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Team Spirit Launches Its First-Ever Dota 2 Academy

Team Spirit has officially opened a new chapter in its storied Dota 2 history by launching its first-ever Team Spirit Academy Dota 2 roster. The move adds another major title to the organisation’s development pool, joining its existing CS2 and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang projects.

In an official statement, Team Spirit said that expanding into Dota 2 under its academy banner was a natural step, considering that the organisation’s roots began with its Dota roster. The academy aims to develop young esports athletes, not only in competitive skills but also in professionalism, teamwork, and mental discipline.

“The goal of our academy is the comprehensive development of young esports athletes. We don’t just train gifted players, but also help them become mature individuals,” Team Spirit explained in the announcement.

A Structured Pathway for Rising Dota 2 Talent

The new academy has been designed as a distraction-free training environment where players can focus entirely on improving their gameplay, teamwork, and mindset. Team Spirit emphasised an individualised approach to training, with coaches and support staff guiding each player’s progress.

Regular tournament participation will also play a major role in the academy’s development process, allowing players to gain hands-on experience and refine their strategies under real match conditions.

The First Team Spirit Dota 2 Academy Line-Up

Team Spirit has confirmed its first-ever academy roster, with a mix of up-and-coming players from across the region. The lineup includes:

  • Vladislav “rubikon155” Gaideu
  • Arsenii “86” Babiuk
  • Ruslan “SunshineRR” Lakhonia
  • Aidar “Aidar” Nurgalin
  • Danil “Kyford” Gorbachev

The team will be coached by Danil “MeTPuM” Gilev, managed by Semyon “Paradise” Volkov, with Bakuri “baki_1014” Mortshkulava serving as the team’s analyst.

Following the Legacy of Team Spirit’s TI Champions

Team Spirit’s Dota 2 legacy is one of the most successful in modern esports. The organisation famously lifted The International 10 trophy in 2021 after a historic underdog run, cementing its name among the greats. Interestingly, that championship-winning lineup was also born from a development-focused project similar to this new academy—making fans hopeful that lightning could strike twice.

Whether the new Team Spirit Academy roster will reach the same heights remains to be seen, but the structure and vision behind the project make it one to watch.

A Strong Year for Team Spirit’s Main Roster

While the academy begins its journey, Team Spirit’s main Dota 2 roster has had a busy 2025 season. The team took home titles at DreamLeague Season 25, defeating Tundra Esports 3-2, and later dominated the Esports World Cup 2025, sweeping Team Falcons 3-0 to secure a massive $1 million USD prize.

However, not every tournament ended on a high note. Team Spirit’s run at The International 2025 was cut short after an early elimination, losing 2-0 to Team Falcons in the Group Stage elimination round. More recently, the team finished fifth at FISSURE Playground 2, once again falling to Team Falcons in a closely contested lower bracket series.

Looking Ahead

With both the main roster and the newly-formed academy now competing under the same banner, Team Spirit appears committed to building a sustainable future for Dota 2 talent. Fans can follow the academy’s journey through Team Spirit’s social channels as these young players aim to rise through the ranks and continue the organisation’s legacy of excellence.