In the highly competitive world of professional Dota 2, where narratives of dominance and underdog triumphs often dictate public discourse, the manager of two-time International champions Team Spirit, Dmitry “Korb3n” Belov, has offered a remarkably pragmatic, almost stoic, counter-narrative. Despite his team`s revered status and recent successes, Korb3n has publicly stated that he absolutely does not consider Team Spirit favorites for The International 2025 (TI14).
Challenging the Consensus: Why Not Favorites?
Korb3n`s assertion directly confronts the widespread expectation that Team Spirit, given their pedigree, should inherently be among the top contenders. His reasoning is rooted in a stark assessment of the team`s current state, particularly concerning their mid-laner, Denis “Larl” Sigitov.
“Friends, we are playing with a stand-in, and we are favorites? It`s simply ridiculous, genuinely ridiculous. Just like for `The International` – it`s simply ridiculous. Think about it, Dan [Larl] hasn`t played Dota for a month, hasn`t even opened it. We will train for four days and then fly to `The International`. What kind of favorites are we, for goodness sake? This will be an obvious struggle. Other teams have been preparing since the 10th [of the month]. We`ll play for four days and fly to `The International`.”
This candid statement highlights a critical issue: Larl`s prolonged absence from practice due to recent surgery. In a game as mechanically demanding and strategically intricate as Dota 2, a month without competitive play, followed by a mere four days of preparation for the pinnacle tournament, represents a significant handicap. Korb3n`s perspective underscores the technical challenges this presents, arguing that the public and bookmakers are failing to grasp the practical realities of high-level esports preparation.
The Art of Trash Talk and Tactical Communication
The manager`s comments also emerged in the wake of a playful, yet pointed, exchange with Oliver “Skiter” Lepko, the carry for Team Falcons. Following Team Falcons` 3-0 victory over Team Spirit at FISSURE Universe: Episode 6 (where Spirit played with a stand-in), Skiter declared, “We avenged the EWC final. Team Spirit is still trash…” Korb3n`s response was equally direct: “In a week and a half, you`ll be knocked out at `The International`.”
Reflecting on this banter, Korb3n admitted a certain “boomer” quality to his own trash talk, acknowledging that it lacked the nuanced finesse some might expect. Yet, this self-awareness itself carries a layer of irony, transforming a simple retort into a strategic piece of communication. By openly downplaying his team`s favoritism, Korb3n subtly shifts the pressure, potentially positioning Team Spirit as underdogs – a role they have historically thrived in, famously winning The International 10 against all odds.
From Reigning Champions to Realistic Contenders
Team Spirit`s journey through recent tournaments has been a rollercoaster. They convincingly defeated Team Falcons 3-0 at the Riyadh Masters 2025, showcasing their championship form. However, their subsequent defeat to the same team at FISSURE Universe: Episode 6, albeit with a stand-in, paints a more complex picture. Korb3n`s statements serve as a vital reminder that past glories, while indicative of potential, do not automatically translate into current invincibility.
His critique of “unrealistic” expectations from bookmakers and fans highlights a common disconnect in competitive sports: the emotional investment of supporters versus the cold, hard data of player readiness and team synergy. For a team to perform optimally, every cog in the machine must be finely tuned. A star player`s recovery, no matter how skilled they are, introduces variables that cannot simply be wished away.
The Underdog Advantage: A Strategic Masterstroke?
Could Korb3n`s seemingly pessimistic outlook be a calculated move? By publicly rejecting the favorite tag, he might be achieving several strategic objectives:
- Reducing Internal Pressure: Freeing his players from the immense burden of being the undisputed top dog.
- Motivating the Squad: Fostering an “us against the world” mentality, inspiring them to “struggle” and overcome.
- Surprising Opponents: Potentially causing other teams to underestimate their resolve and adaptability, especially with Larl returning.
In the high-stakes arena of The International, where mental fortitude is as crucial as mechanical skill, controlling the narrative can be a powerful weapon. Korb3n, known for his shrewd management and deep understanding of the game`s psychological facets, might just be setting the stage for another memorable Team Spirit performance, driven by a renewed hunger to prove their doubters – even their own manager – wrong.
Conclusion: TI14 Looms
As The International 2025 draws nearer, Korb3n`s unvarnished assessment provides a refreshing dose of reality. While the Dota 2 community buzzes with anticipation, Team Spirit`s path to the Aegis will be, by their manager`s own admission, an “obvious struggle.” Whether this struggle culminates in another championship triumph or a valiant effort, one thing is clear: Korb3n is ensuring that if Team Spirit does lift the trophy, it won`t be because they were handed the “favorites” tag, but because they earned it through sheer will and exceptional play, defying both external expectations and internal challenges.