sh1ro on Team Spirit: “I think we’re in our best form of the entire season right now.”
Team Spirit sniper Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov, in an interview at the IEM Cologne Major 2026, assessed his team’s current form and reflected on the “Dragons’” main rivals and the absence of coach Sergey “hally” Shavaev at this tournament.
On Team Spirit’s form
I think we’re in our best form of the entire season right now. Our team trained for two weeks leading up to the Major. We had enough time to improve our game. We feel confident going into this tournament.
On the main rivals at IEM Cologne Major 2026
We’re comfortable playing against the Falcons and NAVI, but Vitality is on a whole other level right now. It’s not easy to face this team—apEX always prepares counter-strategies, so during matches we sometimes don’t understand exactly what our opponents are trying to do. I think it would be better for us if Falcons beat Vitality and made it to the finals of this Major.
On hally’s absence at the Major
I don’t think the absence of a coach is a problem. magixx is doing a lot of work and is growing as a captain. He analyzes our demos and tells us how best to act in various situations. Right now, magixx is the one making all the decisions, while hally and S0tF1k assist him.
Team Spirit defeated 9z Team 2-0 in the third round of the second stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026. sh1ro’s team advanced to the next stage of the event, where they will face Natus Vincere tomorrow—the match is scheduled for 7:30 PM Moscow time.
Photo — PGL.
