Insider Report: OG Expected to Join The International 2025

The shock withdrawal of Gaimin Gladiators from The International 2025 (TI14) has left a vacant slot at the biggest Dota 2 event of the year. According to multiple insider reports, that spot will be filled by none other than OG, one of the most iconic organizations in Dota history.

The claim originates from the Telegram channel Thoughts of the pulse, where the author stated bluntly: “OG at The International — 100%.” The insider explained that OG were among the first teams to learn about Gladiators’ withdrawal and wasted no time in reaching out to Valve, the tournament’s organizer, to express their availability. While no official confirmation has yet come from Valve, the rumor has gained traction quickly, supported by statements from other figures in the Dota scene and subtle hints dropped by OG themselves.

How OG Positioned Themselves for the Invite

According to the insider, OG’s swift reaction to the Gladiators situation may have influenced Valve’s decision-making process. Upon hearing of Gaimin Gladiators’ internal issues and eventual withdrawal, OG reportedly contacted Valve almost immediately to signal their interest in taking the open slot. This proactive approach may have given them an edge over other contenders. Valve, known for valuing stability and organizational reliability, would likely prefer a team with a long-standing reputation and established fanbase. OG fits that profile perfectly: not only are they two-time winners of The International (2018 and 2019), but they also remain one of the most recognized brands in esports worldwide.

The team’s competitive record in 2025 also strengthens their case. OG finished third in the TI14 qualifiers, falling just short of securing a direct spot. That result placed them ahead of many other teams in contention and marked them as the most logical replacement should a slot become available. With Gaimin Gladiators stepping aside, OG appear to have been next in line.Following the withdrawal of Gaimin Gladiators, speculation swirled almost instantly about who would inherit their invitation. Many in the Dota community pointed to OG, noting their recent performances and their historical status as one of Valve’s most marketable teams.

These suspicions were further fueled when insider Bauyrzhan “lilskrip” Bisembaev, a controversial figure who is permanently banned by Valve but still well-connected within the scene, echoed the claim that OG had been selected. Despite his ban, lilskrip’s track record in leaking sensitive information has occasionally proven accurate, giving weight to his words.

Adding to the rumors, OG themselves posted cryptic content on social media shortly after the news of Gladiators’ withdrawal. While not explicitly confirming their participation, the post was interpreted by fans as a strong hint that the organization was preparing for TI14. Community discussions across Reddit, Twitter, and Telegram quickly rallied around the idea, with most agreeing that OG was the most fitting replacement.

What OG’s Return to TI Means for the Tournament

If confirmed, OG’s participation in The International 2025 would add an extra layer of excitement to an already unpredictable tournament. The organization’s history at TI is legendary. Their back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019, led by players such as N0tail, Ceb, and Topson, remain some of the most celebrated moments in esports history. Though the current roster, led by Daniel “Stormstormer” Schoetzau, is very different from the iconic championship-winning lineup, the OG brand still carries immense weight. For fans, seeing OG return to the TI stage — even under new leadership and with a younger squad — brings nostalgia and anticipation.

Their journey through the qualifiers showed both potential and areas for improvement. Finishing third demonstrated that the team was competitive but not yet at its peak. A direct invitation to TI14 now gives them another chance to prove themselves, this time on the biggest stage in Hamburg, Germany. For Valve, inviting OG also ensures the tournament retains one of its biggest crowd-pullers. Few organizations in Dota 2 can match OG’s fan engagement, and their inclusion guarantees heightened interest, both from live audiences and online viewership.