KuroKy on the Dota 2 playoffs at the Esports World Cup 2026: “I like it—there’s a lot at stake, and there’s no room for error.”
In an interview at the Esports World Cup 2026, Nigma Galaxy coach Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Tahasomi assessed the format of the Dota 2 tournament’s final stage and spoke about the team’s current roster.
On Nigma Galaxy’s current roster
Everything is going well with the current roster; we’ve developed a natural synergy. The players understand each other well. I’d say this roster has the greatest potential because everything has started to come together naturally.
The team is performing well; I’m satisfied and very happy for the guys. To be honest, my expectations have been exceeded. We always work hard. In competition, there’s always room for perfectionism—there’s always something to work on and ways to improve—and the guys enjoy that.
On the roster changes
We made changes two weeks before the TI qualifiers; it was a rushed decision. You could say we took a risk. We didn’t know what to expect, but now, in my opinion, we have some solid fundamental ideas about the game; we’re pushing the meta and “breaking” it a bit, and we have the potential to do that even more effectively.
On the EWC 2026 playoffs and the format of this stage
The playoffs are serious business. The group stage gives a good indication of the teams’ overall strength, but these playoffs are special because they’re a single-elimination format. I like it—there’s a lot at stake, and there’s no room for error.
I believe in the team. They’re all experienced players now; this isn’t their first time on the big stage. I believe we’ll succeed.
Read also: Maelstorm on Nigma Galaxy: “Seven years of steady stagnation turned into a tremendous success.”
Nigma Galaxy is currently playing against BetBoom Team, with the score at 0–1. The loser will be eliminated from the competition, and the winner will advance to the semifinals, where they’ll face Vici Gaming. The Dota 2 tournament at the Esports World Cup 2026 is taking place in Paris from July 7 to 19, with a prize pool of $2 million.
Photo by Sebastian Pandelache, SC PGL Esports S.R.L.
