Team Spirit’s Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk didn’t hold back after The International 2025, calling out Ame’s Juggernaut item build in the chaotic Game 5 decider that crowned Team Falcons as champions.
“That Build Doesn’t Beat Medusa”
Screenshot of Yatoro courtesy of GGScoreDuring a post-TI stream, Yatoro was blunt. “Juggernaut can beat Medusa,” he said, “but not with that build.” He pointed to Ame’s decision to skip Diffusal Blade and Disperser—two items that could’ve shredded Medusa’s Mana Shield and helped Juggernaut stay relevant in the late game.
Instead, Ame went for a more traditional route: Battle Fury, Manta, Butterfly, MKB, Swift Blink, and a late BKB. It’s a build that works in pubs, sure. But in a TI Game 5 against a Medusa with top-tier farm and support lockdown? Yatoro wasn’t convinced.
“Butterfly is useless against Medusa,” he added. “You need mana burn. You need a utility. That build was just wrong.”
The Fallout
Ame’s performance wasn’t bad—he landed key Omnislashes, split-pushed when needed, and kept his team in the game. But as Falcons’ Medusa scaled into an unkillable monster, Juggernaut’s impact faded. Without the right tools to drain mana or disrupt positioning, Ame was left swinging into a brick wall.
The loss marked Ame’s third defeat in a TI grand final. And while it’s unfair to pin the entire series on one item build, Yatoro’s comments reflect a growing sentiment: Xtreme Gaming had the draft to win, but didn’t execute.
Why It Hit So Hard
Screenshot of Ame courtesy of GGScoreAme isn’t just any carry. He’s one of the most respected players in Dota history—a mechanical genius with years of elite-level experience. So when he misses the mark, it stings. Fans expect brilliance. Teammates expect leadership. And when the Aegis slips away again, the scrutiny is brutal.
Yatoro’s critique wasn’t personal. It was tactical. And in a game where every item matters, it’s a fair game.
What’s Next for Ame?
TI 2026 is set to take place in Shanghai—Ame’s home turf. If there’s ever a chance for redemption, it’s there. But questions remain: Will Xtreme Gaming stick with him? Will Ame adapt his playstyle to the evolving meta? And most importantly, will he finally break the curse?
For now, the debate rages on. Was it nerves? Miscommunication? A stubborn build path? Whatever the reason, Game 5 of TI 2025 will be remembered not just for the Falcons’ triumph—but for the Juggernaut that couldn’t carry.
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