For the third consecutive year, Tundra Esports will enter The International with a last-minute roster replacement — a pattern that has become both a challenge and a hallmark of their Dota 2 legacy. Despite being one of the most consistent forces in the European scene, Tundra’s road to TI remains turbulent.
2025Germany, Hamburg, Barclays Arena
Team Falcons
Xtreme Gaming
PARIVISION2023: Saksa’s Health Issues Bring Topson Into the Fold
The instability started at TI12 (2023), when support veteran Martin “Saksa” Sazdov had to step down due to health concerns. The team turned to none other than Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen, a two-time TI champion. But despite the pedigree, the squad couldn’t click, and their journey ended in the 13th–16th place bracket — a tough pill to swallow for a team with championship aspirations.
2024: Visa Drama for 9class, Saksa Returns
At TI13, it was 9class who missed the event due to visa complications. In a poetic twist, Saksa — recovered and ready — rejoined the team as his replacement. This time, Tundra rallied behind their returning support and carved out an impressive run to finish in 3rd place, marking their best performance since lifting the Aegis in 2022.
2025: Whitemon Out, Tobi Steps In
As The International 2025 approaches, the instability continues. Indonesian support Matthew “Whitemon” Filemon will not be attending. While the exact reason remains undisclosed, Tundra has announced his replacement: Austrian offlaner Tobias “Tobi” Buchner.
Tobi is no stranger to the Dota 2 scene, having represented teams like Entity and Alliance. Known for his adaptability and consistent performance, his debut under the Tundra banner will mark a notable shift — especially since he’s stepping into a support role traditionally held by Whitemon, one of Tundra’s most reliable pieces this season.
A Trend of Disruption
Let’s break it down:
- 2023: Saksa out → Topson in → 13–16th finish
- 2024: 9class out → Saksa in → 3rd place
- 2025: Whitemon out → Tobi in → TBD
Three years. Three stand-ins. While Tundra continues to prove their resilience, consistent disruptions at the world’s biggest Dota 2 event pose an undeniable disadvantage. Chemistry, preparation, and stability — all vital at TI — have been luxuries this squad hasn’t had.
Eyes on Shanghai
The International 2025 heads to Shanghai, China, where the best teams in the world will clash for the coveted Aegis of Champions. For Tundra, it’s more than just another TI. It’s a chance to prove that adaptability can beat adversity — that even in chaos, greatness is possible.
Will Tobi’s experience help Tundra maintain their form? Or will the recurring pattern of instability finally catch up to them?
Gaimin Gladiators: The Fallout Continues
Meanwhile, another bombshell shook the Dota 2 world: Gaimin Gladiators officially pulled out of The International 2025. What initially looked like a mutual decision quickly spiraled into a public dispute.
Source: Official GaiminGladiator X/Twitter. Edited photo
Mid laner Quinn “Quinn” Callahan went public, stating that the players were “ready, willing, and able” to compete under the Gaimin banner — but the organization allegedly blocked them. He cited “outstanding issues” that led the roster to seek legal representation and blamed the club for a unilateral withdrawal.
Gaimin Gladiators, in turn, issued a statement citing an inability to meet TI’s roster compliance rules due to proposed changes from the players’ camp. They emphasized the legal sensitivity of the matter, promising a more detailed update in due time.