In the often hyperbolic world of esports, where narratives of dominance and inevitable victories are crafted with ease, a dose of raw, unvarnished truth can be surprisingly refreshing. This past week, Dmitry “Korb3n” Belov, the discerning manager behind Dota 2`s formidable Team Spirit, delivered just such a dose. In a candid stream, Korb3n unequivocally stated that his squad, despite being two-time champions of The International, should not be considered favorites for The International 2025 (TI14). His reasoning is less about humility and more about pragmatic concerns, shaking up the prevalent expectations from fans and bookmakers alike.
The Unsettling Truth: A Star Midlaner on the Sidelines
Korb3n`s primary concern revolves around Team Spirit`s midlaner, Denis “Larl” Sigitov. Larl recently underwent surgery, a significant event that has kept him away from Dota 2 for a full month. In the high-stakes, hyper-competitive environment of professional esports, a month without practice is not merely a brief hiatus; it`s a chasm that can impact synergy, individual mechanics, and meta-understanding. According to Korb3n:
“Friends, we`re playing with a stand-in, and we`re considered favorites? That`s just ridiculous. It`s truly laughable. Just like for TI – it`s simply laughable. Think about it, Dan [Larl] hasn`t played Dota for a month, hasn`t even opened it. We`ll practice for four days and then fly to TI. What kind of favorites are we, for goodness` sake? This will be an obvious struggle. Other teams have been preparing since the 10th. We`ll play for four days and then fly to TI.”
This statement offers a stark contrast to the common perception. Fans, often swayed by past glories and the sheer talent on Team Spirit`s roster, tend to overlook such critical details. Korb3n`s “boomer-like” (as he jokingly put it) directness cuts through the hype, emphasizing the tangible disadvantages his team faces. Four days of practice, compared to weeks or even months for their rivals, is indeed a daunting prospect, transforming what should be a comfortable stride into an uphill battle.
The Falcons Fiasco and the Art of Trash Talk
The manager`s comments also surfaced amidst a simmering rivalry and a recent exchange of jabs with Team Falcons, another top-tier Dota 2 squad. The catalyst was the grand final of FISSURE Universe: Episode 6, where Team Falcons secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Team Spirit. It`s crucial to note that Larl was absent from Spirit`s lineup for this tournament, a detail that didn`t prevent Team Falcons` carry, Oliver “Skiter” Lepko, from delivering a pointed remark:
“We avenged the EWC final. Team Spirit is trash after all…”
Korb3n, ever the strategist and not one to back down, promptly retorted on his stream, promising that Falcons would “get eliminated at TI in a week and a half.” While Korb3n admitted both his and Skiter`s trash talk was “not subtle,” these exchanges highlight the intense psychological warfare that underpins high-level esports. It`s not just about in-game mechanics; it`s about mind games, confidence, and subtly managing expectations – or, in Korb3n`s case, dismantling them entirely.
Adding another layer to this rivalry, the teams had a prior encounter at Riyadh Masters 2025, where Team Spirit, with their full roster, inflicted a similar 3-0 defeat upon Team Falcons. This back-and-forth illustrates a dynamic, competitive landscape where no team`s dominance is truly absolute, and recent results can swing wildly based on roster availability and preparation.
Managing Expectations or Masterful Mind Games?
Korb3n`s pronouncements raise an interesting question: Is this a genuine expression of concern, or a calculated maneuver to relieve pressure from his team while simultaneously planting seeds of doubt in their opponents? For a manager of a two-time International-winning team to so openly dismiss their favorite status is, at the very least, unconventional. It could be interpreted as:
- A Pragmatic Assessment: Given Larl`s situation and the limited practice, Korb3n might genuinely believe the odds are stacked against them, preferring to temper expectations rather than foster unrealistic hope.
- Underdog Mentality Reinforcement: Team Spirit has historically thrived under pressure and often performed best when not seen as the absolute top dog. Korb3n might be intentionally crafting an underdog narrative to motivate his team and catch opponents off guard.
- Psychological Warfare: By openly stating their disadvantages, Korb3n might be subtly playing mind games with rival teams, making them potentially underestimate Spirit or, conversely, overthink their own preparation.
Regardless of the underlying motive, Korb3n`s statement serves as a potent reminder that even the most successful teams are susceptible to real-world challenges like injuries and limited preparation. The journey to a third Aegis for Team Spirit now appears less like a coronation and more like a testament to sheer resilience and the ability to “overcome,” as Korb3n himself suggested.
The Road Ahead for The International 2025
As The International 2025 approaches, Korb3n`s words will undoubtedly resonate through the Dota 2 community. They shift the narrative from Team Spirit being the undisputed behemoths to a team facing significant internal hurdles, yet still possessing the championship pedigree to potentially defy expectations. This creates a compelling storyline: Can Team Spirit, with minimal preparation and a recently sidelined star player, once again rise to the occasion and prove their manager`s `realistic` assessment wrong? The stage is set for an International where narratives of struggle and triumph will be even more pronounced, with Team Spirit, for once, not entering as the overwhelming favorite, but perhaps, as the ultimate underdog with a manager who calls it as he sees it.
Finley Holt