Team Spirit have once again reminded the world why they’re one of the greatest Dota 2 teams in history. After a dominant run through the Esports World Cup, dropping only one game through the tournament, the two-time TI champions have placed themselves firmly in the spotlight ahead of The International 2025.
In a season where Valve has moved away from traditional DPC circuits and leaned on third-party events like PGL Wallachia, ESL DreamLeague, and Riyadh Masters, Spirit’s EWC 2025 win serves as a loud reminder that they’re still one of the most consistent and dangerous teams in Dota 2. After their perfect run through the playoffs, Team Spirit faced off against Team Falcons.
Team Falcons had a slow start to EWC 2025, playing through the elimination phase. However, the team wiped out any doubts anyone might have had as they won four series in a row with a 2-0 scoreline to end up in the grand final. Team Spirit displayed a different level of Dota 2 than all the other teams, whitewashing Falcons in a one-sided exhibition of skills.
The grand final against Falcons wasn’t even close. Spirit controlled the tempo from start to finish, with Miposhka and Rue delivering clutch support plays while Larl proved he can go toe-to-toe with the best midlaners in the world. Yatoro was one of the team’s top performers, with Collapse getting named the tournament MVP for his dominating presence in the offlane.
This win ensures that Team Spirit will be heading into TI14 not only as strong contenders, but as one of the clear favorites to win it all. The last time Team Spirit entered TI off a dominant showing at Riyadh in 2023, they convincingly lifted the Aegis, destroying Gaimin Gladiators in the grand final of TI12, a dominant team throughout that entire DPC season.
With that in mind, Team Spirit can become the first team in Dota 2 esports’ history to win three TIs. With their rivals struggling for consistency and Spirit’s confidence at an all-time high, history could very well repeat itself. And if it does, the legends of Team Spirit will only grow stronger.
