Photograph by Sebastian Pandelache through PGL
Aui_2000 is just not able to let this go with out attending to the underside of it.
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Recent from guiding Crew Falcons to championship glory at The Worldwide 2025, Aui_2000 has continued to press Gaimin Gladiators for an evidence after their stunning withdrawal from the event simply weeks earlier than it started.
The Canadian veteran, now the primary particular person in Dota 2 historical past to assert three TI titles—one as a participant and two as a coach—has made it clear that the group owes each its gamers and the broader group solutions for what has change into one of the vital controversial tales in aggressive Dota.
Aui_2000’s phrases carry weight not simply due to his new title, however due to his historical past. He gained TI5 as a participant with Evil Geniuses, TI11 as a coach with Tundra Esports, and now TI 2025 with Falcons, cementing his legacy as the one three-time winner.
Recalling his personal expertise of being faraway from EG simply days after lifting the Aegis of Champions in 2015, he acknowledged, “I’ve by no means seen one thing on this degree the place the org is stopping gamers from going to TI,” making clear that this case represents a disturbing precedent.
The controversy took root when Valve confirmed Gaimin Gladiators had knowledgeable them of their withdrawal. Of their announcement, Valve revealed that direct conversations with the invited gamers confirmed they’d been “unable to return to an settlement with their group that might permit them to take part.”
That narrative was rapidly challenged when GG’s mid-laner Quinn spoke out, stating that “the choice to withdraw from The Worldwide was made unilaterally by Gaimin Gladiators” and stressing that the gamers had “explicitly communicated in writing” their readiness to compete.
The dispute escalated as extra voices entered the talk. Crew Liquid coach Blitz stated the situation may very well be “the weirdest factor I’ve ever seen” if the claims have been correct. Aui_2000, nevertheless, pushed additional, condemning what he described as poor management and organizational failure. His perspective is tough to dismiss, given his observe file of putting up with and overcoming related moments of mismanagement up to now.
Gaimin Gladiators co-founder Nick Cuccovillo later defended the choice, arguing that the gamers themselves had requested to terminate their contracts to compete independently, forcing the group to withdraw. He countered Quinn’s claims by stating that the gamers didn’t have interaction with the proposed settlements and reiterated that GG acted inside Valve’s guidelines.
At the same time as he celebrates his personal milestone, Aui_2000 has chosen to make use of his elevated platform to spotlight what he sees as a serious risk to participant rights and aggressive integrity. His third championship has amplified his authority, and greater than having fun with his new achievement, he’s demanding accountability from one of the vital high-profile organizations within the Dota 2 scene.
Aui_2000’s criticism serves as a reminder that the tasks of esports organizations prolong past contracts and branding: they’re custodians of aggressive equity. His stance underscores how even in moments of triumph, the well being of the broader ecosystem stays a precedence for many who helped construct it.
