Silent’s departure from Team Spirit signals the end of a defining era for the storied Dota 2 organisation.
In a shocking twist this season, 
Team Spirit have abruptly parted ways with 
Ayrat “Silent” Gaziev—the team’s longtime coach and the figure behind the organisation’s two The International (TI) titles, along with numerous other achievements.
The announcement confirmed Silent’s departure and thanked him for his time with the organisation. “As of today, [Silent] is removed from the active roster,” Team Spirit stated. Silent now sits on the team's inactive bench and it remains unclear whether he will return to the team or remain on the sidelines.
“This is not goodbye, and we wish Airat success in both his professional and personal life,” Team Spirit added.
An end of an era: Silent departs Team Spirit
Silent’s departure marks the end of an illustrious era for Team Spirit, bringing nearly five years of collaboration to a close. Silent was a cornerstone of Team Spirit’s success and is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in top-tier competitive Dota 2, with names of the world's greatest like 
Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk and Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov thriving under his leadership.
The Russian player-turned-coach began leading the prodigious Spirit squad in mid-2021–a campaign that culminated in the organisation’s first Aegis of Champions. In 2023, he once again guided the team to a TI victory.
Despite several roster iterations, Silent consistently steered Team Spirit toward elite results–whether with Denis “Larl” Sigitov replacing Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Khertek in 2022 or Aleksandr “rue” Filin stepping in for Miroslaw “Mira” Kolpakov in 2024.
Beyond the team’s two world championship titles, Silent led Spirit to two victories at the Esports World Cup (formerly the Riyadh Masters) in 2023 and 2025, while also securing numerous podium finishes across major events. His time with the team was defined by consistent excellence season after season.
Following his shocking departure, significant changes to the team’s composition and playstyle are expected heading into the next competitive stretch. This development also follows Larl’s extended break from competitive Dota 2, as the midlaner steps away for six weeks due to personal reasons. Team Spirit will therefore look heavily different in upcoming events, with 
Mirele substituting across three major tournaments and a new coach likely to be appointed.
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