Two-time champion of The International, Ceb, has released a detailed analysis of Ame’s performance during game five of the International 2025 finals, pinpointing three significant missteps that potentially cost Xtreme Gaming their first Aegis against Team Falcons.
In a video lasting 16 minutes, the former OG talent scrutinized Ame’s Juggernaut gameplay in what became yet another disappointing finals for a player often referred to as the «uncrowned king.» The harshest critique revolved around Ame’s decision to opt for Butterfly as his third item against Medusa.
Ceb did not shy away from using precise mathematics to illustrate why Diffusal Blade might have been a superior choice. «Diffusal drains 40 mana per hit and inflicts one physical damage for every mana burned,» he elucidated. «Against Medusa’s mana shield, which scales at 3.8 damage per mana, each hit from Diffusal delivers an extra 160 damage compared to other items. The difference is stark.»
The skill progression was another area of concern, as Ame opted to invest only one point in Blade Fury for the majority of the match. While this choice is atypical, Ceb questioned whether it limited Juggernaut’s effectiveness during pivotal engagements. His analysis underscored three crucial turning points. In the first significant teamfight, Ame failed to use Blade Fury when it mattered most, leading to his elimination without a buyback. «This Dusa dies twice here,» Ceb emphasized later, particularly noting Ame’s timing with Omnislash during the first high-ground push from Falcons.
Discussing another error, Ceb pointed out Ame’s timing with Omnislash during the skirmish by the Radiant’s safe lane tier three tower. He remarked, «It’s so close. It would have bounced to the creep wave; it would have also hit Naga illusions. He activated it roughly 0.5 seconds too soon.»
Lastly, he critiqued Ame’s indecision in the final confrontation near the Radiant tier three tower after Falcons had secured mega creeps: «He doesn’t use his ultimate. He’s holding onto it because he fears Dusa will perish. However, Naga had a refresher available.»
The match concluded with a 3-2 victory for Team Falcons in Hamburg. Despite his esteemed reputation, Ame left yet again without a TI title to his name. Ceb, who lifted the Aegis with OG in 2018 and 2019, offered a tempered perspective amidst his criticisms: «It wasn’t an easy match. It was quite challenging and hinged on minor details, but perhaps that is what separates those who win TI from those who do not.»
For Ame and Xtreme Gaming, this analysis serves as a sobering yet potentially constructive look at their TI 2025 journey, revealing the exceedingly fine margins that define success in the realm of professional Dota 2.
