Understanding Insania’s Retirement: How the Dota 2 Captain’s Exit Shapes Team Liquid’s Future
October 28, 2025
Insania retirement : Aydin “iNSaNiA” Sarkohi’s decision to retire from professional Dota 2 in October 2025 has reshaped the Western European competitive landscape. After nearly a decade leading some of the region’s top teams, including his six-year run with Team Liquid, Insania officially stepped back from pro play, closing a chapter defined by perseverance and leadership.
This move wasn’t a surprise for long-time fans—rumors of his potential departure had surfaced after Liquid’s double victory at PGL Wallachia earlier this year. But now that it’s official, the question becomes: what’s next for both the player and the team he helped define?
How Insania Rose from HoN Prodigy to Dota 2 Leader – Insania retirement
Before becoming one of Dota 2’s most respected captains, Insania was already a rising star in the competitive Heroes of Newerth (HoN) scene. His transition to Dota 2 around 2015 came with a steep learning curve, yet his analytical approach to leadership and emphasis on team synergy helped him adapt quickly.
His early stints with Ninjas in Pyjamas and Alliance gave him invaluable experience managing pressure and developing chemistry with teammates like miCKe and Boxi—relationships that would later form the backbone of Team Liquid’s success.
| Phase | Team | Years Active | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Ninjas in Pyjamas, Alliance | 2016–2019 | TI9 “Gyrocopter” draft mishap teaches humility |
| Prime Era | Team Liquid | 2019–2025 | TI 2024 champion, 3rd at TI11, multiple Major finals |
| Current | Retired | 2025 | Ends pro play with back-to-back PGL titles |
That infamous “Gyrocopter incident” at The International 2019 might have defined others—but for Insania, it became a turning point that strengthened his resolve as a captain who learns from failure.
Inside Insania’s Leadership Formula – Insania retirement
Understanding Insania’s leadership style helps explain why Team Liquid remained consistently competitive for so many years. Rather than relying on emotional hype or rigid strategies, Insania prioritized calm communication, empathy, and draft flexibility.
His approach revolved around a few key principles:
- Emotional stability: Maintaining composure even in chaotic teamfights or losses.
- Adaptability: Shifting between meta trends while keeping player comfort in mind.
- Team synergy: Encouraging open feedback loops between players and coaching staff.
These qualities created a foundation that allowed players like Nisha, miCKe, and Boxi to perform at peak consistency. Analysts often credited Liquid’s balanced coordination and mid-to-late game precision to Insania’s calm decision-making.
Why He Decided to Step Away – Insania retirement
After leading Liquid to a The International 2024 victory, Insania had achieved nearly every milestone a Dota 2 captain could hope for. But as he explained in post-retirement interviews, the decision was about longevity and personal growth, not burnout alone.
He stated that he wanted to “leave while still loving the game,” emphasizing the importance of stepping away before passion turned into fatigue. Liquid’s statement echoed that sentiment, describing him as “a captain who led with kindness, intellect, and unwavering integrity.”
Contributing factors included:
- A desire to explore new roles in esports (coaching, analysis, or casting).
- Physical and mental exhaustion after years of competition.
- A personal goal to mentor upcoming leaders in Western Europe.
What Insania’s Exit Means for Team Liquid and Dota 2
Team Liquid now faces one of its biggest transitions in years. With Insania’s departure and SabeRLight-’s loan transfer to AVULUS, the team enters a soft rebuild phase. The organization hinted at internal trials for captaincy, with some analysts predicting miCKe or Nisha could temporarily fill the leadership gap.
This change also ripples through the broader Dota 2 ecosystem. Western Europe has long been shaped by leadership figures like Puppey, KuroKy, and Insania—each representing a unique era of strategic evolution. With one of them stepping down, new captains have the opportunity to redefine how the region approaches drafting and team culture.
Closing Thoughts: A Legacy Beyond the Stage
Insania’s retirement is both an ending and a beginning. His journey from a Heroes of Newerth prodigy to a TI-winning Dota 2 captain illustrates how emotional intelligence and adaptability can outlast mechanical skill.
While he may no longer command Liquid’s drafts, his influence continues through the players he’s guided and the culture he’s helped shape. Fans can expect to see him resurface in analytical or coaching roles—continuing to contribute, just from a different angle.
In the bigger picture, Insania’s story serves as a blueprint for modern esports leadership—showing that true greatness isn’t just about winning, but about leaving the game stronger than you found it.