Team Spirit has officially released Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Khertek from its Dota 2 team.

TORONTOTOKYO played for the Russian esports organization for two years and cemented himself as one of the best players in the world after winning The International 2021 with the team.

“Having analyzed all the pros and cons, the management of the organization decided to part ways with TORONTOTOKYO,” said Spirit in their press release. “His nickname will forever stay in the history of our organization, but it’s time to move on and say goodbye.”



Team Spirit bids farewell to TORONTOTOKYO

TORONTOTOKYO at Team Spirit's TI10 ring ceremony by Valve
Credit: Valve

Spirit signed TORONTOTOKYO at the end of 2020, part of the Yellow Submarine CIS roster.

In the next DPC season, Spirit reached the top of the Dota 2 world, becoming the first Russian team to lift the Aegis of Champions

The team followed up with another successful year, winning the PGL Arlington Major, finishing as the runner-up at the Riyadh Masters, and qualifying for The International 2022.

They entered The International 2022 as one of the favorites, but suffered an early 13th-16th place exit after a surprise elimination by Southeast Asian Dota 2 squad BOOM Esports. Now, Spirit are making changes ahead of the 2023 season as they look to reclaim their footing.

“After long consultations and dialogue with each player, and working through a variety of options for further development of the team, we came to the conclusion that Team Spirit will start the new season with changes to the main roster,” said the organization.

Team Spirit’s Dota 2 roster

  • (1) Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk
  • (3) Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov
  • (4) Miroslaw “Mira” Kolpakov
  • (5) Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov
  • Airat “Silent” Gaziev (coach)

According to reports by escorenews, TORONTOTOKYO plans to form a new roster with former Evil Geniuses offlaner Egor “Nightfall” Grigorenko, and ex-Virtus.pro captain Vitalie “Save-” Melnic.

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