In a bold and unexpected move that has sparked heated debates within the Dota 2 community, Team Spirit, the reigning champions of The International 10, has set tongues wagging by welcoming Ilya "Illidan" Pivcaev and Kamil "Koma" Biktimirov into their organization as streamers. What makes this decision even more intriguing is Koma's permanent ban from Valve's Dota 2 tournaments due to cheating and rule violations during the Open Qualifiers for the Dota Pro Circuit 2023: Tour 1.

The Team Spirit streamer family continues to expand. We announce two new Influencers.

We are pleased to welcome Ilya Illidan Pivtsaev and Kamil SCL Koma Biktimirov 👇https://t.co/pGhg2dr28o pic.twitter.com/6TL8jBPO0C

— Team Spirit (@Team__Spirit) July 2, 2023

Team Spirit Welcomes Koma and Illidan 

Valve, through tournament organizer PGL, permanently banned Koma and nine other players from participating in its Dota 2 tournaments. These players were found guilty of engaging in account sharing and impersonation, actions that are strictly forbidden by Valve's rules. This unprecedented move by Valve served as a strong message to the esports community, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to fair play and integrity.

Team Spirit's inclusion of Koma in their streamer lineup has ignited a passionate discussion within the Dota 2 community, questioning the organization's stance on accountability and the concept of second chances. While many have expressed strong disapproval of this decision, others take a more neutral position, considering the fact that Koma is being signed solely as a streamer, not a competitor.

Koma, also known as the "aggressive child," has left a significant mark on Eastern European Dota 2, having represented renowned teams such as Virtus.Pro, Winstrike Team, and Luna Gaming. Despite the community's raised eyebrows regarding his ban, Team Spirit is willing to offer him a fresh start as a content creator. The organization recognizes Koma's talent and potential, aiming to provide him with support and guidance in his new endeavor. This choice not only demonstrates their commitment to personal growth but also invites scrutiny from the community.

Team Spirit's announcement of Koma as a streamer, despite his permanent ban from Valve tournaments, has generated both surprise and controversy. It brings into focus the broader topics of second chances, accountability, and redemption within the esports realm. While the community remains divided on the organization's decision, only time will reveal the true implications and outcomes of this gamble.