The atmosphere in Shanghai is reaching a boiling point. With the group stage of The International 2026 now in the rearview mirror, the remaining eight teams are preparing for the double-elimination bracket at the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center. Among them, BoomBoys—the roster formerly known as BetBoom Team—are looking to make a definitive statement.
Vladislav "Kataomi" Semenov has been a pillar for the squad throughout a grueling season. Despite the aura of invincibility surrounding tournament favorites TEAM VISION, the veteran support player remains unfazed. "I know TEAM VISION is beatable," Kataomi stated recently, signaling that his team has no intention of bowing down to the top seeds.
A Season of Highs and Lows
BoomBoys have navigated a rollercoaster year. Their recent form—highlighted by a second-place finish at the Esports World Cup and a victory at PGL Wallachia Season 8—proves they have the ceiling to challenge anyone. However, consistency has historically been the hurdle for this Eastern European powerhouse.
Their path to the playoffs was solidified after a decisive 2-0 sweep against Aurora Gaming in the elimination round. That victory was more than just a bracket progression; it was a psychological milestone for a team that has often struggled to convert potential into silverware. With gpk~ and Kiritych~ finding their rhythm, the team looks sharper than they did during their fourth-place run at last year’s TI.
The Road Ahead
The upcoming clash against TEAM VISION is the ultimate test. While the favorites have looked dominant, the pressure of the main stage in Shanghai is a different beast entirely. For BoomBoys, the strategy is clear: execute their game plan and exploit the cracks they’ve identified in the favorites' armor.
As the bracket gets underway, the matches are set to deliver the high-stakes Dota 2 fans have been craving. Whether BoomBoys can translate Kataomi’s confidence into a deep run remains the biggest question of the tournament.
For more insights on the bracket and upcoming series, check out our MyEsports predictions.