Vasilisa on Xtreme Gaming’s Change Before TI14
The build-up to The International 2025 is filled with tension, speculation, and high expectations. As one of the biggest esports tournaments in the world, TI always brings surprises, whether in terms of the competition format, unexpected results, or crucial roster changes that can alter the fate of an entire team. One of the first bombshells ahead of TI14 came from Xtreme Gaming, who announced a forced substitution in their lineup just weeks before the start of the event.
On August 14, reports surfaced that Wilson “Poloson” Koh, the team’s position five support, would be unable to participate due to health-related reasons. His place will be taken by the experienced Malaysian player Jian Wei “xNova” Yap. The news quickly spread across social media and esports communities, sparking discussions about whether this move strengthens or destabilizes Xtreme’s chances of making a deep run in Germany this September. One of those who reacted to the news was Dota 2 caster Vasilisa “Vasilisa” Chernova. In her Telegram channel, she offered a candid opinion about the roster swap.
The Impact of xNova’s Arrival
One of those who reacted to the news was Dota 2 caster Vasilisa “Vasilisa” Chernova. In her Telegram channel, she offered a candid opinion about the roster swap. “They say there will be a change in Xtreme Gaming for TI14 — because of health problems Poloson won’t play, and it will be xNova instead. In my opinion, that’s a plus for them, but their main problem isn’t in him,” she wrote.
Her words underline a wider discussion in the competitive Dota 2 scene: how much impact can one support player have, and what are the real weaknesses of Xtreme Gaming heading into the biggest tournament of the year?To understand why Vasilisa calls the move “a plus,” it’s important to look at who xNova is and what he brings to the table. A veteran of the Southeast Asian Dota 2 scene, xNova has been competing at the highest level for years, with a career that includes stints at legendary organizations like PSG.LGD. His calm demeanor, deep hero pool, and wealth of international experience make him a highly respected figure.
Perhaps most significantly, xNova has played on the biggest stages before, including multiple editions of The International, where the pressure and stakes are unlike anything else in the esports world. Having reached a TI Grand Final in 2018, he knows what it takes to handle the nerves, manage team communication in clutch moments, and adapt mid-tournament. For a squad like Xtreme Gaming, which has talent but often struggles to remain consistent under pressure, such stability could be invaluable.
Poloson, while talented in his own right, has not reached the same level of international recognition or tournament pedigree. His absence due to health is unfortunate, but from a purely competitive standpoint, many analysts agree with Vasilisa — xNova might actually represent an upgrade.Still, as Vasilisa emphasized, “the main problem isn’t in him.” This comment reflects a broader criticism of Xtreme Gaming’s recent performances. Despite boasting a roster filled with strong individual players, including star cores with mechanical brilliance, the team has often been accused of lacking cohesion and a unified strategic identity.
Looking Ahead to The International 2025
TI14 will take place in Germany from September 4 to 14, with the world’s best Dota 2 teams battling for glory and a yet-to-be-revealed prize pool that is expected to reach tens of millions of dollars. For Xtreme Gaming, expectations are high. The organization has invested heavily in building a roster capable of finally breaking through on the international stage, and their fanbase in China and abroad desperately wants to see them succeed.
The inclusion of xNova could indeed be a positive spark. His leadership might help the team remain calmer in high-pressure situations, his versatility could give coaches more flexibility in drafting, and his past TI experience might guide younger teammates through the emotional rollercoaster of the event. Yet, unless Xtreme addresses the deeper issues that have plagued them — from overreliance on star carries to occasional passive playstyles — they may still fall short of the Aegis of Champions.
