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Team Spirit (esports)

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Team Spirit
Divisions
Founded2015; 11 years ago (2015)
LocationBelgrade, Serbia
ColorsWhite, Black, Grey
     
CEONikita "Cheshir" Chukalin
Partners
Websiteteamspirit.gg

Team Spirit is a European esports organization based in Belgrade, Serbia. Founded in 2015, the organization currently has teams competing in Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Hearthstone, Pubg Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.[1] Their Dota 2 squad won three iterations of The International (2021, 2023, 2026), with the organization after winning their first title receiving the largest single prize money payout in esports history at $18 million. In 2022, as a result of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the organization relocated from Moscow, Russia to Belgrade, Serbia.[2][3]

Divisions

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Chess

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In April 2025, the organization signed Grandmaster's Daniil Dubov and Vladislav Artemiev, who will represent Team Spirit during the Champions Chess Tour 2025 and the chess event at the 2025 Esports World Cup.[4]

Counter-Strike 2

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The team had a successful season in 2024, defeating FaZe Clan 3–0 in the grand finals of IEM Katowice 2024 in February, giving them direct qualification for the year's IEM Cologne, Blast Premier World Final and the 2024 Esports World Cup.[5] In June, the team defeated Natus Vincere 3–1 in the grand final of BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024.[6] To end the season, Team Spirit won the BetBoom Dacha 2024 event after sweeping Eternal Fire 3–0 in the grand finals, and defeated FaZe Clan 2–1 to win the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, claiming the organization's first Counter-Strike Major Championship.[7][8]

During the 2025 season, the team placed second at IEM Katowice 2025 after losing 3–0 to Team Vitality in the final, and defeated Astralis 3–1 in the final of PGL Astana 2025.[9][10] In July, longtime member Boris "magixx" Vorobyev was replaced by Ivan "zweih" Gogin after the conclusion of the Blast Austin Major 2025.[11] The team found instant success after defeating MOUZ 3–0 in the final of IEM Cologne 2025.[12] Despite winning the Blast Bounty Season 2 event in August, the organization went through another roster change a month later, with Andrey "TN1R" Tatarinovich joining from Heroic to replace Myroslav "zont1x" Plakhotia.[13][14] The team participated in the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, where the team qualified for the playoffs after finishing with a 3–0 record in the third swiss stage.[15] In the semifinals of the playoffs, they were eliminated by the defending and eventual Major champion Team Vitality with a 2–0 scoreline.[16]

After the roster's unsuccessful spell at the Budapest Major, the organization brought back magixx and zont1x to replace zweih and longtime member Leonid "chopper" Vishnyakov for the 2026 season.[17] The team notably made it to the finals of IEM Rio 2026, where they lost to Team Vitality in a 3–0 defeat.[18] They eventually picked up their first major tournament win ahead of the IEM Cologne Major 2026, defeating Team Falcons in the finals of PGL Astana 2026 with a 3–0 scoreline.[19] The team defeated G2 Esports to make it to the semifinals of the Cologne Major, but failed to make the finals of the event after losing to eventual champions Team Falcons.[20] Despite the setback, the team went on to win two consecutive events, the Counter-Strike 2 event at the Esports World Cup 2026 and the Blast Porto Open 2026.[21][22][23]

Roster

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Team Spirit CS2 roster
PlayersCoaches
Handle Name Nationality
magixx Vorobyev, Boris Russia
donk Kryshkovets, Danil Russia
zont1x Plakhotia, Myroslav Ukraine
sh1ro Sokolov, Dmitry Russia
TN1R Tatarinovich, Andrey Belarus
chopper (I) Vishnyakov, Leonid Russia
Head coach

Sergey "hally" Shavaev

Legend:
  • (I) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • Substitute player Substitute
  • Injured Injury / Illness
  

Latest roster transaction: 18 December 2025.

Dota 2

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Foundation and early success (2020–2021)

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In December 2020, the team signed the roster of Yellow Submarine, composed of players Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk, Alexander "TORONTOTOKYO" Khertek, Magomed "Collapse" Khalilov and Yaroslav "Miposhka" Naidenov, with Miroslaw "Mira" Kolpakov later joining the roster ahead of the Eastern European qualifiers for The International 2021.[24] There, the roster defeated Team Empire 3–2 in a close series to qualify for the main event.[25]

