Welcome to Battle Report 12, your weekly digest of the most important developments in the Dota 2 competitive scene. This week brings significant roster updates, coaching changes, and tournament withdrawals that reshape the landscape heading into crucial upcoming events. From legendary players considering retirement to emergency stand-ins and new coaching appointments, these stories reveal the dynamic nature of professional Dota 2 behind the scenes.

Miposhka's Return to Pro Play Looks Increasingly Unlikely

Team Spirit manager Dmitry "Korb3n" Belov shared his thoughts on whether Yaroslav "Miposhka" Naidenov will return to competitive Dota 2 after his planned year-long break. Speaking on his Twitch stream, Korb3n expressed skepticism about the former Team Spirit captain making a comeback as a player.

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Korb3n explained his reasoning based on recent interviews where Miposhka discussed the challenges of professional play with teammate dyrachyo. The manager pointed out that maintaining competitive drive after a full year away from the scene proves difficult for most players, especially those who are no longer in their early twenties. Korb3n noted that Miposhka himself has expressed disinterest in continuing as a player while showing growing interest in coaching roles instead.

The timeline remains uncertain, however. While Miposhka plans to stay inactive for a year, he could potentially return earlier than expected if circumstances change. The possibility of competing at The International 2026 remains on the table, though Korb3n considers this scenario increasingly unlikely based on the player's stated preferences and the typical trajectory of extended breaks in professional Dota 2.

PARIVISION Withdraws from FISSURE Universe: Episode 8

PARIVISION announced their withdrawal from FISSURE Universe: Episode 8, citing the need to focus on upcoming major tournaments and resolve visa complications for their roster.

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The organization made this decision to prioritize preparation for DreamLeague Season 28 and other significant championships. According to their official statement, several players face visa processing issues that require immediate attention. Rather than splitting focus between FISSURE Universe: Episode 8 and these critical administrative matters, PARIVISION chose to use this time for proper documentation and tournament preparation.

The withdrawal highlights the ongoing challenges professional Dota 2 teams face with international travel logistics. Visa processing delays and complications continue to affect tournament participation across the scene, forcing teams to make strategic decisions about which events to prioritize when administrative hurdles arise.

Puppey Officially Joins PARIVISION as Coach

Following a successful trial period at DreamLeague Season 26, Klement "Puppey" Ivanov has officially accepted the coaching position for PARIVISION.

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The legendary Estonian player brings decades of top-tier competitive experience to his new coaching role. Puppey's career accomplishments include multiple Major victories, consistent deep tournament runs, and innovative strategic contributions that shaped Dota 2's competitive meta over the years. His transition from player to coach continues a trend of veteran professionals moving into mentorship positions where they can share accumulated knowledge with the next generation of competitors.

PARIVISION welcomed Puppey to the organization with enthusiasm, noting that the test period demonstrated strong compatibility between his coaching style and the team's needs. The appointment adds significant strategic depth to PARIVISION's competitive infrastructure as they prepare for DreamLeague Season 28 and other upcoming major tournaments.

Virtus.pro Makes Emergency Roster Swap for FISSURE Universe: Episode 8

Virtus.pro announced that Serenada will replace Abed for FISSURE Universe: Episode 8 due to visa preparation requirements for ESL One Birmingham 2026.

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The Filipino mid laner Abed must focus on securing documentation for the Birmingham tournament, forcing Virtus.pro to field their youth team mid laner Serenada as a temporary substitute. The organization framed the decision as necessary to ensure Abed's availability for the more significant ESL One Birmingham event, prioritizing long-term tournament participation over short-term roster stability.

This situation demonstrates the complex logistical calculations teams must make when balancing multiple tournament commitments with visa processing timelines. Virtus.pro chose to sacrifice their optimal lineup for FISSURE Universe: Episode 8 to guarantee their star mid laner's presence at a premier event, accepting the competitive disadvantage in the immediate tournament for strategic benefits down the line.

Korb3n Confirms Coaching Role with Team Spirit

Team Spirit manager Dmitry "Korb3n" Belov confirmed that he has taken over coaching duties for the organization, replacing Airat "Silent" Gaziev in the role.

Speaking on his Twitch stream, Korb3n clarified that his coaching position represents a genuine responsibility rather than simply a joke, though he acknowledged the unusual nature of the arrangement. He detailed his actual coaching work, including evaluating draft picks, messaging with the team's drafter, and providing strategic advice to players. Korb3n emphasized that while he doesn't consider himself an elite-level coach, he takes the role seriously and actively contributes to Team Spirit's competitive preparation.

The manager's comments suggest this may be a temporary arrangement rather than a permanent coaching appointment. Nevertheless, Korb3n's involvement extends beyond administrative duties into actual strategic input and draft evaluation. Team Spirit continues to compete while working through this transitional coaching period, with their manager filling the gap until a more permanent solution emerges.

Make Your Predictions Count

These roster changes, coaching appointments, and tournament withdrawals all impact competitive dynamics heading into the next wave of Dota 2 tournaments. Understanding who's playing, who's coaching, and which teams are prioritizing which events gives you critical context for making informed predictions. Head over to our Pick'ems platform to lock in your predictions based on these latest developments, and check out our expert analysis for upcoming match outcomes across all major tournaments.

TL;DR

• Korb3n doubts Miposhka will return to competitive play after year-long break
• PARIVISION withdraws from FISSURE Universe: Episode 8 to focus on DreamLeague S28 and visa issues
• Puppey officially becomes PARIVISION coach after successful trial period
• Virtus.pro replaces Abed with Serenada for FISSURE Universe: Episode 8 due to ESL One Birmingham visa prep
• Korb3n confirms he's genuinely coaching Team Spirit in temporary role