Russia's CS2 stars Team Spirit withdraws from IEM Melbourne

    Just a week before IEM Melbourne gets underway, Team Spirit has withdrawn from the event under a cloud of secrecy.

    Team Spirit wins IEM Katowice Team Spirit wins IEM Katowice

    The Counter-Strike 2 event is set to begin on 21 April, with the Grand Final taking place on 27 April. Teams are competing for a $300 00 prize pool.

    "Team Spirit have withdrawn from IEM Melbourne on Friday, April 4th and will no longer be competing in the tournament," read an ESL statement.

    "Complexity accepted our invitation and we're excited to see them return down under after their Grand Final appearance at IEM Sydney 2023."

    The Russian esports organisation provided no detail as to why they have withdrawn from the event. Russian esports portal cybersport.ru claims the team cited health reasons, but failed to mention which players were ill.

    "We had plans to play in Melbourne, but unfortunately, health issues got in the way and forced us to cancel the show," said Team Spirit as per the portal.

    “It's very unfortunate, but health always comes first.”

    Team Spirit won IEM Katowice in December 2024, defeating FaZe Clan 3-0 in the grand final.

    The tournament will be streamed live on ESL's official Twitch and YouTube channels next week.