At the main event, the roster secured a place in the upper bracket after going 10–6 in the group stage, where they were set to face Invictus Gaming.[26] There, the team lost the series 2–1 to drop down to the lower bracket, where the team made a miraculous run to the finals after notably defeating the two-time defending champions OG, Virtus.pro, the team that had sent them down to the lower bracket Invictus Gaming, and Team Secret to face off against PSG.LGD in the grand finals.[27] In the final, Team Spirit won the first two games, but lost the next two games in quick fashion.[28] Needing another win to avoid losing the series and being reverse-swept, Team Spirit subsequently won game five, making them International champions and winning them a total of US$18,208,300, the largest purse ever awarded in esports.[29][30] With this win, they were the first Eastern European team to win an International since Natus Vincere in the inaugural International in 2011.[31] To commemorate their win, the team also made an appearance on Valve's True Sight documentary series.[32]

Restructuring and second International victory (2022–2023)

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The team continued their strong form into the 2022 season after facing off against in a series of rematches against PSG.LGD. The first of two rematches led to the team winning the PGL Arlington Major with a 3–1 score, while the team took a second-place finish at the inaugural Riyadh Masters after losing the final 2–0.[33][34][35] The team ultimately secured a direct invite to The International 2022 by finishing in the top 12 of that season's Dota Pro Circuit, where despite being touted as favorites to win the event, the team placed 13th–16th at the event after losing to Boom Esports in a shocking upset.[36][37]

Heading into the 2023 season, the organisation announced the departure of TORONTOTOKYO, with Denis "Larl" Sigitov replacing him on the roster.[38][39] The roster found success midway into the season, after defeating Team Liquid 3–1 in the grand finals of the 2023 Riyadh Masters, receiving US$5,000,000 for winning the tournament.[40][41][42] The team later won their second consecutive tournament, defeating Shopify Rebellion in the DreamLeague Season 21 grand finals.[43][44] That same year, Team Spirit defeated Gaimin Gladiators in the Grand Finals of The International 2023, making them the first team since OG to become repeat champions of an International.[45][46]

Restructuring and relative success (2024–2025)

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After a string of poor results in the early part of the 2024 season, Team Spirit defeated Xtreme Gaming 3–2 in the final of PGL Wallachia Season 1 and defeated 9Pandas in the final of the 1win Series Dota 2 Summer tournament.[47][48] The organization was one of six teams to receive a direct invite to The International 2024.[49] Albeit, the roster were unable to defend their title, losing to Xtreme Gaming and placing 9th–12th at the event.[50] The team underwent significant changes in September 2024, with Yatoro and Mira departing the roster to take a break from the professional scene.[51][52] To replace them, the team signed Alan "Satanic" Gallyamov and Aleksandr "Rue" Filin from their academy team, whilst Abdimalik "Malik" Sailau was signed to stand-in for Collapse until the end of the year.[53] In February 2025, Mira departed from the organization after signing with Aurora Gaming.[54]

With Yatoro, Collapse and Rue retained for the 2025 season alongside Larl and Miposhka, the team found relative success after defeating Tundra Esports 3–2 in the final of DreamLeague Season 25, and placing second at ESL One Raleigh, losing to Parivision 3–1 in the final.[55][56] In May 2025, the organization received a direct invite to The International 2025 due to their results earlier in the season.[57] The roster picked up further success ahead of The International, notably defeating Team Falcons 3–0 in the grand final of the Dota 2 event at the Esports World Cup 2025 to win the grand prize of US$1,000,000.[58][59] Despite their strong form going into The International 2025, the team failed to qualify for the main event after losing to Team Falcons 2–0 in the elimination round.[60]

Further roster changes and third International victory (2025–present)

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In October 2025, Nikita "panto" Balaganin was acquired from Aurora Gaming as a replacement for Miposhka, with the latter opting to take a break from the professional scene.[61] Despite the team securing second place finishes at PGL Wallachia Season 6 and at DreamLeague Season 27, Balaganin's stint on the roster was ultimately short lived, as he was sent on loan to MOUZ after Alexey "not me" Kosmynin was signed to replace him in the lineup.[62][63][64] With Miposhka later joining the coaching staff ahead of The International 2026, Kosmynin and the remaining core (Yatoro, Larl, Collapse and Rue) went on to win the organization's third International title, defeating Team Vision [ru] with a 3–2 scoreline. They subsequently became the first team to win three iterations of The International.[65][66]

Roster

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Team Spirit Dota 2 roster
PlayersCoaches
Role Handle Name Nationality
Carry Yatoro Mulyarchuk, Ilya Ukraine
Midlane Larl Sigitov, Denis Russia
Offlane Batyuk ⁠ Batiuk, Bohdan Ukraine
Support not me Kosmynin, Alexey Russia
Support rue Filin, Aleksandr Russia
Support panto (I) Balaganin, Nikita Belarus
Offlane Collapse ⁠ (I) Khalilov, Magomed Russia
Head coach

