The Gaimin Gladiators will not take part in the 2025 Internationals.

The Gaimin Gladiators were the first team to turn down an invitation to Dota 2's biggest tournament, The International.

The Gaimin Gladiators were one of seven teams to receive a direct invitation to The International 2025. Despite not having the best year in the team's history, Gaimin participated in almost every LAN tournament this season and remained in the middle of the pack based on results. They took part in the last two tournaments before the IT, finishing in the top eight at the Esports World Cup in July. It wasn't until this Friday, August 22, that they were eliminated from FISSURE Universe: Episode 6 in the group stage.

The countdown to Hamburg and The International begins," the Gaimin Gladiators wrote on their social media accounts immediately after their elimination from the Fissure tournament. "It's time to regroup and work hard for September!

Hours later, Valve announced the Gaimin's sudden decision to withdraw from The International 2025.

"On Sunday, the Gaimin Gladiators organization informed us that they will be withdrawing their team from The International. After speaking directly with the invited players, we learned that they were unable to reach an agreement with their organization that would allow them to participate. We are now looking for a suitable replacement.

According to Nick Cuccovillo, co-founder of the Gaimin Gladiators, "there are internal issues between the players and the organization that have made it impossible" for the Gaimin team to be promoted. Cuccovillo mentioned legal issues that prevent him from telling the full story.

Community reaction to the Gaimin Gladiators' departure from TI

Although none of the GG players have yet made an official statement, their teammates and stage colleagues have taken to social media to express their bewilderment at the news.

"The players not only work all year to compete in TI, they dedicate their entire lives to this tournament. I feel really bad for my teammates," wrote Andreas**"Cr1t-"** Nielsen, who will be fighting for a chance at the Aegis this year with Team Falcons.

Team Liquid coach William "Blitz" Lee called the decision "the most shocking thing I've ever seen in Dota" and a "big wake-up call".

Gaimin Gladiators' elimination from TI 2025 was the first in the tournament's 14-year history. The decision is all the more surprising considering that the team came second in the previous tournament.

Their replacements are likely to be announced in the next few days, so stay tuned to rdy.gg to find out more. The 2025 International Tournament kicks off on September 4 in Hamburg, Germany.