Yaroslav “Miposhka” Naidenov is one of the most accomplished and influential players in the Dota 2 professional scene. As the captain of Team Spirit, Miposhka has led his team to remarkable victories, including two The International (TI) championships. With a career spanning almost a decade, he has showcased exceptional leadership, game sense, and mechanical skill, making him one of the most respected support players in the game. This article delves deep into Miposhka’s career, achievements, playing style, and impact on the Dota 2 community.
Miposhka – Early Career and Team History
Miposhka began his professional Dota 2 journey in 2015 when he joined Yellow Submarine, a team that participated in the European Open Qualifiers for The International 2015. Although the team did not qualify for the prestigious event, it laid the foundation for his esports career.
Following his time with Yellow Submarine, Miposhka transitioned through various smaller teams, including PRIES and Enso. His breakthrough came in March 2016 when he joined the well-established organization Team Empire. Here, he was able to showcase his talent on a bigger stage and gain recognition as a formidable support player.
Team Empire – Early Success
While playing under Team Empire, Miposhka experienced several career-defining moments. One of his biggest triumphs came during The International 2017 (TI7) when Team Empire secured a 7th-8th place finish, earning a respectable $617,198 in prize money. It was at TI7 that Miposhka impressed fans with his strategic and disciplined playstyle.
Beyond TI7, Team Empire also achieved notable victories, including winning the ROG MASTERS 2017 and the Global Grand Masters. These successes solidified Miposhka’s reputation as a top-tier support player with strong leadership qualities.
Later Teams and Transitions
In January 2019, Miposhka parted ways with Team Empire and briefly played for other teams such as Team Singularity and HellRaisers. His performances during this period remained impressive, including a 3rd placefinish at the DOTA Summit 11 and a 2nd place result at the Parimatch League Season 1.
During late 2020, he returned to Yellow Submarine, and soon after, his career took a massive turn when Team Spirit signed the entire Yellow Submarine roster in December 2020.
Success with Team Spirit
Joining Team Spirit turned out to be a game-changer for Miposhka. He assumed the role of team captain and played a crucial role in strategizing and leading his team to victories.
The International 10 Victory
At The International 10 (TI10) in 2021, Team Spirit made history by making an unforgettable lower bracket run to win the championship. Miposhka’s outstanding shot-calling and ability to maintain composure under pressure were key factors in their success. With this win, he became one of the few captains to lead a team to a TI victory in just one year under a new organization.
Success at The International 2023
After their TI10 victory, the expectations for Team Spirit were incredibly high. Although 2022 was a mixed year for them, they bounced back by winning The International 2023 (TI12) once again, proving that their previous victory was no fluke. Miposhka cemented his legacy as a two-time TI-winning captain, a feat only a handful of players have achieved.
Recent Achievements
Miposhka’s dominance in the Dota 2 competitive scene continued beyond his TI victories. In addition to his two TI championships, he led Team Spirit to victories in key tournaments such as:
- Riyadh Masters 2023 – A highly competitive international event where Team Spirit emerged victorious.
- DreamLeague Season 21 – Another significant win strengthening Team Spirit’s legacy.
- PGL Wallachia Season 1 – A dominant performance showcased their consistency.
- 1win Series Summer 2024 – Despite mixed results in 2024, the team secured key wins.
Personal Achievements and Statistics
Miposhka’s individual accomplishments highlight his exceptional skills and dedication to Dota 2. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- Reaching 12,000 MMR on May 14, 2024.
- Maintaining an impressive 56.67% win rate.
- Holding an Ensi.Score of 1815.58, ranking him 6th in the Ensigame ranking system.
- Accumulating over $7,815,246 in career prize earnings.
Role and Playing Style
Miposhka primarily plays the support role, specializing in position 5 heroes that require exceptional map awareness, positioning, and team coordination. His leadership and in-game vision have been instrumental in Team Spirit’s incredible runs.
Signature Heroes
- Doom – A flexible and high-impact hero that Miposhka expertly handles.
- Ogre Magi – Known for its durability and ability to provide strong buffs for the team.
- Mirana – Effective for her stun capabilities and map control.
Trivia and Cultural Impact
Miposhka became famous for an unusual pre-game ritual at The International 10, where he wrote opponents’ names in a “Death Note.” Inspired by the anime Death Note, this superstition was perceived as a good luck charm by fans and teammates alike. Such moments add to Miposhka’s legacy beyond his gameplay.
How to Improve as a Support Player like Miposhka
For aspiring support players who want to emulate Miposhka’s playstyle, follow these steps:
Master Map Awareness
Being a successful support means constantly reading the map and ensuring vision control.
Communicate Effectively
Miposhka’s leadership is a key reason for Team Spirit’s success. Always communicate with your team and make shot-calls.
Study Professional Games
Watch replays of Miposhka’s plays to understand his positioning and decision-making under pressure.
Practice Positioning and Save Mechanics
Supports need to position well to avoid unnecessary deaths while also being available to save their teammates.
Miposhka Dota 2 – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Miposhka’s real name?
His real name is Yaroslav Naidenov.
What team does Miposhka play for?
Miposhka is the captain of Team Spirit.
How many times has Miposhka won The International?
He has won The International twice, in 2021 (TI10) and 2023 (TI12).
What is Miposhka’s role in Dota 2?
He primarily plays the support role and acts as the team’s captain.
What are Miposhka’s signature heroes?
His signature heroes include Doom, Ogre Magi, and Mirana.
How much prize money has Miposhka earned?
He has earned over $7,815,246 from professional Dota 2 tournaments.
Why is Miposhka famous for the “Death Note” ritual?
During TI10, he was seen writing opponents’ names in a book, which fans called his “Death Note,” inspired by the anime Death Note.
When did Miposhka join Team Spirit?
He joined Team Spirit in December 2020 when the organization signed Yellow Submarine’s roster.
What is Miposhka’s current MMR?
He reached 12,000 MMR on May 14, 2024.
What is Miposhka’s ranking according to the Ensigame ranking system?
He holds an Ensi.Score of 1815.58 and is ranked 6th.
