Miposhka on Team Spirit in the Grand Final of The International 2026: “We have really good chemistry right now.”
Team Spirit coach Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov commented on the hero picks for the second map of the Grand Final against PARIVISION (TEAM VISION) in an interview at The International 2026.
On picking Axe as a support
The idea was to pick Undying and Axe so we could flex between them. They picked Lifestealer, and we decided that Undying would be the best option against him in the lane. Axe will still be useful against Shadow Fiend; he’ll buy Blink anyway, slow down their heroes, and make his contribution. And Undying will just kill them off afterward.
On Confidence
[Question: “You’re on a 7-game winning streak—does that confidence carry over to you as the drafter?”]
I’d probably agree in the case of the Grand Final. I feel the support from the players; they believe in my ideas and trust me. For example, we passed on Earth Spirit and picked Shadow Fiend—that was my plan: to play aggressively, killing opponents before he can buy his items. We’ll see how it goes. They believe in me, and I believe in my teammates. We have really good synergy right now.
Read also: rue on The International 2026: “My first time in the TI Grand Final. I hope the team carries me.”
The International 2026 is taking place in Shanghai from August 13 to 23. A victory this year would be the first in Clement “Puppey” Ivanov’s coaching career or the third for Team Spirit. As of now, the prize pool has reached $3.3 million.
Photo: Valve.
