In the fiercely competitive realm of professional Dota 2, where fortunes shift with every major patch and team dynamics are as volatile as a Black Hole ultimate, a bold declaration has emerged from the heart of the current champions. Illya `Yatoro` Mulyarchuk, the prolific carry for Team Spirit, has confidently proclaimed his squad as `truly the best team in the world.` This isn`t merely a statement of bravado; it`s a testament to a journey of sustained excellence and an assertion of dominance that few teams in esports history can genuinely echo.
A Champion`s Conviction
Yatoro`s conviction isn`t unfounded. Team Spirit`s resume speaks volumes, a testament to their calculated aggression, impeccable team cohesion, and an uncanny ability to perform under the most immense pressure. Their crowning achievements include not one, but two championships at The International – Dota 2`s most prestigious tournament – securing the Aegis of Champions in both 2021 and 2023. This dual victory places them in an elite echelon of teams that have conquered the pinnacle of Dota 2 more than once.
Adding to their illustrious trophy cabinet, Team Spirit has also twice hoisted the Riyadh Masters trophy, most recently triumphing over Team Falcons in the 2025 grand final. These victories aren`t just isolated successes; they paint a clear picture of a team that has consistently outmaneuvered and outplayed the global elite.
Weighing Dominance Against Legendary Lineages
What makes Yatoro`s statement particularly compelling is his nuanced perspective on the competitive landscape. While firmly asserting Team Spirit`s current supremacy, he graciously acknowledges the historical titans who once held similar sway. Yatoro specifically mentioned Gaimin Gladiators from 2023, OG from their formidable 2018-2019 era, and the perennial powerhouse LGD.
This act of surveying past empires, from the relentless onslaught of Gaimin Gladiators in 2023 to the innovative brilliance of OG during their back-to-back TI reign, and the consistent force that was LGD, adds a layer of depth to his claim. It’s a subtle nod to the rich tapestry of Dota 2 history, a quiet recognition of predecessors who, in their time, felt the same unshakeable belief in their own supremacy. Yet, beneath this respectful glance backward, there`s an undeniable current of `but we are here now.` It’s the confidence of a reigning monarch surveying the portraits of bygone kings, knowing the crown is firmly on their own head.
The Target on the Back: What`s Next for Team Spirit?
Such declarations from a player of Yatoro`s stature inevitably send ripples through the professional Dota 2 scene. It`s a statement that simultaneously galvanizes his teammates and places an even larger target on Team Spirit`s back. Every opponent now steps into the arena not just against a formidable foe, but against a team that explicitly believes itself to be the best the world has to offer.
This self-assuredness, however, is a hallmark of true champions. It`s not mere arrogance, but a reflection of countless hours of practice, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering belief in their collective ability to execute under pressure. As Team Spirit continues its quest to solidify its legacy, Yatoro`s declaration serves as a powerful reminder: in the pantheon of Dota 2 legends, the `Dragons` have not just arrived; they`ve claimed the throne, and they have no intention of relinquishing it anytime soon.
