China’s Yakutou Brothers replace Gaimin Gladiators at TI14—here’s why they deserve the slot over OG

The wait is over, as Valve has finally confirmed that China’s Yakutou Brothers (formerly known as Yakult Brothers) is taking the vacant slot at Dota 2 The International 2025, stepping in for Gaimin Gladiators.

The decision comes after days of speculation and heated debates across Reddit and other Dota 2 community forums, with pros even weighing in on the issue.

While the announcement came as a surprise to many, especially European fans who expected OG to secure the invite, Valve’s choice makes competitive sense. Yakutou Brothers have shown strong form and bring fresh representation from China, adding another layer of intrigue to this year’s TI.

Much of the push for OG to inherit Gaimin Gladiators’ TI14 slot came from nostalgic Western fans rather than a fair competitive assessment. While sentiment leaned heavily toward OG, the broader community, especially on Reddit, kept pointing out that Yakutou Brothers had the stronger case, and the numbers back that up.

Looking at the stats, the difference is clear. OG failed to secure a single ESL Pro Tour (EPT) point across the entire season, while Yakutou Brothers hold fourth place in the EPT rankings among teams that hadn’t yet qualified. On performance alone, Valve’s decision aligns with competitive merit rather than regional preference.

Apart from that, Yakutou Brothers’ roster comes loaded with proven TI experience, featuring players who have already thrived on Dota 2’s biggest stage.

Jin “flyfly” Zhiyi, Zhou “Emo” Yi, and Chan “Oli” Chan Klein were key members of Invictus Gaming’s fourth-place finish at The International 2021, proving they can hold their own against the world’s best. Meanwhile, Ye “BoBoKa” Zhibiao showcased his consistency by helping Team Aster secure a top four spot at TI 2022. Adding even more depth, Xiang “Beyond” Zhenghong brings recent experience from TI 2024 with Team Zero, rounding out a lineup built on competitive resilience.

This isn’t a group of untested talents trying to make their mark, but more a squad of seasoned veterans who know the pressure, the intensity, and the mental toughness it takes to compete at The International. Fans can expect a team that’s not only skilled but also battle-hardened, with the mindset required to push deep into the tournament.

Valve’s replacement decision for The International 2025 wasn’t random, but rather followed a clear and logical hierarchy that many fans had already predicted. Given that Gaimin Gladiators earned their TI slot through EPT points rather than regional qualifiers, the fairest solution was to award the spot using the same system.

The process unfolded step by step. Talon Esports, the highest-ranked team without a TI invite, was initially offered the slot but was unable to accept it due to visa complications. Avulus, sitting second in line, was ruled out because they disbanded their entire roster merely hours before Valve’s announcement.

That left the Yakutou Brothers, ranked fourth in EPT standings, as the most viable candidate. The outcome wasn’t about regional favoritism but more about competitive integrity, and by that measure, Yakutou Brothers were the undeniable choice over OG.

The strongest case made for OG revolved around regional balance, arguing that a European team should naturally step in for another European squad. But that reasoning doesn’t hold up when you consider how GG secured their TI14 slot through global EPT rankings, not regional qualifiers. Valve’s decision aligns with the system in place, making Yakutou Brothers the fairer choice.

Their inclusion also shifts the competitive landscape in a way that reflects current realities. With Yakutou Brothers joining Xtreme Gaming and Team Tidebound, China now fields three teams at The International 2025. Given the region’s recent dominance on the global stage, this distribution feels earned rather than excessive. On top of that, Yakutou Brothers’ high-tempo, teamfight-driven playstyle gives them the kind of upset potential that OG, despite their legacy, might simply be unable to bring to the table with their current roster.