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After ten unforgettable years in competitive Dota 2, including six spent leading Team Liquid, Swedish captain Aydin “Insania” Sarkohi has officially called time on his professional playing career.

A Decade of Leadership and Legacy

Insania’s career began back in 2015, when he made his competitive debut in Dota 2 as a support player. His first big break came two years later with Ninjas in Pyjamas, but it was his time with Alliance in 2018 that truly established him in the pro scene.

While at Alliance, Insania led the team through several strong regional showings and became a familiar face in European Dota. However, his early career also came with one infamous moment, the “Gyrocopter incident” at The International 2019, where he accidentally drafted a hero instead of banning it due to a timer slip-up. Though it was a costly mistake at the time, it became a memorable part of his story, and a reminder of how far he’d later rise.

In 2019, Insania and several of his long-time teammates joined Team Liquid. What followed was a steady climb toward greatness. Under his leadership, Liquid became one of the most consistent Tier 1 teams in the world, earning a 3rd-place finish at The International 2022 and runner-up spots at three consecutive Majors in 2023, the Lima Major, DreamLeague Season 19, and ESL One Berlin.

Then came the crowning moment: victory at The International 2024. Team Liquid swept Gaimin Gladiators 3-0 in the Grand Final, lifting the Aegis of Champions in one of the most dominant performances in recent memory.

The Final Years and Future Plans

Following their TI triumph, Insania continued to guide Liquid through a strong 2025 season, securing back-to-back wins at PGL Wallachia Season 3 and Season 4. His leadership style, calm, analytical, and grounded, earned him immense respect both within his team and across the Dota community.

With his retirement, Insania joins a growing list of Dota 2 legends stepping away from competition, following the recent retirement of Gaimin Gladiators’ Quinn.

While he’s stepping down from professional play, Insania isn’t leaving the Dota scene behind entirely. In a brief statement on social media, he thanked fans for their support and hinted at what’s next.

“Thanks for the overwhelming number of people saying kind and nice words,” he said. “I’ll be taking a break but will be looking to work in the Dota scene again, whether that’s casting or coaching.”

Team Liquid has yet to announce his replacement, but the roster is expected to reveal its new captain soon, with tournaments like the FISSURE Universe: Episode 7 Playoffs starting this week.

A Farewell Fit for a Champion

Insania’s decade-long journey, from Heroes of Newerth prodigy to The International champion, marks him as one of the few players to achieve legendary status in two esports titles. His leadership, resilience, and humility have left an indelible mark on Dota 2, and his story remains one of the scene’s most inspiring.

As Team Liquid teased, the organisation plans to release something special soon to honour his legacy. For now, the Dota world simply says: thank you, Insania.