Esports Weekend Review: Team Spirit victorious again, Karmine Corp beaten, Team Falcons exit Dota 2

Jon Nicholson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 07/09/2026

September’s esports action is well underway, with several high-profile tournaments taking place across the world. Whether it’s Counter-Strike, League of Legends, or VALORANT, the first weekend of the month had it all. 

Team Spirit emerged victorious at BLAST Open Porto 2026, Karmine Corp’s flawless LEC Summer 2026 run came to an end at the hands of G2 Esports, and Team Falcons bid farewell to the Dota 2 scene. 

With attention now turning to season-ending events like VALORANT Champions and Worlds, we look back at the biggest moments from this past weekend of action.

Team Spirit wins BLAST Open Porto 2026

With several teams in contention, BLAST Open Porto 2026 was shaping up to be the most open Counter-Strike tournament of the year so far.

Ultimately, it was Team Spirit who shone at the Super Bock Arena. Across the entire event, the Esports World Cup 2026 champions dropped only one map, cementing their place at the top of Valve’s first-person shooter. 

To nobody’s surprise, Danil ‘donk’ Kryshkovets once again showcased his incredible rifling skills, adding yet another MVP award to his collection thanks to a dominant 1.4 tournament rating. 

DONK’D#BLASTPremier @donk1337 pic.twitter.com/hbJIOtXeeJ

— BLAST Premier 💥 (@BLASTPremier) September 6, 2026

Despite MOUZ completing an incredible comeback from 11–4 down on Mirage, Team Spirit weren’t fazed.

They responded with a dominant 13–3 win on Ancient before Andrey ‘tN1R’ Tatarinovich took centre stage on Nuke, with his clinical spray control helping prevent a MOUZ comeback. He finished with a map-high 18 frags, a 1.70 rating, and a 96.5 ADR, delivering huge impact as Spirit closed out Nuke 13–6 to secure the series.

Priced at 10/3 (4.33) by the UK betting sites, Team Spirit entered the tournament with a 23.1% implied probability of lifting the trophy. While the bookies favoured other teams, Spirit showed why they’re now in the conversation to be the best CS team on the planet.

Superb spray control 🤤 #BLASTPremier @tN1Rcs pic.twitter.com/ydJk6GbNGA

— BLAST Premier 💥 (@BLASTPremier) September 6, 2026

Karmine Corp’s LEC Summer 2026 win streak ends

After a flawless LEC Summer 2026 Regular Season, Karmine Corp headed into the Playoffs as the team to beat. The Blue Wall’s Playoff campaign began with a 3–1 victory over GIANTX. Kim ‘Canna’ Chang-dong dominated the four-game series from the top lane, ending with an 18/8/19 scoreline.

THE GAME-WINNING PENTAKILL FOR @CANNAXDXD pic.twitter.com/Zr886nNGwu

— LEC (@LEC) September 5, 2026

In addition to booking their place in the Upper Bracket Final, Karmine Corp’s victory over GIANTX also secured qualification for the World Championship. 2026 marks the first time the French organisation will compete at the season-ending tournament. Can the Blue Wall stand tall on the big stage?

A tantalising battle with G2 Esports pitted two European powerhouses against each other. Hall of Legends inductee Rasmus ‘Caps’ Winther opened the best-of-five with a quadra-kill on Viktor, taking complete control of the Rift. 

At one point, the series was so evenly matched that one bookmaker priced both teams at 17/20 (1.85), giving each an equal 50% fair probability of victory and suggesting there was little to separate the two sides.

THE QUADRA FOR CAPS pic.twitter.com/vPrdtpfLE8

— LEC (@LEC) September 6, 2026

Steven ‘Hans Sama’ Liv took centre stage in game two on Yunara. A KDA of 12/1/6 guided G2 Esports to match point, putting Karmine Corp on the verge of their first defeat of the Summer Split. The Blue Wall bounced back with a vengeance in game three.

Martin ‘Yike’ Sundelin’s Qiyana made the difference, creating plenty of side-lane pressure and combining effectively with Rumble in skirmishes.

Caps returned to his trusty Tristana for game four to great effect, finishing with 18,293 champion damage. The midlaner also proved pivotal in an early teamfight, earning kills and assisting teammates as G2 prevented Karmine Corp from establishing control.

massive teamfight for @G2League! pic.twitter.com/DoUUgRQP8i

— LEC (@LEC) September 6, 2026

G2’s superior lane control eventually resulted in another win, securing a 3–1 series victory to bring Karmine Corp’s incredible undefeated streak to an end. While the G2 army marches on to the Grand Final, Karmine Corp aren’t done yet. If they’re able to win the Lower Bracket Final, a rematch could be on the cards.

Team Falcons bow out of Dota 2

Outside of the notable tournaments taking place, another story grabbed the headlines. Team Falcons, The International 2025 champions, announced their departure from the Dota 2 esports scene. 

Over the past three years, the Saudi Arabian esports organisation has become a mainstay of Valve’s MOBA title, winning numerous tournaments in addition to the coveted Aegis trophy. 

Official Statement – بـيـان رسـمـي https://t.co/pnQTyxfHTd pic.twitter.com/k4GH1uk2pp

— Falcons Esports (@FalconsEsport) September 6, 2026

The organisation said the decision followed a strategic review, with its global focus shifting towards esports ecosystems that offer greater strategic alignment and long-term operational sustainability.

As one of Dota 2’s biggest names, Team Falcons’ departure is concerning for the wider scene. If a team that’s more than capable of splashing the cash doesn’t want to field a roster, what does the future hold for one of the longest-running competitive scenes?

Jon Nicholson, Freelance Writer

Jonno is a veteran esports journalist with over a decade of experience in covering the world of competitive gaming. Since starting in 2014, he’s covered the biggest events for outlets including Esports Insider, GGRecon, Gfinity, and Siege.GG. When he’s not writing, he can be found sim racing with varying degrees of success.

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