Insania retirement : Aydin “iNSaNiA” Sarkohi’s retirement from professional Dota 2 isn’t just another roster update—it’s the quiet end of an era that shaped how fans and players perceive what true leadership looks like in esports. For years, Insania stood as the emotional core of Team Liquid, guiding a team of individual stars into one of the most cohesive rosters in the scene.
When Team Liquid confirmed his departure in October 2025, the announcement carried a weight that few others could. This wasn’t about performance dips or behind-the-scenes drama. It was about time, growth, and a captain’s choice to step aside while still at his peak—a decision that defines his legacy just as much as any trophy.
From Humble Beginnings to a Champion’s Mindset – Insania retirement
Before his name became synonymous with Liquid’s calm, structured playstyle, Insania was a prodigy from the Heroes of Newerth circuit. His early success in HoN earned him a reputation as one of the sharpest minds in the game, but it was his transition to Dota 2 that tested his adaptability and patience.
His early stints with Ninjas in Pyjamas and Alliance showed glimpses of brilliance, but it wasn’t until 2019—after the infamous “Gyrocopter incident” at The International 9—that Insania truly evolved. The mistake, which led to Alliance’s elimination, could’ve haunted anyone. Instead, Insania turned it into fuel, showing resilience and humility that later defined his captaincy.
| Career Stage | Team | Year(s) | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career | NiP / Alliance | 2016–2019 | Learned leadership through adversity |
| Peak | Team Liquid | 2019–2025 | TI 2024 champion, 3rd at TI11 |
| Transition | Retired | 2025 | Ended on a high after back-to-back Wallachia wins |
Each stage of his career reflected growth—not just in skill, but in how he carried himself as a leader.
What Made Insania’s Leadership Unique
Insania’s leadership wasn’t loud. It wasn’t built on ego or dominance. It was built on trust, communication, and calmness, qualities that allowed Team Liquid to weather pressure that would break most teams.
- Emotional Stability: Insania’s calm drafting room demeanor became legendary, often steadying teammates in tense playoff series.
- Analytical Precision: His drafts balanced meta relevance with player comfort, leading to Liquid’s consistent performance across seasons.
- Player-Centric Philosophy: He nurtured talent instead of dictating it, helping teammates like miCKe and Boxi reach their full potential.
His influence was particularly visible during The International 2024, where Liquid’s disciplined team play and strategic flexibility propelled them to their first Aegis victory under his leadership.
Why His Retirement Feels So Personal – Insania retirement
Unlike most esports retirements, Insania’s doesn’t stem from burnout or controversy—it comes from a place of clarity. In interviews, he expressed gratitude for the game and the community but admitted he wanted to explore new paths while he still “loved competing.”
For fans, that honesty resonated. Insania’s farewell reflects a maturity rarely seen in professional gaming: the decision to step down before decline, to celebrate an ending rather than mourn it.
Team Liquid’s statement perfectly encapsulated this sentiment: “Few can say they’ve reached the peak while being loved by everyone they’ve met. Aydin is one of them.”
What Comes Next for Team Liquid and the Dota Scene – Insania retirement
Insania’s departure leaves a significant void in Liquid’s leadership structure. The organization has already begun its soft rebuild, especially after SabeRLight-’s loan move to AVULUS, and fans are speculating who might inherit the captain’s mantle.
Analysts suggest that players like miCKe or Nisha could step into more prominent leadership roles, while others believe Liquid might recruit a seasoned in-game leader from within Western Europe’s deep talent pool. Regardless, the team’s DNA—built on synergy and calm—will continue to carry traces of Insania’s influence.
Across the Dota 2 ecosystem, his retirement also raises questions about the next generation of captains. With legends like Puppey, KuroKy, and now Insania nearing or past their competitive peaks, a new era of leaders must emerge—ones who blend tactical innovation with emotional depth.
Closing Thoughts: A Leader Who Left the Game Better
Insania’s retirement isn’t just about stepping away—it’s about defining how to do so gracefully. His career arc—from the heartbreak of TI9 to the triumph of TI2024—showed fans that leadership in esports isn’t about being flawless, but about learning, growing, and inspiring along the way.
Even off the stage, his presence will continue to shape the Dota 2 community. Whether as a coach, analyst, or mentor, Insania’s next chapter seems poised to mirror the same quiet brilliance that defined his playing days.
In the end, Insania’s story reminds us that real captains don’t just win games—they leave legacies.
