Team Spirit aren’t the identical TI-winning workforce they had been in 2021. Their efficiency at TI11 left so much to be desired. There had been quite a lot of points occurring behind the scenes that just about triggered them to disband. But ultimately, they stayed collectively—apart from TORONTOTOKYO, who left the group within the offseason to affix BetBoom; he was changed by Larl.
Despite all of the turbulence, nevertheless, they’ve had an excellent begin to the 2023 Dota Pro Circuit, ending second within the Eastern European Winter Tour and securing an invitation to the Lima Major.
They additionally impressed on the BetBoom Universe: Episode I – Comics Zone, narrowly dropping a finest of 5 sequence to Tundra Esports within the closing. Tundra didn’t have their full workforce, however Team Spirit pushed them to the restrict.
After beating Gaimin Gladiators within the decrease bracket closing earlier than that sequence, Yatoro stated Team Spirit’s “goal” was to be a workforce that “plays more aggressively”—and he felt like they achieved that.
He believes they’re inferior to they are often as a result of they’re making too many errors, however insists the workforce is “learning” and will probably be “fine,” as a result of in a month’s time, they are going to be “the greatest.”
Team Spirit received’t be heading into the Lima Major because the favorites. That title belongs to Team Liquid and BetBoom, who each dominated their areas. But they’re not far off the mark.
Team Spirit accrued six wins and one loss within the Winter Tour, together with PSG.LGD and Team Aster in China. They’re maybe the one groups who will pose a menace to the favorites. Yatoro sounds assured that would be the case.
We’ll discover out extra as soon as the foremost kicks off on Feb. 22.
