The dust has settled on The International 2025, but for two-time champions Team Spirit, the aftermath is anything but serene. Following an unexpected early exit, manager Dmitry “Korb3n” Belov has offered a remarkably candid reflection, not only on his team`s performance but on the very nature of the tournament itself, famously labeling it “incredible garbage.”
A Champion`s Disappointment, Not Despair
For a team that has twice lifted the Aegis of Champions, a 9th-13th place finish at Dota 2`s most prestigious event is a bitter pill. Team Spirit`s journey through TI2025 came to an abrupt halt after a decisive 0:2 loss to Team Falcons in a pivotal playoff match. While such an outcome might send lesser teams into a spiral of despair, Korb3n`s reaction, as shared during a recent Twitch stream, was tempered with a manager`s pragmatism.
“Some people are heavily tilted, others less so. I, for one, was tilted, but not overly so. It`s already passed. Because, overall, I had my own expectations for this tournament; I am, after all, the team`s manager.”
This sentiment, while acknowledging the emotional toll, speaks volumes about Korb3n`s role. A manager cannot afford the luxury of prolonged despondency. His focus, he suggests, must swiftly shift from the sting of defeat to the strategic analysis of what went wrong and how to move forward.
The Persistent Ache: Missing the Final
Beyond the immediate disappointment of their early exit, Korb3n revealed a deeper, more persistent source of frustration: the inability to reach The International final for the second consecutive year. For a team of Team Spirit`s pedigree, who not only won TI10 and TI12 but also consistently performed at the highest level, merely participating is not enough. The expectation, both internal and external, is to contend for the ultimate prize. This recurring failure to reach the grand stage clearly weighs heavily on the manager, signaling that the issue might run deeper than a single bad series.
The Tournament Itself: “Incredible Garbage”
Perhaps the most striking comment from Korb3n was his scathing indictment of The International 2025 as “incredible garbage.” He even went as far as to say that there was “something good” in the tournament ending. This is a bold statement from an insider, especially concerning the event that defines his sport. While Korb3n didn`t elaborate on the specific reasons for this harsh assessment, it invites speculation into potential issues that plagued TI2025. Was it:
- The Format? Complaints about tournament structures, especially the balance between group stages and playoffs, are perennial.
- Production Quality? Technical glitches, delayed broadcasts, or subpar commentary can sour the experience.
- Logistics or Venue? Issues with player comfort, practice facilities, or overall event organization can significantly impact morale.
- Competitive Meta? Perhaps the meta-game or patch balance made for less enjoyable or less strategic matches.
Korb3n`s comment about prize money being irrelevant further underscores that his dissatisfaction stemmed from fundamental flaws in the competitive environment or organization, rather than financial incentives. It suggests a qualitative disappointment, a sense that the pinnacle of Dota 2 esports simply wasn`t living up to its own legendary standard.
The Manager`s Unique Vantage Point
Korb3n`s position as a team manager offers a unique vantage point. He observes the tactical struggles, the emotional pressures on players, and the broader organizational challenges. His ability to step back, acknowledge disappointment without succumbing to it, and critically evaluate the event itself speaks to the resilience and analytical mindset required in top-tier esports management. His assessment acts as a potential bellwether for wider community sentiment, echoing criticisms that often bubble up after major tournaments regarding the player experience and competitive integrity.
What Lies Ahead for the Dragons?
For Team Spirit, the early exit from TI2025 and their manager`s candid remarks signal a period of introspection. Known for their meticulous preparation and ability to adapt, the team will undoubtedly dissect their performance against Team Falcons and reflect on Korb3n`s broader critiques. While roster changes are a common post-TI occurrence, for a stable unit like Team Spirit, the focus will likely be on refinement, strategic recalibration, and addressing any internal or external factors that contributed to their shortcomings.
The path back to the grand final, and potentially a third Aegis, will be arduous. But if Korb3n`s remarks are any indication, Team Spirit is not just looking inward at their gameplay; they are also scrutinizing the very stage upon which they compete, demanding better, even as they regroup for their next formidable challenge.
