“Let’s see how they do at The International—they need to step up their game”—the community on Team Spirit’s elimination from the 2026 Esports World Cup
The Russian-speaking Dota 2 community discussed Team Spirit’s loss to Team Yandex in the quarterfinals of the Esports World Cup 2026 Dota 2 playoffs.
Quotes are reproduced with the source’s spelling and punctuation intact
Commentator Vladimir “Maelstorm” Kuzminov noted that the team needs to work on their form:
Spirit wasn’t even close
Let’s see how they do in the invitational; they have a lot of ground to make up.
Analyst Alexander “Santa” Koltan highlighted Team Yandex’s high level of play:
Yandex are some kind of savages :O Their level of play is out of this world. Their macro is way too strong, thanks to Saks. They’re just pulling gold out of thin air. It’s really a shame for Spirit—they should’ve taken the first Roshan, not messed around on the second one, and engaged in fights on the Keze. Ah, whatever. Now it’s clear why Miposhka said that second place in the group is unsatisfactory. Yandex is a tough opponent FOR EVERYONE.
Commentator Dmitry “Mortalles” Arzhilovsky shared his thoughts on the tournament bracket:
Team Spirit doesn’t stand a chance.
Yandex is just too good.
Once PV takes down RE 2-0, we’re in for something very close to an early tournament final. Yandex’s bracket is certainly a tough one.
Tomorrow’s matches should be more interesting. Especially BetBoom Team vs. Nigma Galaxy
Former pro player Artem “Fng” Barshak commented on Team Spirit carry Ilya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk’s Faceless Void build:
Yatoro bought 0 DPS items at the start—we’re definitely in the Matrix
Commentator Dmitry “CrystalMay” Korchevinin shared his prediction for Team Spirit at The International 2026:
With this roster, Team Spirit’s best hope at The International is a top-8 finish
Team Spirit finished their run at the 2026 Dota 2 Esports World Cup in 5th–8th place, earning $70,000 in prize money and 200 EWC club points. The playoffs are taking place from July 16 to 19. Participants are competing for $2,000,000 in prize money.
