In a riveting turn of events, 1win, the recently formed Dota 2 team, sent shockwaves through the gaming community as they dealt a crushing blow to the formidable Team Spirit, securing their spot in the upcoming DreamLeague Season 23. This unexpected upset unfolded during the Eastern Europe Closed Qualifiers on March 21, 2024, marking a significant setback for Team Spirit's aspirations.

Team Spirit, a seasoned competitor boasting two TI victories, initially showcased promise in the qualifiers. However, their journey took a dramatic turn when they faced off against Na’Vi, succumbing to a 0-2 defeat and relegating them to the lower bracket. Despite a valiant effort to rally back by overcoming Night Pulse, Team Spirit's momentum was abruptly halted by 1win in the lower bracket semifinal.

1win's emergence onto the scene had been marked by the absorption of the Tier 2 team Klim Sani4, demonstrating their potential to upset established powerhouses. Although Team Spirit had previously triumphed over 1win, the tables turned in a stunning 1-2 series defeat, sealing Team Spirit's fate and leaving fans astonished.

The first game of the series was a marathon affair lasting a grueling 100 minutes, with Team Spirit narrowly clinching victory aided by an extraordinary performance from Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk on Phantom Assassin. However, 1win swiftly adjusted their strategy, adopting an aggressive lineup focused on early structural damage, overwhelming Team Spirit and securing decisive victories in subsequent games.

Despite Team Spirit's strategic prowess and Yatoro's attempt to turn the tide with daring Rapier picks, they were ultimately unable to withstand 1win's relentless onslaught, conceding defeat in the final game at the 55-minute mark.

This upset reverberated throughout the gaming community, underscoring the unpredictable nature of competitive esports. Notably, Team Spirit's recent struggles extend beyond DreamLeague Season 23, with defeats in the 1win Series Dota 2 Spring tournament highlighting underlying issues with hero drafting and gameplay, as revealed by Yatoro himself.