The International 2025 has wrapped up, and while fans are still buzzing about the grand finals, another storyline has taken shape: only nine heroes managed to leave the tournament completely undefeated. Out of 144 games played at one of the most competitive events in Dota 2 history, this small group of heroes never once saw their strategies collapse, making them the rare perfect picks of the tournament.
Broodmother was the standout name, appearing in four matches and never dropping a single game. Her record cements her place as one of the most effective niche picks, thriving when teams commit to her unique playstyle. Tidehunter, Meepo, Bloodseeker, and Sniper each went unbeaten in two games apiece, proving that in the right draft and with the right execution, even situational heroes can tilt matches in their team’s favor.
Meanwhile, Chaos Knight, Huskar, Spectre, and Vengeful Spirit all kept their 100% win rates intact by excelling in one-off appearances that showed just how powerful a well-timed surprise pick can be. Together, these nine heroes demonstrate that success at the highest level often hinges on bold choices and careful preparation.
What makes this group fascinating is its variety. On one hand, you have late-game carries like Spectre that shine when games go long, and on the other, risky picks like Meepo and Huskar that demand flawless execution but can overwhelm opponents when played well. This mix highlights just how much adaptability and creativity are required to thrive at The International, where every draft is a gamble and every pick is highly scrutinized.
However, it wasn’t only the undefeated heroes that left a mark on the tournament. Several came very close to perfection. Night Stalker posted an impressive five wins and just one loss, while Elder Titan had one of the best showings with an 80% win rate across 10 games.
Troll Warlord remained a constant presence with a 73% win rate in 15 matches, and Ursa proved his reliability in the meta with a strong 70% success rate in 20 games. These heroes may not have kept their slates spotless, but they consistently shaped the flow of the tournament and often served as the centerpiece of their teams’ strategies.
What this tells us is that TI 2025 produced one of the most balanced and dynamic metas in recent memory. Teams weren’t just relying on the same handful of overpowered heroes; instead, they leaned into deep hero pools, smart counterpicks, and inventive strategies. The fact that some heroes were picked only once yet left undefeated shows the value of preparation and the power of pulling out the unexpected in a high-pressure elimination match.
At the same time, tried-and-true staples like Ursa, Troll Warlord, and Elder Titan reminded everyone that consistency remains just as important as creativity. The combination of innovative drafting and reliable power picks made for a tournament where almost anything felt possible. As the Dota 2 scene looks ahead to the next season, TI 2025 will be remembered as a showcase of drafting mastery, a case study in flexibility, and proof that even the boldest risks can pay off on the biggest stage.