Milan "MiLAN" Kozomara
Ilya "Illidan" Pivcaev

Legend:
  • (I) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • Substitute player Substitute
  • Injured Injury / Illness
  

Latest roster transaction: 28 September 2026.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

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Debut (2024)

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In March 2024, Team Spirit would enter the MLBB esports scene in the CIS region's MLBB Continental Championships by signing Mathaios "Kid Bomba" Chatzilako, Kemiran "Sunset Lover" Kochkarov, Stanislav "SAWO" Reshniak, and Anton "Hiko" Pak from Deus Vult, thus acquiring their spot, as well as free agents Sergey "Marl" Finashev and Bogdan "Solist" Bolotin.[67] Qualifying to the 2024 MLBB Mid Season Cup, they finished in 9th-12th Place. Marl and Solist depart from the team, with Alexander "ONESHOT" Sharkov replacing the former. The team soon qualified for the M6 World Championship, finishing in 4th, their best finish in the event so far, after losing to Selangor Red Giants in the lower bracket semifinals.

Improvements and first MSC Championship (2025–2026)

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In 2025, Team Spirit won their regional championship, thus qualifying for the 2025 MLBB Mid Season Cup. In the event, they managed to reach the playoffs and finished at 5th-8th place after losing to M6 Champions ONIC Philippines.[68] They wood soon qualify for M7 World Championship in 2026, where they finished at 5th-6th place after losing to Alter Ego in the lower bracket quarterfinals.[citation needed]

A month after the event, ONESHOT departs from the team, with Zaur "zaur egoist" Magomadov to replace him. They would subsequently qualify for the 2026 MLBB Mid Season Cup, where they reached the Grand Finals and defeated Yangon Galacticos in a best of seven series, 4-3, to win the organization's first MLBB trophy and become the first team outside Asia to win the event.[69]

Roster

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Team Spirit MLBB roster
PlayersCoaches
Role Handle Name Nationality
EXP Lane Kid Bomba Chatzilakos, Mathaios Germany
Jungle zaur egoist Magomadov, Zaur Russia
Middle Sunset Lover Kochkarov, Kemiran Russia
Gold Lane HIKO Pak, Anton Russia
Roamer SAWO Reshnyak, Stanislav Russia
Head coach

Coldstar Nikita Morozov

Assistant coach(es)

Ooops Nazar Kislov
Harmonysoul Anastasia Tsai

Legend:
  • (I) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • Substitute player Substitute
  • Injured Injury / Illness
  

Latest roster transaction: 7 March 2024.

PUBG-MOBILE

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Roster

[edit]
Team Spirit Pubg Mobile roster
PlayersCoaches
Handle Name Nationality
Effect Bekniiaz, Rysaliev Kyrgyzstan
Kitsuné Sergey, Pomerantsev Russia
Knowme Bulat, Sharafutdinov Russia
Naómi Anatolii, Ivanov Russia
Head coach

Aliev Ruslan

Legend:
  • (I) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • Substitute player Substitute
  • Injured Injury / Illness
  

Latest roster transaction: 26 February 2024.

