During the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals at The International 2025, BetBoom Team stunned Nigma Galaxy in a reverse sweep in an exciting demonstration of tenacity and strategic flexibility. BetBoom won the next two games after losing Game 1, securing a 2-1 victory that guarantees them a Top-6 spot, puts them in the upper echelons of the tournament, and advances them to the Upper Bracket Semifinals.
This match was a statement rather than merely a series. It demonstrated that BetBoom can withstand initial pressure, adapt to criticism, and outperform formidable opponents when it counts.
Path to the Clash
Prior to this series, the two teams’ momentum was different. After securing their place in the Playoffs through previous games, Nigma Galaxy had already gained some confidence. However, despite their moments of genius, BetBoom needed this game to solidify their place as the favorites.
This was a make-or-break series, and the ability to perform under pressure, draft flexibility, and mental toughness would be crucial given the stakes and the fact that the Upper Bracket Semifinals were one step closer to the Grand Finals.
Game-By-Game Highlights & Turning Points
Here’s how the reverse sweep played out, with key moments and critical shifts:
Game 1: Nigma Galaxy Takes the Early Lead
- Heroes Used / Drafts:
- BetBoom picked Earthshaker, Disruptor, Windranger, Abaddon, Lone Druid.
- Nigma Galaxy responded with Beastmaster, Muerta, Phoenix, Troll Warlord, Invoker.
- Key Highlights:
- Nigma came out strong early, especially leveraging Beastmaster (Tony “No!ob”) as a durable initiator and space-maker.
- BetBoom’s Lone Druid (Pure) managed solid creep-equilibrium and last hits, helping soften the gold and map control gap.
- Nigma secured an Aegis, pushed high ground, and won significant teamfights around minute 35. BetBoom had difficulty mounting defense. Eventually, Nigma took Game 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oK0gvgqqyo
Game 2: BetBoom’s Adjustments Begin to Show
- Heroes Used / Drafts:
- BetBoom changed things up: Faceless Void (Pure) among others; Puck (gpk), Grimstroke (Save-), etc.
- Nigma Galaxy again had heroes like Nature’s Prophet (SumaiL), Mars (No!ob), muerta, and others.
- Key Highlights:
- Early game pressure from Nigma, especially targeting BetBoom’s cores like Faceless Void; but BetBoom survived the onslaught.
- BetBoom’s mid-laners and roamers (like Puck & Grimstroke) created space, secured kills, and turned fights in their favor.
- They leveraged superior map control, used Roshan whenever possible, and eventually pulled off a comeback to tie the series 1-1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OogN0T6xGa8
Game 3: Full Comeback Mode Activated
- Heroes Used / Drafts:
- BetBoom in Game 3 used Templar Assassin (Pure), Puck (gpk), Centaur Warrunner (MieRo), Grimstroke (Save-), Oracle (Kataomi) among others.
- Nigma Galaxy went for Morphling (Ghost), Nature’s Prophet (SumaiL), Mars (No!ob), Muerta (OmaR), Tusk (GH) etc.
- Key Highlights:
- The early phase saw balanced picks and traded map control; BetBoom’s draft had good potential for teamfights and pick-offs through heroes like TA (Templar Assassin) and Puck.
- Nigma made some misplays: e.g. Ghost’s Morphling failing to use Black King Bar in fights, some questionable teleport positioning from SumaiL on Nature’s Prophet. These errors became costly.
- BetBoom capitalized: won critical fights in midgame, leveraged vision, secured objectives, then pressed into Nigma’s base for the win ~43 minutes into Game 3.
What the Win Means
The reverse sweep over Nigma Galaxy carries weight on several fronts. With the series win, BetBoom guarantees themselves at least a Top-6 standing along with a significant prize pool payout. More importantly, recovering from a Game 1 loss highlights their mental toughness, showcasing their ability to adapt drafts, sharpen execution, and thrive under psychological pressure clear signs they are peaking at the right moment. The victory also pushes them into the Upper Bracket Semifinals, one step closer to the Grand Finals and with the safety net of an extra life to avoid early elimination. On the other side, Nigma Galaxy now face the daunting challenge of the Lower Bracket, where every mistake is magnified; while their earlier performances proved they can compete with top teams, they must quickly refocus, refine drafts, and survive in unforgiving do-or-die matches.
Looking Ahead
BetBoom’s path now leads to the Upper Bracket Semifinals, where they’ll face off against one of the winners from the other quarterfinals. If their current form holds especially their adaptability and mental resilience they could very well be dark horse contenders for the Grand Finals.
Meanwhile, Nigma Galaxy must reset. The Lower Bracket is unforgiving; consistency, safe draft phases, and minimizing error becomes imperative for survival. This reverse sweep will haunt them, but also could serve as a lesson in what to tighten up.
The International 2025 continues to deliver drama, clutch plays, and momentum swings. BetBoom’s reverse sweep of Nigma Galaxy is among the most electrifying results so far and a reminder that in TI, no lead is ever safe, and no team is ever truly out until the last set of barracks falls.
