Yatoro vs. Team Spirit: Intense internal rivalry shows Dota 2 carry’s status

The title of the best Dota 2 carry player is synonymous with Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk due to his peak Dota 2 performance, ever since he won the International (TI) Championship, not once but twice.

While most opponents have had the chance to face him in a professional setting to understand the sheer skill gap between Yatoro and themselves, Yatoro’s teammates don’t typically get that luxury. As such, this created quite an unusual setting for Team Spirit players every time they get the opportunity to face their fellow teammate in a pub match.

Internal rivalry intensifies

When Team Spirit’s own, including talents like Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov and Miroslav “Mira” Kolpakov, find themselves matched against Yatoro in ranked matchmaking, the intensity of their efforts reaches new heights, aka becoming ‘try-hard’.

Describing the behavior, Yatoro reveals the extraordinary lengths to which his teammates go, often exerting more effort than in official pro matches. This unique situation illustrates not just the high regard that his peers hold Yatoro in but also the silent acknowledgment of his undisputed skills as the best Dota 2 carry player.

Nevertheless, this rivalry, while intense, is driven not by a desire to prove superiority but rather by a deep-seated aspiration to triumph over a player who represents the epitome of his role. Yatoro’s thoughts on these matches shed light on the profound respect his teammates have for his capabilities, further reinforcing his status as an exemplary player within Team Spirit.

Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov (Image credit: The International 12)

The strongest Dota 2 carry player among the strongest carry players

Yatoro’s influence extends beyond Team Spirit’s roster, setting him apart as the best Dota 2 carry player among his peers. Even against a backdrop of formidable players like Collapse, known for his decisive impact in the International 2021 (TI10) as an offlane carry, Yatoro’s prowess remains unmatched.

Collapse’s skills, evidenced by the frequent respect bans of his signature heroes like Magnus, Mars, and Doom by opponents, highlight the caliber of players Yatoro is often compared with.

As for Mira, who is typically a support player, perhaps there is satisfaction in defeating his fellow teammate whenever he gets the opportunity. This internal competition within Team Spirit not only fosters a culture of self-improvement but also highlights the admiration Yatoro commands from his colleagues.

A stagnated competition in Dota 2 Esports

Yatoro’s dominance begs the question about the current competitive landscape of Dota 2 Esports. Sure, we have had many phenomenal Dota 2 carry players in the history of TI Championships, such as Anathan “ana” Pham, Wang “Ame” Chunyu, Oliver “skiter” Lepko, and even Michał “Nisha” Jankowski, to name a few. However, ana, like Yatoro, has clinched the champion’s title twice, setting a benchmark for excellence in the Dota 2 carry role.

The recent overwhelming victory of Team Spirit over Gaimin Gladiators in the TI12 Grand Finals prompts a reflection on the current state of competition. With the BetBoom Dacha Dubai 2024 on its way, the community eagerly anticipates the emergence of new talent capable of challenging Yatoro’s supremacy. The question of whether 2024 will bring forward a rival to contest Yatoro’s title as the best Dota 2 carry player remains an exciting prospect for fans and competitors alike.