“I either kick a player or quit myself.” Team Spirit’s manager Korb3n on his straightforward work styleInterview

The architect behind Team Spirit’s remarkable ascent, manager Dmitry “Korb3n” Belov, opened up about his distinctive leadership methodology during a candid team discussion on their official YouTube platform. He emphasized transparent communication, accumulated wisdom, and cultivating genuine connections with team members as foundational to their championship run at The International 2021.

Korb3n’s approach to managing difficult player situations

I deliberately avoid accumulating negative experiences. Here’s my reasoning: when faced with a problematic situation, I implement immediate resolution – either the player departs or I step down from my position. [Does this mean you’ve actually encountered such scenarios?] Not frequently. Every roster change represents a setback in team chemistry. It’s uncommon to remove someone purely for compatibility issues. There was one instance where I made an unfair decision regarding Vasiliy “AfterLife” Shishkin during my Team Empire tenure. I can authentically state that the decision brought me to tears. I transitioned him from offlane to carry position following RAMZES’s departure from our lineup. We recruited Ghostik for the vacant offlane spot, and since Vasiliy clearly wasn’t excelling in the carry role, I terminated his contract. This represented an injustice, and I continue to feel remorse about that choice. Other challenging situations typically involved more straightforward issues: players neglecting responsibilities or disregarding direct instructions.

Common management mistakes to avoid in esports teams

Many new managers struggle with establishing clear boundaries early in team formation. The most critical error is allowing small issues to accumulate until they become major problems. Proactive communication and establishing performance expectations from day one prevents most conflicts. Another frequent pitfall involves making roster changes based on temporary performance slumps rather than long-term compatibility. Teams should implement regular one-on-one check-ins to address concerns before they escalate into irreparable situations.

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The precise balance between preparation and fortune

Both elements contribute significantly to outcomes. One could reasonably argue that our TI victory involved fortunate circumstances. However, I cannot claim we would have succeeded without dedicated effort and proper skill development. None of the nine TI championship teams achieved success through passive participation. Certainly, each benefited from timely breaks. This is competitive Dota, where random elements influence results. Critical rune spawns or unexpected game events can shift momentum. <…> If forced to quantify, I’d assign 70% weighting to developed capabilities versus 30% to favorable conditions.

Optimizing team preparation for major tournaments

Advanced teams recognize that while luck cannot be controlled, preparation can maximize favorable outcomes. Implementing structured practice regimens that simulate high-pressure scenarios prepares players for unexpected in-game situations. Analyzing past tournament VODs to identify patterns in lucky breaks helps teams develop contingency plans. The most successful organizations create practice environments that replicate tournament conditions, including potential RNG elements, to build resilience against unpredictable game moments.

Korb3n’s methodology for nurturing professional growth

Identifying specific interventions that transform player performance presents challenges. Broadly speaking, I believe my accumulated life wisdom surpasses my chronological age would suggest. My background enables me to recognize recurring behavioral templates. I’ve encountered nearly every common esports dilemma through personal navigation of similar obstacles.

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Building effective communication channels with players

Successful player development requires establishing multiple feedback mechanisms. Regular performance reviews should combine quantitative stats with qualitative development goals. Creating individual growth plans that address both mechanical skills and mental resilience ensures comprehensive improvement. The most effective managers schedule dedicated time for personal development discussions separate from tactical game planning sessions.

Understanding compensation structures in championship teams

Let me calculate precisely. Hold on, are you suggesting something like a full percentage point? No, I didn’t receive that amount. Perhaps you intended 0.5 percent? Well, simply stated, I obtained appropriate compensation. However, I should note that competitors distributed earnings independently from organizational requirements. [What was your expenditure strategy?] I’m uncertain if this sounds overly conventional, but I purchased a suburban residence for my mother near my current city location. That represents how I allocated the funds.

Dmitry “Korb3n” Belov represents an exceptional circumstance where team management receives recognition for competitive achievement in Dota 2. He constructed Spirit’s competitive lineup in collaboration with team coach Silent and presented it to the organization. Through his strategic coordination, an unknown team overcame numerous competitive obstacles in Dota 2 and secured the TI10 championship following merely twelve months of systematic development.

Financial planning strategies for esports professionals

Professional players and staff should develop comprehensive financial management plans before major tournament successes. Establishing relationships with financial advisors specializing in esports earnings helps navigate sudden wealth management. Creating long-term investment strategies while allocating funds for meaningful personal purchases ensures financial stability beyond competitive careers. Many successful esports professionals prioritize family support and long-term security when allocating tournament winnings.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » “I either kick a player or quit myself.” Team Spirit’s manager Korb3n on his straightforward work styleInterview Team Spirit's manager Korb3n reveals his decisive leadership approach and the winning formula behind their TI10 championship