In the often-intense world of professional esports, a touch of humor can sometimes be the most potent way to address a serious setback. This was certainly the case for Alimzhan “Watson” Islambekov, the celebrated carry for the Dota 2 powerhouse Gaimin Gladiators. Following the unexpected news of his team`s absence from The International 2025, Watson, known for his sharp gameplay, offered an equally sharp, albeit deeply ironic, response during a recent livestream.
Responding to a viewer`s playful demand to “Play Dota, why CS?”, Watson`s reply cut through the disappointment with a perfectly timed quip:
“Dota? Why play that game? I have a new discipline now. I`m going to Team Spirit as a rifler.”
The Unforeseen Absence from Dota 2`s Pinnacle Event
While Watson`s humor was infectious, it stemmed from a significant and unfortunate development. On the night of August 23rd, the esports world learned that Gaimin Gladiators, a team widely recognized for their dominance in recent Dota 2 circuits, would not be competing at The International 2025 (referred to by some as TI14, though official event branding typically updates annually). Valve, the developers behind Dota 2 and organizers of the prestigious tournament, cited an inability for the club and its players to agree on the terms of participation. This contractual deadlock led to the withdrawal of Gaimin Gladiators, leaving a substantial void in the tournament roster.
For a team that has consistently performed at the highest echelons of competitive Dota 2, missing The International – the game`s annual championship with life-changing prize pools and unparalleled prestige – is a bitter pill to swallow. Watson`s jest, therefore, can be seen as a classic coping mechanism, a lighthearted deflection from a truly frustrating professional hurdle. It`s a candid glimpse into the human side of competitive gaming, where even the most stoic professionals resort to humor when faced with circumstances beyond their immediate control.
Team Spirit`s Roster — An Ironic Target
The choice of Team Spirit as Watson`s hypothetical new home was no accident. Team Spirit is a formidable name, not just in Dota 2, but also in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), where their CS2 roster is renowned for its skill and tactical prowess, particularly amongst its riflers. This specific, highly successful CS2 team provided the perfect backdrop for Watson`s comedic pivot, underscoring the absurdity of a top Dota 2 carry suddenly switching to a completely different discipline and a different powerhouse organization. It`s a witty nod to the hyper-competitive nature of esports, where talent is often transferable, but a direct jump of this magnitude is practically unheard of.
The International 2025 Moves Forward
With Gaimin Gladiators` slot unexpectedly open, Valve quickly moved to fill the vacancy. The organizers announced that the Chinese collective Yakutou Brothers would take their place, ensuring the integrity of the 16-team tournament format.
The International 2025 is set to unfold in Hamburg, Germany, from September 4th to September 14th. The event promises fierce competition as the 16 qualified teams battle for a prize pool exceeding $1.9 million, a sum that continues to grow, fueled by sales of team-specific merchandise and caster bundles. While Gaimin Gladiators` absence will undoubtedly be felt, the show, as they say, must go on.
In an ecosystem where success and failure are constantly under scrutiny, Watson`s ironic statement serves as a reminder that even in professional esports, a healthy dose of perspective and a well-placed joke can be just as valuable as perfect last-hitting or pinpoint headshots. Perhaps his “new discipline” is not CS2 after all, but rather the art of navigating adversity with a smile.
Finley Holt