The Dota 2 world is in shock. Just two weeks before The International 2025 kicks off in Hamburg, Germany, one of the scene’s most dominant organizations, Gaimin Gladiators, has officially pulled out of the tournament.

For a team that won three Majors in 2023 and finished as TI runners-up in both 2023 and 2024, this isn’t just a withdrawal – it’s a historic implosion that’s left the community reeling.

The Valve Bombshell

Valve broke the news first, confirming that GG would not be attending TI14:

The Gaimin Gladiators organization informed us that they were withdrawing their team from The International. After talking with the invited players directly, we learned they were unable to come to an agreement with their organization. We are now in the process of finding a suitable replacement team.

Fans were stunned. Just hours before, Gaimin Gladiators were hyping their countdown to Hamburg on social media. Then – suddenly – the plug was pulled.

"Unluck": Watson’s Reaction

Carry player Alimzhan “Watson” Islambekov could only describe the decision with one word:

Unluck.

He dropped the cryptic message on Telegram, attaching Valve’s official statement. His tone – half disbelief, half frustration – only deepened the confusion.

Pro Players React – Outrage Across the Scene

The news sparked outrage and heartbreak among Dota’s biggest stars:

• Skiter: “Horrible news for the players, especially for Malady, who has never attended TI before.”
• Cr1t: “Not only have the players been working all year to participate in TI, but they have dedicated their lives to playing in this tournament. I feel so sorry for my friends on the team.”
• Blitz: “I have a lot of respect for GG and the players who were involved in all of these battles, but honestly – what the heck? If the org imposed this position, it would be the most shocking thing I have ever seen in pro Dota.”
• Fly: “I don’t know what had to happen between the parties for it to come to this, but it’s certainly painful to watch from the players’ perspective.”

The community consensus? The players are the victims of an organizational meltdown.

GG’s Dirty Laundry Spills Out

Former manager Oleg “Jak2oO” Porotnikov revealed grim details about the org’s inner workings:

• “For GG, it’s easy to break any contract terms retroactively. The main priority is money. No trace of human relationships – everything for profit.”
• He claims he was fired for absurd reasons, replaced by an unqualified acquaintance of the owner’s inner circle.
• Rumors swirled that GG even tried to force out coach CY, despite strong player support for him.

The former manager says tensions boiled over when GG asked the coach to help suppress player dissatisfaction. Instead, CY sided with the roster – fueling further conflict.

The Legal War – Players Trapped

According to sources, the Gladiators threatened to sue if the players tried to attend TI independently. Even after seeking legal help, the players were told the situation was blocked.

One insider put it bluntly:

The team has no opportunity to take any action. The org threatened lawsuits. GG – the worst organization.

Even the ex-manager says GG threatened to sue him personally if he revealed details of the org’s toxic environment.

A Shocking Fall From Grace

For a team that nearly lifted the Aegis twice, the collapse is nothing short of catastrophic. Once hailed as Dota’s most dominant force, Gaimin Gladiators now risk being remembered as the org that put contracts and control above its players’ dreams.

TI without Gaimin Gladiators is almost unthinkable – and yet, here we are.

Who Takes Their Spot?

Valve has promised to announce a replacement soon. All eyes are on OG, who placed 3rd in qualifiers and already hold valid visas. Many believe it would be poetic justice to see them step into the void.

But no matter who fills the slot, the damage is done – and the story of TI 2025 will forever be marked by the scandal that sent Gaimin Gladiators packing.

🔥 Final thought: This isn’t just an upset. It’s the biggest organizational meltdown in Dota history. TI is supposed to be about the players chasing glory, not lawsuits and boardroom drama. And right now, the entire scene is left asking: How could GG let it come to this?