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "About Team Spirit". Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  2. ↑ Kenneth Utama (24 March 2022). "Team Spirit move offices to Belgrade due to Russia-Ukraine conflict". Upcomer. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  3. ↑ Kurt Lozano (25 March 2022). "Esports org Team Spirit relocate from Russia to Serbia amid war in Ukraine". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  4. ↑ Tarjei Svensen (13 April 2025). "Speed Chess Stars Dubov, Artemiev Picked Up By Team Spirit". Chess.com.
  5. ↑ Mateusz Miter (12 February 2024). "Donk dunks on FaZe Clan again as Team Spirit dominate IEM Katowice grand final". Dot Esports.
  6. ↑ Mike Stubbs (16 June 2024). "Team Spirit Wins The BLAST Premier Spring Final 'CS2' Tournament". Forbes.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. ↑ Leonardo Biazzi (1 September 2024). "Team Spirit sweep Eternal Fire to win BetBoom Dacha, donk gets another MVP award". Esports.gg.
  8. ↑ Luci Kelemen (15 December 2024). "Donk becomes youngest-ever CS Major MVP as Spirit take out FaZe in nailbiter series". Dot Esports.
  9. ↑ Lea Maas (10 February 2025). "Team Vitality wins IEM Katowice and VCT EMEA Kickoff in the same weekend". Esports Insider.
  10. ↑ Davide Xu (19 May 2025). "Team Spirit crowned PGL Astana 2025 champions". Esports Insider.
  11. ↑ Jeremiah Sevilla (8 July 2025). "Team Spirit signs up-and-comer zweih to replace magixx in CS2 roster". Dot Esports.
  12. ↑ Jonno Nicholson (3 August 2025). "Team Spirit wins IEM Cologne 2025". Esports Insider.
  13. ↑ Jonno Nicholson (18 August 2025). "Team Spirit crowned BLAST Bounty Season 2 champions". Esports Insider.
  14. ↑ Joey Morris (8 September 2025). "Team Spirit signs TN1R, Zont1x moves to inactive roster". Esports Insider.
  15. ↑ Jonno Nicholson (7 December 2025). "Team Spirit and FURIA qualify for StarLadder Budapest Major playoffs". Esports Insider.
  16. ↑ Arnav Shukla (14 December 2025). "Vitality move past Spirit in StarLadder Budapest Major semifinals". Dot Esports.
  17. ↑ John Popko (19 December 2025). "Team Spirit makes CS2 roster changes after StarLadder Budapest Major loss". Esports Insider.
  18. ↑ Eugene Bozhenko (19 April 2026). "Vitality defeat Spirit and win IEM Rio 2026, extend their phenomenal streak". Esports.gg.
  19. ↑ Ben Lyons (20 May 2026). "Team Spirit crowned PGL Astana champion, defeating Team Falcons in the process". Gamereactor.
  20. ↑ Arnav Shukla (20 June 2026). "Spirit edge out G2 to make IEM Cologne 2026 semifinals". Dot Esports.
  21. ↑ "Esports weekend review: AG.AL crowned EWC champions, Team Spirit victorious in CS2 and Dota, Trackmania takes the spotlight". Esports News UK. 24 August 2026. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  22. ↑ "Esports World Cup 2026: Team Spirit crowned Counter-Strike 2 champion". Gamereactor. 24 August 2026. Retrieved 25 August 2026.
  23. ↑ "Spirit win CS2 BLAST Open Porto 2026: Five banger matches of playoffs". Esports.gg. 6 September 2026. Retrieved 7 September 2026.
  24. ↑ Jack Ridsdale (25 January 2022). ""We've never ceased to evolve": Team Spirit on six years of success". Red Bull. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  25. ↑ Kurt Lozano (27 June 2021). "TI10: Team Spirit win the Eastern EU/CIS qualifier". Yahoo News. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  26. ↑ Kurt Lozano (11 October 2021). "Dota 2 TI10 Day 4 recap: Wild Group Stage comes to a close". Yahoo News. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  27. ↑ Tom Cockram (21 October 2021). "Tracing Team Spirit's road from Russia to the Aegis of Champions". Red Bull. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  28. ↑ Jack Ridsdale (18 January 2022). "How "super-emotional" Team Spirit won the biggest prize in esports". Red Bull. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  29. ↑ Cale Michael (17 October 2021). "Team Spirit shock the world, beat PSG.LGD to win The International 10". Dot Esports.
  30. ↑ Kenneth Utama (17 October 2021). "Team Spirit are The International 10 champions". Upcomer.
  31. ↑ Jonathan Bolding (17 October 2021). "Team Spirit wins $18M Dota 2 championship in close finals". PC Gamer.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  32. ↑ Kurt Lozano (14 August 2022). "Dota 2: The International 10 True Sight will be released 24 September". Yahoo News.
  33. ↑ Kurt Lozano (15 August 2022). "Team Spirit defeat PSG.LGD 3-1 to win the Dota 2 PGL Arlington Major". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  34. ↑ Rahaf Jambi (25 July 2022). "PSG.LGD claim Dota 2 Riyadh Masters crown with Gamers8 final triumph to earn $1.5m prize". Arab News. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  35. ↑ Tom Daniels (15 August 2022). "PGL Arlington 2022 becomes second-most viewed Dota 2 Major ever". Esports Insider. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  36. ↑ Cale Michael (20 October 2022). "From a one percent chance to toppling champs: BOOM Esports eliminate Team Spirit at TI11". Dot Esports. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  37. ↑ Kenneth Utama (21 October 2022). "International 11 playoffs day 1: Defending champions Team Spirit eliminated". Upcomer. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  38. ↑ Kurt Lozano (7 December 2022). "Team Spirit part ways with TORONTOTOKYO after unsuccessful season". