Mike "miCKe" Vu, the carry player for Team Liquid, spoke about his reaction to Aydin "iNSaNiA" Sarkohi's decision to retire from professional Dota 2. In an interview with ESL, miCKe described the emotional aftermath of the departure and reflected on the broader impact the game has had on him personally.
Asked whether iNSaNiA's exit made him consider retiring as well, miCKe admitted the moment was extremely emotional and left him uncertain about the future. He said that when iNSaNiA left, he did not know whether he should continue playing or take a break. Playing without his longtime teammate felt strange to the point that he ‘‘didn’t feel like himself,’’ he explained, and for a while he was simply trying to figure out what to do next while staying with the rest of the roster.
On the question of whether Dota 2 has changed his life, miCKe answered in the affirmative. He acknowledged having sacrificed a great deal to make a living from the game and said that the experience altered many aspects of his life, largely for the better. According to him, competitive Dota helped him mature, reshaped his outlook, and left him deeply grateful for what the game has given him.
Aydin "iNSaNiA" Sarkohi announced his retirement from professional play in October 2025, following The International 2025. Sarkohi represented Team Liquid for six years; throughout that period he and miCKe were teammates. Notably, Team Liquid won The International 2024 during their time together.
At the time this article was published, Team Liquid was still competing at DreamLeague Season 28, an online event running from February 16 to March 1, with a total prize pool of one million dollars. Coverage and updates on the tournament are available on Cybersport.ru.