TORONTOTOKYO on team invitations: “After leaving OG, there was one option, but it didn’t work out.”
Professional player Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Hertek discussed on stream receiving an invitation to an unnamed team after leaving OG and shared his thoughts on the favorites for The International 2026.
On the matchup against Viper playing Puck
Puck isn’t worth a 1v1. I think the best thing you can do is hold a 60-40 position. That’s pretty much the best you can do. I don’t think there’s anything better. People pick Puck against Viper, yeah. You just have to put up with mid lane, and then Viper can’t do anything to you—that’s why.
On the favorites for The International 2026
Yeah, there are a lot of contenders. Any of the five or six strong teams could win The International, I think. And maybe there will be some dark horses, but most likely not. Most likely, there are these top six teams, and any one of them will take it.
On the chances of getting into esports
At 20 years old, is there a chance to break into esports? Well, if you’re at least in the top 200, then I think so. The top 200 in Europe.
On security checks at TI
“Were you sitting in the booth at The International with a knife?” When I played at The International, I always had a knife on me, but they always have a metal detector there. When you go on stage, into the booth, there’s always a metal detector. Anyway, they found my knife on me and said:
— What the *** [crap] is this?!
— Well, it just happened.
And they took it away. I had to go without the knife. Unlucky.
About offers after leaving OG
After leaving OG, there was one option, but it didn’t work out.
Earlier, TORONTOTOKYO explained why Dagon is a better fit for Axe than Phylactery: “No, Phylactery is trash, guys, objectively speaking. Dagon—it just gives you so much and is really cheap. It gives you everything: HP, stats, mana, cast range—it gives you everything.”
