Speaking after the series, he admitted to early nerves and pressure on the main stage, explained the surprise Muerta mid pick, and shared how the crowd’s energy keeps him motivated to compete.

The International 2025 is being hosted in Hamburg, Germany, gathering the best Dota 2 teams on the planet. Nigma Galaxy , after an early setback, found themselves fighting for survival in the lower bracket. Their opponent Tidebound failed to stop them, and the series ended with Nigma staying alive in the tournament. For SumaiL, who remains one of the biggest names in the competitive scene and a former TI champion, the stakes at this stage are as high as ever.

How Nigma Galaxy Reset for Victory

After a shaky start in the first stage, SumaiL revealed that nerves and communication issues had to be fixed before his team could perform at their best:

We had some calm issues yesterday and a bit of nerves, maybe first stage series. But we had good talks last night and this morning I think turned out well

The question of pressure loomed large, especially with younger teammates stepping onto the TI stage for the first time. However, SumaiL highlighted that everyone has now settled, though even with all his experience he still feels the magnitude of the arena:

I think they're fine now. Maybe yesterday was a bit rough. I mean, even for myself, I still feel it, you know, especially the first games with this huge crowd and stuff like this. It's amazing, guys. It's amazing, to be honest. I love it.

The Power of the Crowd

For SumaiL, part of the magic of competing on the TI stage is the audience itself. The roaring Hamburg crowd remains his biggest inspiration:

It's always fun. Pretty much the reason I still compete for this crowd.

A Bold Hero Choice

One of the biggest talking points of the Tidebound match was his unconventional Muerta mid pick. According to him, it was driven more by instinct and the desire to push the meta in a new direction than by preparation:

I don't know. I just felt like there should be a new hero. Everyone has their heroes. I figured I'd do. Why not Muerta, you know, with Dom, it's very cool. 

Why the Lower Bracket Brings Out the Best

Despite the risks of elimination, SumaiL claimed that this pressure actually fuels the team to play their strongest Dota:

I think we play better when we are on the verge of getting out, to be honest. So maybe it's better for us, famously.

The victory keeps Nigma Galaxy alive in Hamburg and sets up the next step in their lower bracket journey at The International 2025. For the fans in the arena and those watching around the world, SumaiL’s words show why he remains one of the most captivating figures in esports: thriving under pressure, igniting the crowd, and redefining expectations with every game.