Team Spirit’s carry player, Yatoro, has expressed strong confidence in the team’s new drafter, panto, who steps into the crucial leadership role previously held by Miposhka.
As the team prepares for the next competitive season, Yatoro made it clear that their focus remains firmly on championship glory, showing no signs of lowering expectations despite the loss of their two-time International-winning captain. In an interview with BLAST ahead of BLAST Slam IV, Yatoro spoke about the transition and how the team is adapting to this new phase.
He described panto as a player whose strengths align naturally with Team Spirit’s playstyle and strategic needs. “I think panto is a strong player and fits with our playstyle,” he explained. “He’s great with early-game macro calls, and he can handle drafting responsibilities, and that’s really important for us, especially now that Miposhka has stepped back.”
According to Yatoro, panto’s understanding of macro play and drafting strategy will be key to ensuring the team continue to perform at a world-class level. He believes the new addition brings a fresh tactical approach that can help Team Spirit remain a top contender on the international stage. “His role as a drafter will be more pivotal for us, and we believe that he is a good replacement for Miposhka,” Yatoro said.
When asked about the team’s goals for the upcoming year, Yatoro didn’t hesitate. “We only aim for first place. That’s the goal,” he said. This no-compromise mindset reflects the culture that has defined Team Spirit in recent years, with two International titles in 2021 and 2023.
Yatoro dismissed suggestions that Miposhka’s absence could dramatically affect their performance, emphasizing that the team’s core remains strong. “Honestly, I don’t think the changes are that big,” he said. “Yes, Miposhka was an important part of our team and did a lot of work, but it’s still just one player change.” He added that if panto manages the drafting and macro elements effectively, the team will continue to perform at a high level.
He also praised the developing collaboration between panto and coach Silent, describing it as one of the most promising aspects of Team Spirit’s evolution. “We have Silent and Panto working together now, and I think that dynamic has a great potential to work well. There’s already good synergy building between them, and I believe it’ll show in our results,” he noted.
Miposhka’s decision to step away followed Team Spirit’s disappointing 9th to 13th place finish at The International 2025, where they fell short of expectations. His choice to take a break came after years of continuous competition, unlike some of his teammates who had taken time off earlier.
Yatoro acknowledged the importance of rest and reiterated the team’s respect for each player’s personal decisions. “We didn’t really think about changing more players,” he said. “We’re a team that’s built on trust, and we respect the decisions made by players. If someone wants to take a break, that’s fine. But overall, we still believe in our roster and didn’t feel the need to make further changes.”
Looking ahead, Yatoro identified the areas where Team Spirit need to refine their gameplay. “We need to clean up our gameplay, avoid making small mistakes, keep our individual skills high, and play as a team. That’s about it, I guess,” he said.
Even with a major leadership change, Team Spirit are poised to succeed with panto stepping into a defining role and the roster unified in its purpose. Team Spirit now enter the new season determined to chase another championship and reaffirm their place among the elite in Dota 2 esports.
Published: Oct 15, 2025 09:50 am