Fresh from guiding Team Falcons to championship glory at The International 2025, Aui_2000 has continued to press Gaimin Gladiators for an explanation after their shocking withdrawal from the tournament just weeks before it began.
The Canadian veteran, now the first person in Dota 2 history to claim three TI titles—one as a player and two as a coach—has made it clear that the organization owes both its players and the wider community answers for what has become one of the most controversial stories in competitive Dota.
Aui_2000’s words carry weight not just because of his new title, but because of his history. He won TI5 as a player with Evil Geniuses, TI11 as a coach with Tundra Esports, and now TI 2025 with Falcons, cementing his legacy as the only three-time winner.
Recalling his own experience of being removed from EG just days after lifting the Aegis of Champions in 2015, he stated, “I have never seen something on this level where the org is stopping players from going to TI,” making clear that this situation represents a disturbing precedent.
The controversy took root when Valve confirmed Gaimin Gladiators had informed them of their withdrawal. In their announcement, Valve revealed that direct conversations with the invited players showed they had been “unable to come to an agreement with their organization that would allow them to participate.”
That narrative was quickly challenged when GG’s mid-laner Quinn spoke out, stating that “the decision to withdraw from The International was made unilaterally by Gaimin Gladiators” and stressing that the players had “explicitly communicated in writing” their readiness to compete.
The dispute escalated as more voices entered the debate. Team Liquid coach Blitz said the scenario could be “the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen” if the claims were accurate. Aui_2000, however, pushed further, condemning what he described as poor leadership and organizational failure. His perspective is hard to dismiss, given his track record of enduring and overcoming similar moments of mismanagement in the past.
Gaimin Gladiators co-founder Nick Cuccovillo later defended the decision, arguing that the players themselves had requested to terminate their contracts to compete independently, forcing the organization to withdraw. He countered Quinn’s claims by stating that the players did not engage with the proposed settlements and reiterated that GG acted within Valve’s rules.
Even as he celebrates his own milestone, Aui_2000 has chosen to use his elevated platform to highlight what he sees as a major threat to player rights and competitive integrity. His third championship has amplified his authority, and more than enjoying his new achievement, he is demanding accountability from one of the most high-profile organizations in the Dota 2 scene.
Aui_2000’s criticism serves as a reminder that the responsibilities of esports organizations extend beyond contracts and branding: they are custodians of competitive fairness. His stance underscores how even in moments of triumph, the health of the broader ecosystem remains a priority for those who helped build it.