Xtreme Gaming Dominates Tundra Esports at The International 2025 Playoffs
The International 2025 (TI14) has begun with Xtreme Gaming delivering a decisive blow, sweeping Tundra Esports 2-0 in the upper bracket quarterfinals. Held in Hamburg's Barclays Arena, this victory cements Xtreme Gaming's position as a top contender for the Aegis of Champions and guarantees them a Top 6 finish.
Xtreme Gaming's Unexpected Rise
Xtreme Gaming entered TI 2025 as an underdog, largely overshadowed by Team Tidebound throughout the year. They secured their spot through the Chinese regional qualifier. Further complicating matters, they were forced to use Jian Wei “xNova-” Yap as a stand-in for Wilson “poloson” Koh Chin, who was sidelined due to health issues. Despite these challenges, Xtreme Gaming has become a force to be reckoned with.
Tundra Esports' Stand-in Struggles
Tundra Esports, on the other hand, received a direct invite to TI 2025 after a strong start to the year, winning multiple tournaments including FISSURE Playground 1 and BLAST Slam II. However, they faced their own adversity when Matthew “Whitemon” Filemon encountered visa issues, leading to Tobias “Tobi” Buchner stepping in as a last-minute replacement. This disruption appeared to impact their performance in the Group Stage.
Match Breakdown: Xtreme Gaming vs. Tundra Esports
In game one, Tundra opted for an early-game focused strategy with Remco “Crystallis” Arets on Juggernaut and Bozhidar “bzm” Bogdanov on Storm Spirit. Xtreme Gaming stuck to their signature late-game scaling cores, featuring Wang “Ame” Chunyu on Troll Warlord. After a slow start, Tundra gained an advantage, but Xtreme's resilient defense and strategic plays allowed them to turn the tables and secure the win after 55 minutes.
Game two saw Xtreme Gaming showcase their versatility, drafting Ame on Clinkz in a burst damage lineup. Despite some early kills by Tundra, Xtreme maintained control, utilizing their heroes' high damage output to dominate skirmishes and close out the series in a swift 45-minute victory.
Implications and Future Matches
With this victory, Xtreme Gaming advances to the upper bracket semifinals, guaranteeing themselves at least a Top 6 finish and nearly US$130,000 in winnings. Their next opponent will be the winner of the match between PARIVISION and HEROIC. Tundra Esports will now fight for their tournament survival in the lower bracket. The outcome for HEROIC, who were hoping to go further in the tournament is now finished.
| Tournament | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| The International 2025 | Upper Bracket Quarterfinals | Xtreme Gaming 2 - 0 Tundra Esports |
| The International 2025 | Next Xtreme Gaming Opponent | Winner of PARIVISION vs HEROIC |
