Ceb, kaffs, and CrystalMay shared their thoughts on the Grand Final of The International 2026
Commentator Dmitry “CrystalMay” Korchevinin, LGD Gaming coach Igor “kaffs” Furtado, and OG co-founder Sebastian “Ceb” Debs shared their thoughts on the Grand Final of The International 2026.
CrystalMay explained what he sees as the main feature of the final match:
Quote reproduced with the source’s spelling and punctuation intact
You know what the best part of this final is?
[Team Spirit] aren’t the favorites in the final—neither according to the odds nor based on expectations going into the tournament.
It brings back that same feeling from the Romanian International—with a comeback through the losers’ bracket and a narrow victory in the final.
The anticipation of a miracle, like on New Year’s Eve, is nothing compared to Seattle and the expected victory by [Team Spirit].
[Team Spirit] is the new [LGD Gaming]
And so, let the battle begin
kaffs wrote the following:
This is the Grand Final we wanted and the one we deserved. Undoubtedly the two best teams. Dota 2 with packed stands in Shanghai! Enjoy the party.
Ceb wished both sides good luck:
Playing at TI, on a stage like this, in Shanghai—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Good luck to both teams. Whatever happens, I think Spirit will pull it off, especially Yatoro and Collapse—two undisputed GOATs.
As for the Vision players, they’ve all deserved this title for quite some time now. But playing against such a loud crowd is a tough challenge. It’s nostalgically sad not to be there. Now let’s enjoy the best series of the year.
Team Spirit advanced to the Grand Final through the lower bracket, defeating Team Yandex 2-0 in their last match. The winner of The International 2026 will receive at least $1.4 million, or 42.5% of the prize pool.
Photo by Dmitry “CrystalMay” Korchevinin.
