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Dota 2: Between Blunder and Burnout
This year's Dota 2 professional circuit was unique, and one of the standout trends was teams taking mid-season breaks to avoid burnout. It all started when Team Spirit announced they would skip DreamLeague Season 26.
At PGL Wallachia Season 5, Tundra Esports barely scraped through the Group Stage and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Team Spirit went a bit further but were knocked out in the Lower Bracket Semifinals. After these underwhelming results, one question lingers: What happened?
Dota 2: The Result of Taking Breaks
Over the years, Dota 2 teams have increasingly had to grapple with the ever-present threat of burnout. In 2025, we saw a new twist: short mid-season breaks, beginning with Team Spirit stepping away from DreamLeague Season 26.
This trend finds its roots in the legendary career of Anathan "ana" Pham, who famously took what some call “the best summer job ever.” He won The International 2018 with OG, left the scene for nearly a year, and then returned to win TI 2019 — the only player to take such a long break and still achieve success.
In 2025, Team Spirit and Tundra Esports attempted a similar, though shorter, break — and it seems to have backfired. Tundra nearly failed to make it past the Group Stage, and despite qualifying, were the weakest team in the playoffs, ultimately falling to Natus Vincere.
Team Spirit fared slightly better. They were knocked to the Lower Bracket after losing to BetBoom Team, then eliminated by the same team in a rematch. It’s a rare double defeat that raises eyebrows.
Dota 2 is a game of consistency, and taking breaks — while potentially helpful for mental health — can seriously disrupt team momentum, even for world-class rosters. On the flip side, grinding nonstop risks burnout or long-term fatigue. It’s a delicate balance.
When to Take a Break?
With the Dota 2 competitive season running year-round, avoiding burnout is nearly impossible. So when is the right time to take a break? Since The International is the season’s ultimate goal, the most logical time to rest is right after TI.
Team Spirit did attempt a partial break following TI 2024. Yatoro, Collapse, and Mira took time off while manager Korb3n spotlighted Satanic, allowing him to gain experience on the main stage. The timing made sense, but the break itself may have been too short to fully recharge.
Both teams had positive momentum before their breaks. Team Spirit was regaining stability as Yatoro and Collapse returned. Tundra, despite losing dyrachyo, had rallied to defend their BLAST Slam title. Unfortunately, that optimism now seems misplaced.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Now, after what appears to have been a failed experiment, both Tundra and Team Spirit must bounce back quickly before the Esports World Cup and The International 2025. They were considered favorites heading into their breaks — but now, their outlook is far more uncertain.
Interestingly, PARIVISION did not participate in PGL Wallachia Season 5, so we may have another case study of a mid-season break following the Esports World Cup. On the other hand, whether it’s consistency or the "TI aura," Team Liquid and Gaimin Gladiators now sit comfortably in the Top 3 at Wallachia.
The Grand Finals of PGL Wallachia Season 5 will be decided soon, and with it, we’ll gain even more context on how these break strategies are influencing the pro scene. Whether it leads to rejuvenation or regression remains to be seen.
If you want to follow the latest results, the evolution of the metagame, and how teams are adapting on the road to The International 2025, stay with us and check the Strafe news page for full coverage, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes developments!
Featured Image Source: Twitter (@TundraEsports and @TSpirit_Dota2)