Daxak Maps Out Coaching Route

Published October 8, 2026

Nikita “Daxak” Kuzmin has said he does not want to return to professional Dota 2 as a player, outlining a different route back toward competitive work through coaching. The former esports player discussed his position during BETBOOM Streamers Battle 15, where the interview was conducted before the tournament had finished. His central message was not a retirement announcement from all competitive involvement: he said playing again does not appeal to him, while coaching responsibilities remain part of the work he expects to pursue.

Daxak framed that choice as a matter of what he wants to do rather than a claim that he has stopped caring about Dota 2 competition. He described being a player as too draining for him, but did not rule out contributing in another capacity. Instead, he said he would need to make progress gradually by working with younger players and taking on pupils. That distinction matters because it places his stated ambitions beyond streamer events without presenting a confirmed return to a team, a coaching appointment or a timetable. His route remains an intention, not an announced deal.

A coaching path, not a playing comeback

The obstacle Daxak identified was his reputation. He said it prevents him from joining strong teams as a coach, which is why he described a slower route through developing younger talent. He did not name any prospective organisation, player or roster, and he did not say that a coaching role had already been agreed. The interview therefore offers a clear direction for his ambitions, but no confirmed destination. His comments also draw a line between the demands of professional play and the work he still sees for himself. Daxak said he would have to handle coaching tasks even though he does not want to be a player. In practical terms, his stated plan is to build credibility through pupils rather than wait for an immediate opening with an established team. That is the key development from his remarks: he is describing a gradual coaching route, not signalling an imminent return to the professional player pool.

BETBOOM Streamers Battle 15 provided the setting for a wider discussion about adapting to streamer tournaments. Daxak said his early appearances were difficult because he initially wanted a more conventional level of play. After starting to win at such events, he said he learned that he needed to adapt: plans and drafts had to fit the environment, and teammates needed to listen at least to some extent. He also distinguished these events from tier-one and tier-two Dota 2, saying that players tend to use what they know and that simpler heroes and easier execution give a better chance of working. Those observations explain why he can participate in the format while still separating it from the competitive role he wants to pursue through coaching.

What Daxak said shapes that plan

Daxak’s account was not limited to career direction. He also addressed the attention around his teams in streamer tournaments, saying that criticism is unpleasant and arguing that his points allocation is too low. He referred to allegations involving a carry player’s MMR and said the player had provided accounts and proof while never having been in esports. Those are Daxak’s own views on the controversy, rather than a settled ruling on tournament scoring. He also said that a large amount of conflict around streamer events is performed for the audience. In his explanation, remarks he repeats in games are not necessarily evidence that he hates someone; he described them as content. That context helps distinguish his public tournament persona from the longer-term professional objective he described.

• Career direction: Daxak said he does not want to resume work as a professional player, while expecting to pursue coaching tasks.
• Entry route: He said he intends to work gradually with younger players and pupils because he believes his reputation limits access to strong teams.
• Status of the plan: No team, student, coaching contract or start date was announced in the interview.

Interview topic	Daxak’s stated position
Streamer-tournament adaptation	He said simpler heroes and easier execution are more likely to work in that environment.
Team communication	He said it is important that teammates listen at least to some extent, even if they do not understand everything.
Long-term motivation	He said he wants recognition and wants to achieve more, rather than treating streamer-event victories as the main goal.

Daxak’s most concrete career message was a rejection of a straightforward playing comeback, paired with an intention to seek influence through coaching and younger talent. He also said recognition matters to him and that he wants to achieve more. For now, however, the interview stops short of confirming a new role or organisation. His next competitive chapter, as he described it, is a gradual effort to create one rather than an announced return already in motion.