
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.
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.
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.
The news sparked outrage and heartbreak among Dota’s biggest stars:
The community consensus? The players are the victims of an organizational meltdown.

Former manager Oleg “Jak2oO” Porotnikov revealed grim details about the org’s inner workings:
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.
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.
I want to share that Gaimin Gladiators won’t be competing at TI this year. Some internal matters between the players and the organization made it impossible for us to move forward with a roster. For now, I can’t go into more detail as there are legal considerations involved, but… https://t.co/g5W1hcuDvF
— GG | Nick Cuccovillo (@GGNickcvillo) August 22, 2025
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.
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?
Xaxas
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Xaxas
23.08.2025
23.08.2025