In the high-stakes world of Dota 2 esports, expectations often precede reality. As The International 2025 (TI2025) approaches, one name consistently surfaces in discussions about potential champions: Team Spirit. Winners of two previous Internationals, their legacy casts a long shadow. Yet, their own manager, Dmitry `Korb3n` Belov, has delivered a striking counter-narrative, emphatically dismissing any claims of his team being favorites. Is this a shrewd mind game, or a candid assessment of a team facing unforeseen hurdles?
The Manager`s Candid Assessment
Korb3n`s recent statements, widely circulated, paint a picture far removed from the dominant narrative. His primary concern centers around the health and preparation of mid-laner Denis `Larl` Sigitov, who recently underwent surgery. According to Korb3n, Larl has been off Dota 2 for a full month, not even opening the game. With TI2025 looming, the team anticipates a mere four days of collective practice before heading into what is arguably the most prestigious event in esports.
“Friends, we are playing with a stand-in, and we are favorites? That`s just laughable. It`s truly funny. Think about it, Dan [Larl] hasn`t played Dota for a month, not at all. We`ll practice for four days and fly to TI. What kind of favorites are we, for crying out loud? This will be an obvious struggle. Other teams have been preparing since the 10th [of the month], all of them. And we play for four days and fly to TI.”
This sentiment stands in stark contrast to public perception and even bookmakers` odds, which often place Spirit at the top. Korb3n`s “reality check” suggests a significant disconnect between external hype and the internal challenges the team is facing.
The Echoes of Rivalry: Team Spirit vs. Team Falcons
Adding another layer of intrigue to Korb3n`s remarks is the recent interaction with Oliver `Skiter` Lepko, carry for rivals Team Falcons. Following Falcons` decisive 3-0 victory over Team Spirit in the FISSURE Universe: Episode 6 grand final (where Spirit played with a stand-in for Larl), Skiter provocatively declared, “We avenged the EWC final. Team Spirit is still trash…”
Korb3n, never one to shy away from a verbal jab, retaliated with a prediction of his own: “In a week and a half, you`ll be flying out of TI.” He later characterized their exchange as “a bit boomer-ish,” acknowledging the direct and unfiltered nature of their trash talk. This ongoing narrative provides a thrilling backdrop to the upcoming International, especially considering Spirit had previously bested Falcons 3-0 at Riyadh Masters 2025.
These exchanges, while entertaining, underscore the intense competitive landscape. Korb3n`s refusal to accept the “favorites” tag, particularly after a loss with a stand-in, might be seen as a way to deflate expectations and allow his team to play with less pressure, embracing an “underdog” mentality even as reigning champions.
Strategy or Sincerity? The Pressure Cooker of TI
The question naturally arises: is Korb3n`s pessimism a genuine reflection of the team`s predicament, or a masterclass in psychological warfare? Tempering expectations publicly can relieve immense pressure from the players, allowing them to focus solely on their performance without the added burden of being “expected” to win. For a team that has already conquered the pinnacle of Dota 2 twice, this approach might be a calculated maneuver to maintain focus and hunger.
However, the practical realities Korb3n highlights are undeniable. Playing with a key player returning from surgery and minimal collective practice is a significant handicap, even for a team as decorated as Team Spirit. The competitive field at The International is unforgiving, and every team arrives with months of dedicated preparation.
Team Spirit`s journey to TI2025 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling narratives. Will they defy Korb3n`s own assessment and rise to the occasion, proving that even with limited preparation, their synergy and skill are unmatched? Or will the manager`s pragmatic view prove to be an accurate, if uncomfortable, truth?
As the Dota 2 world gears up for The International 2025, all eyes will be on Team Spirit. Their path, according to their own manager, will be less a coronation and more a “struggle.” And in esports, sometimes, the most dangerous opponents are those who believe they have nothing to lose.
