy toward uncontrollable factors?

— Doesn’t reduced financial incentive decrease competitive drive?

— Absolutely not. The International championship provides unparalleled competitive status. When you achieve elite status, financial compensation typically follows accordingly. This represents my fundamental perspective. For illustration, I’ve earned less prize money than Larl. However, I’ve achieved satisfactory professional returns without regrets. If presented with hypothetical choices like retaining only Riyadh Masters trophy instead of other achievements, I wouldn’t modify my career decisions.

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— Community discussions rarely position you among elite carry players. Does this perceived undervaluation create frustration?

— I maintain complete indifference toward these perceptions. I’ve navigated extensive criticism throughout my career. Continued competitive success renders external opinions irrelevant regarding my carry capabilities. I possess clear understanding of my strategic strengths and developmental areas. Comparative player evaluations represent inherently subjective discussions without definitive resolutions. Personal perspectives vary naturally across the community.

BetBoom DACHA tournament schedule spans September 10-16 in Yerevan, Armenia. The $250,000 prize distribution involves eight participating organizations. The event structure emphasizes casual cottage environment with lighthearted atmosphere incorporating secondary activities and entertainment content.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » “I would compete at TI for beer and crackers, I don’t give a shit”. Dyrachyo talks about TI12 and its prizepool, and why GG will be a favoriteExclusive Gaimin Gladiators' carry player reveals TI12 preparation strategy and mindset for championship success