The International is famous for surprises, and this year is no different. Just two weeks before the start of The International 2025, the Gaimin Gladiators shocked the community by announcing their withdrawal. The sudden vacancy sparked speculation across the Dota 2 scene about who might take their place. Now we have an answer: The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers will step in as replacements, marking their debut under this name at the world’s most prestigious Dota 2 event.
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For the Yakutou Brothers, this is not just a last-minute invitation — it’s a golden opportunity to carve their name into history. For fans, it reshapes the entire storyline of the Hamburg tournament.
Why The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers Replaced Gaimin Gladiators
The withdrawal of Gaimin Gladiators created one of the biggest shocks leading into The International 2025. Known as one of the most consistent Western squads, their absence leaves a competitive gap. While rumors suggest internal disputes and organizational issues, the confirmed outcome is clear: their spot needed filling.
Valve chose the Yakutou Brothers as the replacements, now widely known as The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers. Instead of running another qualifier, Valve maintained tradition by inviting a stable, battle-tested team with recent Tier-1 experience. Their proven consistency made them the most logical choice to keep the event balanced.
Who Are The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers?
Although the name might sound new, the Yakutou Brothers are no strangers to the Dota 2 scene. Formerly known as the “Yakult Brothers,” they’ve been competing together since late 2024, gradually building momentum. Their rebrand coincides perfectly with their sudden entry into International 2025 Dota 2 storyline.
Their roster is filled with veteran stars and hungry talents:
| Role | Player | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Mid Lane | Zhou “Emo” Yi | Former Invictus Gaming star, TI10 Top 4 |
| Safe Lane | Jin “flyfly” Zhiyi | Key player in IG’s TI10 Top 4 finish |
| Offlane | Xiang “Beyond” Zhenghong | Competed at TI 2024 with Team Zero |
| Soft Support | Chan “Oli” Chon Kien | Veteran support, TI10 Top 4 with IG |
| Hard Support | Ye “BoBoKa” Zhibiao | TI 2022 Top 4 with Team Aster |
This combination makes the The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers both dangerous and unpredictable. They’re not rookies chasing luck — they’re experienced professionals seeking redemption.
Track Record of The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers
Before securing this dramatic TI invite, the Yakutou Brothers were steadily earning respect. Their consistent performances throughout the year make the International 2025 Yakutou Brothers a team to watch:
- Top 6 at BetBoom Dacha Belgrade and DreamLeague Season 25 proved they can battle the world’s best.
- Top 6 finishes at BLAST Slam II and DreamLeague Season 26 underlined their consistency across multiple events.
- Reputation for strong laning phases, sharp teamfight execution, and disciplined strategies.
Although they haven’t yet claimed a Tier-1 title, the The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers enter Hamburg on the brink of a breakthrough.
Why Not OG? The Case for The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers
When Gaimin Gladiators’ withdrawal was announced, fans speculated that OG might fill the slot. However, OG’s recent struggles — including a reported $3.3M debt and inconsistent tournament results — left them in no position to step up.
By contrast, Valve’s decision to bring in the The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers prioritizes stability and readiness. With experience, form, and logistics in their favor, they were the practical and competitive choice over struggling legacy organizations.
A New Chinese Challenger: The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers
The entry of the Yakutou Brothers has major regional implications. Their inclusion means that three Chinese teams will now compete at TI 2025, suggesting a potential resurgence for China in international Dota 2.
For players like Emo and BoBoKa, the The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers offer a chance to reaffirm their elite status. For rising names like Beyond, this is the stage to prove they belong among the best. Their mix of veterans and youthful energy gives them a unique dynamic heading into Hamburg.
The Road Ahead for The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers
International 2025 Yakutou Brothers now have just days to finalize their strategies before stepping into the spotlight in Hamburg from September 4–14. The Swiss-format group stage will test their adaptability immediately, pitting them against giants like Team Spirit, Team Liquid, and PSG.LGD.
Their mission is twofold:
- Prove that the The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers can go toe-to-toe with the world’s elite.
- Carry the hopes of Chinese fans eager for a return to the glory days of Dota 2 dominance.
The replacement of Gaimin Gladiators with the The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers is more than just a roster change — it injects fresh storylines and intrigue into Dota 2’s biggest event. While some lament the absence of GG, others see this as the perfect underdog tale: veterans and new blood uniting under a fresh banner, with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Whether the The International 2025 Yakutou Brothers bow out early or shock the world with a deep run, their presence ensures TI 2025 will be one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent memory.
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FAQs
1.Who are the Yakutou Brothers in The International 2025?
The Yakutou Brothers are a Chinese Dota 2 team, formerly known as the Yakult Brothers, featuring veteran players like Emo, flyfly, Oli, Beyond, and BoBoKa.
2.Why are the Yakutou Brothers playing in The International 2025?
They were officially added to the roster after Gaimin Gladiators unexpectedly withdrew from the tournament just two weeks before the event.
3.What are the Yakutou Brothers’ chances at The International 2025?
They are considered underdogs but dangerous ones, with a solid track record in Tier-1 tournaments and veteran players who know how to handle high-pressure matches.