Just a day after confirming its withdrawal from The International 2025, Gaimin Gladiators has become the center of a growing controversy. The announcement came less than two weeks before the event, and now mixed statements from the organization and its players have fueled confusion about what really happened.
On Aug. 23, Gaimin Gladiators released an official statement, claiming that its players wanted to compete independently from the GG brand.
“Despite our best efforts, the team’s representatives communicated the players’ preference to compete independently,” the org said. “Due to rules governing roster changes, we could not guarantee an eligible lineup. Under these circumstances, withdrawing was the only option.”
The statement suggested that GG explored forming a new roster, but Valve’s restrictions on roster changes during the competitive season made that move impossible. The organization also confirmed ongoing legal proceedings, promising a “full and transparent update” once allowed.
However, this narrative was challenged by Quinn Callahan, one of GG’s players. In a detailed response, Quinn revealed that the players had no role in the decision to pull out.
“There are some outstanding issues between us and Gaimin Gladiators that required legal counsel,” Quinn said. “That being said, the decision to withdraw from The International was made unilaterally by Gaimin Gladiators.”
Quinn added that the players had “explicitly communicated” in writing that they were “ready, willing, and able” to play under the GG banner, but the organization allegedly refused.
