Insania retirement : Aydin “iNSaNiA” Sarkohi has officially announced his retirement from professional Dota 2 in October 2025, concluding a remarkable career that spanned over a decade of competition, leadership, and evolution. Known as Team Liquid’s dependable captain and one of Western Europe’s most composed minds, Insania’s exit marks the end of an era not just for his team, but for the wider Dota 2 community.
From his beginnings as a promising Heroes of Newerth (HoN) prodigy to lifting the Aegis at The International 2024, Insania’s journey reflected growth, persistence, and resilience. Fans across the globe have described his retirement as both emotional and inspiring — a farewell to a player whose calm leadership and analytical approach became synonymous with Team Liquid’s identity.
From HoN Prodigy to Dota 2 Mainstay – Insania retirement
Before becoming a Dota 2 icon, Insania first made his name in Heroes of Newerth, where his exceptional game sense and leadership earned him recognition as one of the top earners in the scene. His switch to Dota 2 in 2015 was not just a career pivot, but a leap into a much larger, more competitive environment.
His early days in Dota 2 saw him competing under Ninjas in Pyjamas and other smaller organizations, learning to adapt and lead under pressure. It was during this period that he forged bonds with future Team Liquid teammates miCKe and Boxi, building the chemistry that would later define their synergy. Moving from HoN’s niche landscape to Dota’s global arena tested Insania’s adaptability — but it also set the foundation for his reputation as a cerebral, unshakable captain.
Redemption Through Adversity – Insania retirement
Insania’s tenure with Alliance between 2018 and 2019 remains one of the most defining chapters of his career. The roster showed flashes of brilliance, yet their run was marred by one infamous moment — the “Gyrocopter incident” at The International 2019. A draft misclick resulted in an unintended hero pick that contributed to Alliance’s elimination, and the incident instantly went viral.
What could have been a humiliating end became a lesson in accountability. Instead of deflecting blame, Insania faced the criticism head-on — publicly taking responsibility, reflecting maturity far beyond the game itself. Fans and peers alike admired his humility, and that difficult moment reshaped his image from a young shot-caller into a captain capable of grace under fire. It was this resilience that paved the way for his rebirth under Team Liquid.
Six Years with Team Liquid – Insania retirement
When Insania and his core teammates joined Team Liquid in late 2019, the team embarked on a six-year run that would etch their names into Dota 2 history. Under his leadership, Liquid became known for their disciplined playstyle, strategic adaptability, and calm presence during high-pressure games.
His approach to leadership was a balance of empathy and structure — fostering trust among teammates while emphasizing long-term consistency over short-term gains. Together, the Liquid roster achieved remarkable results:
| Year | Event | Placement | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The International 9 | Early exit | “Gyrocopter incident” – humility and resilience |
| 2022 | The International 11 | 3rd Place | Peak of Liquid’s rebuild |
| 2024 | The International 13 | 1st Place | Lifted the Aegis of Champions |
| 2025 | PGL Wallachia | 1st (2x) | Closed career with back-to-back trophies |
By 2024, Team Liquid had reached the pinnacle of Dota 2 — lifting the Aegis and solidifying their place among the greats. The following year, Insania guided his roster to two PGL Wallachia titles, sealing his farewell tour with class. Beyond results, his leadership off-stage became equally vital — mentoring younger players, refining draft strategies, and maintaining team morale through thick and thin.
His partnership with Nisha in particular symbolized the modern evolution of Western Dota — tactical precision guided by trust and respect. For Liquid fans, this six-year era was more than a string of achievements; it was a testament to what measured leadership can accomplish in esports.
Official Retirement
The announcement came via Team Liquid’s official channels in early October 2025. The organization paid tribute to its long-time captain with a heartfelt statement: “Few can say they’ve reached the peak while being loved by everyone they’ve met — Insania did both.”
Liquid confirmed that a formal tribute will follow, celebrating his achievements across two competitive titles and countless unforgettable matches. The timing of his departure also coincided with SabeRLight-’s loan to AVULUS, signaling the start of a transitional phase for Liquid’s Dota roster.
Across social media, tributes poured in from fans, pro players, and captains alike. Names like KuroKy, Puppey, and Tundra’s Nine shared their appreciation for his influence on Western esports. The sentiment was unanimous — Insania’s retirement marked the end of a chapter defined by intelligence, composure, and genuine sportsmanship.
A Lasting Legacy
Even as he steps away from professional play, Aydin “iNSaNiA” Sarkohi’s legacy continues to shape the Dota 2 ecosystem. His tenure stands as a model of leadership grounded in empathy and intellect — traits rarely seen in such competitive environments.
He is often compared to iconic captains like Puppey and KuroKy, not just for his longevity, but for his adaptability across metas and generations. Insania’s post-retirement path may involve coaching, casting, or analytical work — something he’s already hinted at during interviews.
For many, his impact extends beyond statistics or trophies. It’s in the way he inspired upcoming captains to lead with clarity and compassion. Whether through commentary, strategy breakdowns, or mentoring future players, Insania’s voice will remain a part of Dota 2’s ongoing story.
Conclusion: A Captain’s Farewell
From his early HoN roots to commanding one of the world’s most consistent Dota 2 teams, Insania’s journey embodies growth, humility, and redemption. His story reflects the evolution of Western Dota — built not on ego, but on teamwork and resilience.
While Aydin “iNSaNiA” Sarkohi may have retired from competitive play, his influence continues to echo through every draft room and every aspiring captain’s playbook. For the Dota 2 community, this isn’t just Insania retirement news — it’s a celebration of a leader whose calm, thoughtful approach changed how players view leadership in esports forever.
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