Dota 2: Team Spirit set to unveil new recruit at BLAST Slam IV

Nikita “panto” Balaganin will play his first official match for Team Spirit at BLAST Slam IV, as the Russian powerhouse faces Execration in a best-of-one clash.

Panto joins Team Spirit as a replacement for in-game leader Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov, who has stepped away from competitive Dota 2 and been moved to the inactive roster.

Miposhka’s absence for an extended period will harm Team Spirit with his calmness and leadership in key moments a big reason why they have performed so strongly in recent years.

Team Spirit have been priced at -357.14 to defeat XCTN (+245) at esports betting sites, with this seemingly a perfect fixture to introduce Panto to the scene.

Team Spirit are the second favorite with Dota 2 betting sites to win the BLAST Slam IV event at +350, behind Team Falcons (+275).

Team Spirit enters the clash against XCTN as a strong favourite following a dominant 2025 season. Betting markets includes standard match-winner odds, total maps, and player performance props, giving punters plenty of ways to back panto’s highly anticipated debut.

Miposhka, one of the scene’s most decorated captains, has spent five years with Spirit and led the squad to major titles, including The International (twice), the 2025 Esports World Cup, and DreamLeague Season 25. While Team Spirit hasn’t disclosed the reasons for his break, his absence will undoubtedly be felt.

Before joining Spirit, panto made his mark with Aurora Gaming, achieving a fourth-place finish at DreamLeague Season 26 and continuing his strong 2025 form. With the lineup now featuring Yatoro, Larl, Collapse, rue, and panto, Spirit will look to continue its dominance when BLAST Slam IV kicks off on October 14.