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  39. ↑ Gökhan Çakır (8 December 2022). "Team Spirit confirms rumors with new Dota 2 signing". Dot Esports. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  40. ↑ Cale Michael (31 July 2023). "Team Spirit returns to Dota 2 summit, take $15 million Riyadh Masters 2023 victory". Dot Esports. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  41. ↑ Kurt Lozano (31 July 2023). "Team Spirit defeat Team Liquid 3-1 to be crowned champions of Dota 2 Riyadh Masters". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  42. ↑ Ivan Šimić (31 July 2023). "Riyadh Masters 2023 sees viewership increases across the board". Esports Insider. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  43. ↑ Kurt Lozano (25 September 2022). "Dota 2: Spirit sweep Shopify Rebellion 3-0 to win DreamLeague Season 21". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  44. ↑ "Team Spirit wins DreamLeague Season 21 grand final". Reuters. 24 September 2023. Archived from the original on 5 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  45. ↑ Mike Stubbs (29 October 2023). "Team Spirit Wins The International 12 To Become Two Time Champions". Forbes.
  46. ↑ Cale Michael (30 October 2023). "Team Spirit end historic Gaimin Gladiators TI 2023 campaign to lift second Dota 2 Aegis". Dot Esports.
  47. ↑ "Spirit rallies for revenge on Xtreme to win PGL Wallachia title". Reuters. Archived from the original on 20 May 2024.
  48. ↑ Nordland, Jake (30 June 2024). "Team Spirit claim $50k with 1win Series Dota 2 Summer win". Esports Insider. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  49. ↑ Mike Stubbs (27 May 2024). "Six Teams Receive Invites To The International 'Dota 2' Tournament". Forbes. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  50. ↑ Anish Nair (11 September 2024). "Reigning TI champ miss Dota's biggest stage in upset loss as China fights on". Dot Esports. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  51. ↑ Nicholas Taifalos (18 September 2024). "Dota 2 post-TI 2024 roster shuffle: All moves, signings, and more". Dot Esports. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  52. ↑ Shiqi Chen (19 September 2024). "Team Spirit announces TI-winning players Yatoro and Mira go inactive". Esports.gg. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  53. ↑ Owen Harsono (27 September 2024). "End of an era: Team Spirit replaces 2 TI winners with academy players". Dot Esports. Retrieved 1 October 2024.
  54. ↑ Valentina Podobedova. "Miroslav "Mira" Kolpakov left Team Spirit on Dota 2" (in Russian). Retrieved 13 April 2025.
  55. ↑ Jonno Nicholson (5 March 2025). "Team Spirit wins DreamLeague Season 25". Esports Insider. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  56. ↑ Ramon Domingo (15 April 2025). "PARIVISION Goes for the Double and Become ESL One Raleigh Champions". The Game. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  57. ↑ Lea Maas (15 May 2025). "The International 2025 direct invites have been revealed". Esports Insider. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
  58. ↑ "Team Spirit crowned Dota 2 champions at Esports World Cup 2025 after an unstoppable run". Arab News. 20 July 2025. Archived from the original on 16 October 2025.
  59. ↑ Lawrence Serafico; Duncan Proctor (21 July 2025). "EWC 2025 Week 2 Recap: Dota, LoL, Free Fire, MWI champions claim victory". Esports Insider. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  60. ↑ Lawrence Serafico; Duncan Proctor (8 September 2025). "The International 2025: Group stage recap". Esports Insider. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  61. ↑ Rabia Sayal (10 October 2025). "TI champion Miposhka to take a break from Dota 2 esports". Esports Insider. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
  62. ↑ Celsos Ricablanca (25 November 2025). "MOUZ delivers an upset against Team Spirit, lifts the trophy at PGL Wallachia Season 6". Esports.gg. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  63. ↑ Celsos Ricablanca (24 December 2025). "Team Yandex defeats Team Spirit to claim its first tier 1 title at DreamLeague Season 27". Esports.gg. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  64. ↑ Owen Harsono (20 May 2026). "Team Spirit's new squad, Xtreme Gaming's coaching drama, Sundabule goes to "OG University": Dota 2's controversial week". Esports Insider. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
  65. ↑ Jeremiah Sevilla (23 August 2026). "Team Spirit claim historic third Aegis after winning TI 2026 in pulsating five-game grand final". Dot Esports. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  66. ↑ Celsos Ricablanca (23 August 2026). "Team Spirit makes history with third TI trophy after winning The International 2026". esports.gg. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
  67. ↑ Lozano, Kurt (7 March 2024). "Team Spirit enter Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports by acquiring former Deus Vult led by German star Kid Bomba". Yahoo News Singapore. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  68. ↑ Magallon, Reynald I. (31 July 2025). "All PH Finals still alive as Onic PH, Team Liquid advance to MSC semis". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  69. ↑ Ben Lyons. "Esports World Cup 2026: Team Spirit defeats Yangon Galacticos to claim MLBB Mid Season Cup trophy". Gamereactor. Retrieved 24 August 2026.
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