Azure Ray eliminated from The International 2025 qualifiers
Team Azure Ray’s run in the Chinese qualifiers for The International 2025 came to an end after a heartbreaking loss to Excel Esports. In a best-of-three (BO3) series, Excel defeated their opponents 2-1, eliminating the team led by Lu “Somnus” Yao from the race for the final Chinese spot in the world’s premier Dota 2 tournament. The match, held in the lower bracket of the qualifiers, was marked by tension and tightness. Azure Ray started well, taking the first map with precise execution of their teamfight strategies.
However, Excel Esports responded decisively in the following games, exploiting occasional errors in rotation and map control by Somnus’s team. In the decisive game, Excel’s dominance was absolute, securing the victory and sealing Azure Ray’s fate. With this result, Azure Ray officially bids farewell to their dream of competing in The International 2025, which will take place in Hamburg, Germany. The defeat represents a hard blow for the team’s fans, who had been following Somnus’ return to the competitive scene with hope.
The return of Somnus and the frustrated search for IT
The presence of Lu “Somnus” Yao — also known as Maybe — was one of the biggest draws of this year’s Chinese qualifiers. Considered one of the most talented midlaners in Dota 2 history, Somnus returned to the competition with the intention of leading Azure Ray back to the international elite. The player, who previously represented legendary organizations such as LGD Gaming and Royal Never Give Up, had temporarily retired in 2023 but decided to return with the goal of ending his career with another appearance at The International. Since the beginning of the qualifiers, Azure Ray demonstrated a disciplined playstyle, focusing on traditional compositions and efficient map control. Under Somnus’s leadership, the team achieved consistent victories in the early stages, showing potential to secure China’s only spot in the main tournament.
However, the team’s path has been fraught with challenges. Competitiveness in the Chinese region remains extremely high, with established teams such as Xtreme Gaming, LGD Gaming, Team Zero, and Excel Esports battling it out to qualify. During the series against Excel, Azure Ray made some critical mistakes that cost them dearly. In one game, the team let a 15,000 gold lead slip away, suffering a stunning comeback after a series of poorly coordinated teamfights.
The loss of confidence was evident in the following matches, and Excel seized every opportunity to exploit their opponent’s lack of cohesion. Somnus, despite showing flashes of brilliance with heroes like Storm Spirit and Ember Spirit, couldn’t carry his team alone. “We gave our best, but we made mistakes at crucial moments. There are no excuses,” the player declared in a brief interview after the elimination. “I’m still proud of what we built and how we fought.
” Excel Esports’ victory over Azure Ray cements the team’s position as one of the standout performers of the 2025 Chinese qualifiers. Composed of a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, the team has been surprising since the beginning of the tournament, showcasing an aggressive and dynamic playstyle. Analysts point out that Excel has distinguished itself through its tactical flexibility and adaptability throughout series. The team’s captain, known for his precise map reading, has been praised for leading seamless rotations and creative hero compositions. This approach has been key to Excel’s consecutive victories, and they are now just one series away from securing their place in Hamburg.
The impact of elimination and the future of Dota 2 in China
Azure Ray’s elimination from the qualifiers reinforces a sense of transition in the Chinese Dota 2 scene. In recent years, the region—once considered the most dominant in the world—has been losing ground to European and South American powerhouses. The lack of new stars and the aging of top names have hampered talent renewal. Despite this, experts believe that the elimination of traditional teams could pave the way for new organizations and players to emerge. Excel Esports, now in the finals of the bracket, represents precisely this new generation of Chinese talent ready to challenge the status quo.
While fans mourn the departure of Somnus and Azure Ray, the focus turns to what’s to come. The International 2025, scheduled for Hamburg, Germany, will bring together the best teams on the planet in an event that promises to be a milestone for competitive Dota 2. Even without Azure Ray’s presence, Somnus’ legacy and its influence on the Chinese scene remain intact. His journey inspires young players to continue striving for excellence in the game he helped elevate to the highest level.
