Fishman Unveils TORPEDALOL for October Qualifier

Published October 3, 2026

Dmitry “Fishman” Polishchuk has introduced TORPEDALOL, a new five-player Dota 2 lineup built for an open qualifier on October 3 and 4. He will play alongside iLTW, BAXA, Palantimos and so bad, with the group competing for access to a tournament carrying a $50 thousand prize pool. The announcement confirms a short-term competitive test, but it does not yet establish a permanent organisation, contract structure or guaranteed place in the main event.

The roster combines players with different kinds of recent experience. iLTW is listed as the carry and, according to Fishman, has taken a leading role in replay reviews. BAXA brings a broad hero pool and a willingness to use unconventional item builds. Palantimos adds another experienced core option, while so bad contributes drafting, calling and coaching knowledge. Fishman completes the team from support.

Those descriptions came from Fishman’s own introduction and should be read as the captain’s view of the lineup, not an independent ranking of each player. They are still useful because they reveal the intended division of labour. TORPEDALOL is not presented as five names assembled without a plan: replay analysis, drafting and in-game communication already have identified contributors.

The qualifier is the first real measurement

TORPEDALOL will debut in the open qualifier rather than enter the tournament through a direct invitation. That distinction keeps expectations grounded. The announced prize pool belongs to the competition the team is trying to reach; it is not money already secured by forming the roster. Results on October 3 and 4 will determine whether the lineup advances beyond its first public appearance.

A qualifier also tests more than individual mechanics. The group must prepare drafts, define lane priorities and make decisions under elimination pressure with limited official match data. Fishman’s comments suggest iLTW will help organise review work and so bad will add strategic input, but the announcement does not specify who has the final call during matches.

The name and playful player descriptions give the project a streamer-team tone, yet several members have extensive professional backgrounds. That creates an interesting but verifiable question: can the group turn experience into a coherent system quickly enough? It would be premature to describe this as Fishman’s permanent return to a full professional season before the players confirm plans beyond the qualifier.

The roster also avoids claiming an organisation that has not been announced. TORPEDALOL is the competing tag, while the reviewed reports do not name a club owner, salary agreement or longer tournament calendar. Preserving that boundary prevents a qualifier lineup from being reported as a completed organisational signing.

Clear roles matter more than the novelty of the name

The most substantial part of the announcement is not the tag but the early assignment of responsibility. Replay work, drafting ideas and broad hero coverage can shorten preparation if every player accepts the structure. The risk is equally clear: a mixture of experienced voices can create overlap unless the final decisions are simple.

The open qualifier will supply evidence that the announcement cannot. It will show which lanes receive priority, how the team responds after a lost map and whether its strategic voices complement one another. Until then, TORPEDALOL is a confirmed five with a confirmed first event and an unconfirmed future.

• iLTW will play carry and lead parts of the replay-review discussion.
• BAXA is valued for hero variety and unconventional item choices.
• Palantimos joins as another experienced core player.
• so bad contributes drafting, calling and coaching experience.
• Fishman completes the lineup from support.

Player	Announced role or contribution	Confirmed next step
iLTW	Carry and replay review	October 3–4 qualifier
BAXA and Palantimos	Core options	October 3–4 qualifier
so bad and Fishman	Strategy and support	October 3–4 qualifier

TORPEDALOL has enough experience to make its debut worth watching, but its status should remain precise. Fishman has announced a real roster and a real qualifier; qualification, permanence and organisational backing still have to be earned or confirmed.