2-time Dota 2 TI champion captain goes on a break

Team Spirit has announced that captain Miposhka will be stepping away from competitive Dota 2 for an indefinite period, marking the end of a dominant era for one of the most successful leaders in the game’s history.

The organization confirmed the news on Oct. 9, stating that the two-time International champion will move to the inactive roster. To fill the vacancy, former Aurora Gaming support player, panto, will join the starting lineup for the upcoming competitive season.

Miposhka, 28, has been the cornerstone of Team Spirit since their iconic 2021 roster was formed. As captain, he guided the team through an unprecedented run of success that included victories at The International 2021 and 2023, achievements that firmly established Team Spirit as a modern Dota 2 dynasty.

Over the past four years, Miposhka remained an unshakable presence for the team, even as his teammates took periodic breaks from competition. Yatoro took time off between September 2024 and January 2025, and Collapse rested after The International 2024 before returning later that year. Through it all, Miposhka continued competing without pause, maintaining his leadership role and steadying the roster during every high and low.

Despite Team Spirit’s continued dominance in tournaments like Riyadh Masters and DreamLeague Season 21, the team’s recent International performances have fallen short of expectations. They finished 9th to 12th at The International 2024 and 9th to 13th at The International 2025, failing to reach the main stage in both events.

These results stood in stark contrast to their earlier years, when they became the most consistent force in global Dota 2 competition. Under Miposhka’s direction, Team Spirit achieved milestones that few teams have matched: from their first Major win at the PGL Arlington Major in 2022 to an incredible run of consecutive titles throughout 2023.

With Miposhka stepping aside, panto will make his debut at BLAST Slam IV, kicking off on Oct. 14. The new roster will have several weeks to find its rhythm before the LAN playoffs begin in Singapore in early November. Finding the balance between maintaining the team’s structure and integrating new leadership will be a crucial test for the organization.

Miposhka’s decision follows a broader trend of veteran players taking extended breaks after The International 2025. Team Liquid’s Insania and Gaimin Gladiators’ Quinn have announced their retirements, while Nigma Galaxy’s GH has gone on an indefinite break.

While Team Spirit has not confirmed the duration of Miposhka’s break, the announcement confirms that this is a much-needed period of rest rather than retirement. Given his track record of resilience and leadership, many fans believe it’s only a matter of time before Miposhka returns to the competitive stage wearing the captain’s armband for the team he helped build into a global powerhouse.