I don’t see much chance for Spirit here, but this is TI, and we all know its magic - Maelstorm about the Spirit vs 1win match

Commentator Vladimir 'Maelstorm' Kuzminov shared his expectations from the first day of the playoffs of The International 2026 in his personal telegram channel.

[Published with the original spelling and punctuation preserved]

First, the opening ceremony awaits us; for those who decide to get up at 5, get up at 4. Welcome to The International, orchestra, dances, songs, teams. In general, if you are not going to sleep, then watch it!

Match of the day in the morning. For me, the obvious favorite here is IW, despite the obvious weaknesses in the mid (just kidding, who is even weaker here) and 4th position. IW are on the rise and are finding new strategies and heroes, the only ones who play on the regular with carry Wisp. In general, I don’t see any special chances for Spirit here, but this is Int and we all know his magic, we have all seen Yatoro and what not me does. My prediction, though, is IW.

If in the first pair I see a favorite, then in this one the favorite is obvious to everyone. Only a miracle will help BB, but Vision is in an incredible zone, I can't imagine who can beat them in the tournament.

The most unobvious pairing. At the time of the end of the groups, Liquid were stronger, especially considering that their offlaner found himself on Int. BUT! Yandex are looking for themselves and over the past days they have been able to find what they were unable to do at the beginning of the groups, namely, their game. If nothing changes, then Liquid will be taken away, but I believe that Yandex will change the game and win.

Easiest for the Falcons.

Previously, Nix, Panto, Leamare, Fishman and Ryzhaya shared their forecasts for the main stage of The International 2026.