"Because of him, I decided to end my career", — EternaLEnVy about Yatoro

22.03.2026

311

4 min.

Former esports player Jacky EternaLEnVy Mao said that the key factor behind his decision to end his career was the performance of Illya Yatoro Mulyarchuk at The International 2021. He shared this in the podcast of Maurice KheZu Gutmann.

Mao noted that after watching the Team Spirit carry play at the main tournament of the year, he realized he could no longer compete at the highest level:

My goal was to become the greatest player. When I saw how Yatoro played at TI, I thought: that's it, it's over. After his performance at TI10, I realized it was all done.

According to EternaLEnVy, it was not about a single match or moment, but a combination of factors, including Mulyarchuk’s approach to the game, his versatility, and constant improvement:

It was not one game, but everything combined: his approach, his work ethic before and after tournaments, involvement in drafts, and willingness to play all heroes. I realized it would be extremely hard to keep up with a player like that. Plus his age — at that time Yatoro was one of the youngest players.

EternaLEnVy began his career in 2012. During that time, he won The Shanghai Major 2016, finished second at The Frankfurt Major 2015, and also placed 5-6 at The International 2014. In the summer of 2022, he announced his retirement.

Recall that Team Spirit became the champion of The International 2021, earning more than $18,000,000. Two years later, the team secured a second world championship title at The International 2023. Yatoro remains part of the roster and is currently competing at ESL One Birmingham 2026, which will take place from 22.03.2026 to 29.03.2026.

The main stage of the tournament will be held from 27.03.2026 to 29.03.2026 at BP Pulse Live arena in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Sixteen teams will compete for a $1,000,000 prize pool and 35,460 EPT points. You can follow the tournament in our report.

Earlier, Cyberscore reported on Yatoro’s interview, where he spoke about his return from inactivity and offers from other teams.