“We’re in for the best Grand Final in history”—the community on the lower bracket final of The International 2026
Commentators, analysts, community casters, as well as OG co-founder Sebastian “Ceb” Debs and professional player Luke “Yamsun” Von shared their thoughts on the match between Team Yandex and Team Spirit for a spot in The International 2026 Grand Final.
Vladimir “Maelstorm” Kuzminov commented on the “Dragons’” form:
You know, I’m watching this match and thinking, Team Vision is in such deep trouble in the final. I can’t even remember the last time I saw such a paranormal peak. <...> My prediction: three-peat for the first time. Firm and clear.
Vladislav “BLACKARXANGEL” Ivashchenko called the upcoming grand final “the best in history”:
WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH?
GIVE UNCLE SF A BREAK.
THE BEST GRAND FINAL IN HISTORY AWAITS US.
Dmitry “CrystalMay” Korchevinin shared his prediction for the final match:
I’m expecting a 3-0 win for [Team Spirit]. <...>
According to Viktor “CloudFox” Kulichevsky, the match result was to be expected.
A well-deserved 2-0 victory for Spirit. Yandex, as expected, exceeded expectations by making it into the top 3. We’re looking forward to the final and any announcements leading up to it (as well as the bald Yatoro).
Luke “Yamsun” Won wrote the following:
Today, Yatoro will make history.
Dylan “malibujesus” Elder pointed out Spirit’s results in the lower bracket:
The lower bracket reapers! Noxville, when was the last time a team won 2–0 over three or more rounds in the lower bracket at a LAN event?
Janne “Gorgc” Stefanowski compared the story of the Grand Final participants to an anime plot:
Satanic vs. Yatoro—an anime-style final.
Sebastian “Ceb” Debs praised the drafts by Team Spirit and PARIVISION:
Perhaps only Puppey can match Miposhka’s drafting. An incredible master class from both of them in their first TI as coaches.
Mark “sikle” Lerman noted the accuracy of Daria “Eiritel” Morozova’s prediction:
Someone should brew Eiritel the best chamomile tea, buy her a couple of lottery tickets, and give her a raise for her prophetic skills—a phenomenal prediction is on the horizon
The Grand Final of The International 2026 will begin at 9 a.m. Moscow time. Team Yandex fell just short of reaching it, losing to Team Spirit 0–2. Team Spirit support Alexander “rue” Filin commented on the victory.
Photo by Alexander “Santa” Koltan.
