Successful a TI typically causes groups to underperform through the yr because of a lack of motivation. This wasn’t the case for Staff Spirit, although, because the staff went on to have one other dominant streak after winning TI10.
Spirit won the Arlington Major and completed second at Riyadh Masters. Mixed with a comparatively profitable season of their regional DPC league, Spirit got here into TI11 as one of many favorites, solely to bomb out of the event after a best-of-one versus BOOM Esports, a team that was counted out of the tournament.
Although Spirit’s upset loss to BOOM could have come as a shock, the defending champions shouldn’t have began from the decrease bracket within the first place. Spirit couldn’t bounce again from a gradual begin to the group stage and had too many attracts, which prevented them from difficult for an upper-bracket spot.
Regardless of profitable a Main solely two months in the past, Spirit appeared like they’d an id disaster at TI11. They have been extra hesitant and didn’t have the identical conviction that introduced them the Aegis of Champions in 2021.
After their elimination match, Spirit’s Mira make clear their TI run. Throughout the first quarter of 2022, many Ukrainian residents have been uprooted because of Russia’s invasion of the Japanese European nation. This meant relocation for Mira and Yatoro, which inevitably impacted each the gamers and the staff as their operations have been moved to Serbia. The younger assist additionally criticized his personal efficiency.
“I misplaced my confidence throughout this event,” Mira mentioned. “I wasn’t certain I used to be adequate, and it was onerous to play with this mindset.”
Whereas Mira’s efficiency was closely impacted by the doubts that clouded his head, he additionally added that he might overcome this example. The place 4 participant ended the interview by reassuring the followers that they have been solely in a position to present 10 % of their energy in TI11 and hoping they may stick collectively as a staff for the next yr.
Spirit ended their run in thirteenth to sixteenth place alongside Hokori, Fnatic, and Royal Never Give Up, taking house over $250,000 as a staff.
