Why is Larl missing from Team Spirit? Explanation of Dota 2 roster updates » Esports | Esports.gg

Team Spirit announced on Sunday that their midlaner, Denis “Larl” Sigitov, will be taking a six-week break from the professional Dota 2 scene, prompting the TI-winning team to field replacement players for the upcoming three tier one tournaments in February 2026.

The team did not reveal further details about Larl’s brief layoff, stating only that he would be out for several weeks for “personal reasons.” Even though Larl’s break would only last less than 2 months, the team had to play along Fissure Universe, BLAST Slam Season VI, and DreamLeague Season 28 without him.

Meanwhile, Yellow Submarine midlaner Marat “Mirele” Gazetdinov will take the 2nd spot for Team Spirit during Larl’s absence.

Larl at the 2025 Esports World Cup (Photo via EWC Foundation)

The reason for Larl’s undisclosed temporary absence is most likely Team Spirit’s way of respecting his privacy, giving him time to rest and prepare for the upcoming tournament in 2026.

It’s worth noting that Larl also missed the tier one event in August 2025, Fissure Universe: Episode 6, after undergoing surgery following the Esports World Cup, which caused complications. During this period, Mirele also steps in to fill Larl’s role while he takes time to recover.

Following Team Spirit’s announcement on January 12, 2026, Larl’s break is set to last six weeks, meaning the Russian midlaner is expected to return to the roster around February 15-16.

Despite Larl’s absence, Team Spirit is expected to remain one of the top contenders in the upcoming competition, thanks to Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk and Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov, who are widely considered to be two of the best carry and offlane players in the world. Team Spirit’s replacement midlaner isn’t one to give up easily either, as Mirele has seen action with Team Spirit before, reaching second place in Fissure Universe: Episode 6.

Team Spirit has a history of dominating tournaments, often making it through the playoffs with an impressive series of winning streaks. If you believe they can continue their strong form in the upcoming competitions, you can test your confidence by betting on them on the most reputable esports betting sites.

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