Team Spirit star confirms return just in time for TI14

Two-time champions Team Spirit have received a major boost ahead of Dota 2 The International 2025.

Denis “Larl” Sigitov, their star midlaner, has confirmed that he will be back in action after overcoming surgery complications that sidelined him from the recent FISSURE Universe tournament. His recovery puts an end to weeks of speculation surrounding his availability and delivers the kind of reassurance Spirit’s fans had been hoping for.

With Larl returning to the lineup, Team Spirit will head into the Dota 2 TI14 at full strength, a crucial advantage as they prepare to battle the world’s best starting Sept. 4 in Hamburg, Germany. His presence not only restores the team’s synergy but also reinforces their championship ambitions as they look to capture another Aegis of Champions.

Larl’s participation at The International was anything but certain just a few weeks ago. Following surgery issues after Team Spirit’s Esports World Cup 2025 victory, the midlane star was sidelined and forced to miss the $250,000 FISSURE Universe: Episode 6 tournament in late August. During that event, Marat “Mirele” Gazetdinov stepped in as a stand-in, while fans anxiously awaited updates on Spirit’s roster.

At the time, the organization remained hopeful, stating that they believed Larl could recover in time for TI. However, the exact nature of his surgery and complications were never disclosed. The only confirmation they gave was that “everything is fine.”

Now that Larl has officially returned, Team Spirit reclaim their status as one of the strongest contenders heading into Hamburg. Their flawless run at the EWC 2025, where they swept Gaimin Gladiators, Parivision, and Team Falcons without dropping a single map to secure the $1 million prize, proved they remain a force to be reckoned with.

Unlike Tundra, who got disrupted with last-minute visa denials resulting in emergency roster swap, Spirit has the luxury of full preparation with their complete lineup. This uninterrupted practice window gives them the perfect chance to refine strategies to strengthen their pursuit of a third Aegis at TI14.