WIll Team Spirit redeem themselves at The International 2023?

It's impressive to see how much Team Spirit, the champions of The International 2021, have improved in recent months as they gear up for The International 2023.

They've regained their footing, winning two tier 1 tournaments back-to-back - the Riyadh Masters 2023 and DreamLeague Season 21 - before The International 2023.

Although favorites and dark horses exist in the tournament, the team fits both categories.

Reflecting on Team Spirit’s DPC Season

TORONTOTOKYO at The International 2021
Credits: Flickr/Valve

After finishing 13th-16th at The International 2022, the team underwent a roster shuffle for the 2023 DPC Season. They parted ways with their midlaner, Alexander "TORONTOTOKYO" Khertek. In his stead, the team signed an upcoming talent from the region, Denis “Larl” Sigitov. 

Spirit had a solid performance in their region with their new roster. However, they failed to make deep runs at LANs. Team Spirit achieved a 7th-8th position at The Lima Major, while they got a 9th-12th place finish at both the ESL One Berlin Major and The Bali Major.

Larl received the blame for the poor results of the team. This criticism only fueled Larl’s hunger to lift a trophy with Team Spirit.

The Signs of Promise

At the ESL One Pro Tour, the team’s results at LANs started to improve. Although the team got eliminated in the group stages of DreamLeague Season 19, they secured the top spot in Group A during DreamLeague Season 20.

However, despite their best efforts, Spirit did not advance to the playoffs as they got eliminated during the second group stages.

Fortunately, the team qualified for The Riyadh Masters 2023 through their average placement in DreamLeague. Moreover, their performance at the tournament reminded the fans of their glory days.

Team Spirit The International 2021 Champions Credits: Flickr/Valve

The team was more confident with their decision-making and team synergy. With their newfound footing, the team placed second in Group A and advanced to the playoffs.

In the playoffs, they took a clean series against Team Aster. The team made it to the grand finals through the upper bracket as they took down every opponent on the way. They took a dominant series against Team Liquid at the grand finals. Furthermore, Larl's exceptional plays at the midlane helped his team become champions, redeeming his reputation.

Is Team Spirit Back?

Team Spirit are the Riyadh Masters 2023 Champions
Credits: Twitter/@Gamers8

Spirit did not participate in BetBoom Dacha due to visa issues following the Riyadh Masters. However, they demonstrated their dominance at DreamLeague Season 21 by losing only two games at the tournament. In the group stage, they topped Group B with four wins and one tie.

In the playoffs, Shopify Rebellion took a game from the team in the upper bracket finals, but Spirit took the series. In the grand finals, TS took a clean series off SR.

Fans also praised the team’s safelaner, Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk, for his versatile hero pool, which expedited the team's recovery.

Back at The Internationals 2022, they failed to defend their throne because of some issues.

However, their recent tournament performances indicate they have regained their form from their previous success at The Internationals 2021.

At The International 2023, their quest to reclaim the throne will be an uphill battle. They will have to face formidable opponents like Team Liquid, Gaimin Gladiators, and Tundra Esports to achieve redemption. Nevertheless, with players reaching their full potential and Larl's hunger for more trophies, the team is ready to face the challenges that stand in their way.

The International 2023 will officially begin on 12th October 2023. The grand finals will be on 29th October 2023.

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Featured Image Source: Twitter/@Team__Spirit