Gaimin Gladiators has firmly established itself as one of the leading names in Dota 2. After an incredible breakthrough year in 2022, the organization followed up with another successful season, solidifying its place in the competitive scene. However, as with the fate of many renowned teams, Gaimin Gladiators is now facing a challenging period, struggling to maintain the success they once enjoyed. 

What has led to this decline, and what steps can GG take to recover? In this article, we delve into the team’s journey - from their humble beginnings and rise to stardom, to their current phase of hardship. We aim to analyze what went wrong and explore how the team can form a path to recovery, all while reflecting on the journey of their history.

An Explosive Start: From Tickles to Gladiators

Gaimin Gladiators entered Dota 2 in February 2022 by acquiring Team Tickles, a squad already gaining attention in the competitive Western European scene. With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, the team’s original roster included  Anton "dyrachyo" Shkredov  ,  Miroslav "BOOM" Bičan  ,  Marcus "Ace" Christensen  ,  Erik "tOfu" Engel  , and Melchior "Seleri" Hillenkamp.

Despite being considered underdogs, Gaimin Gladiators made a strong impact in their first major tournament, the Dota Pro Circuit. They won the DPC Western European Regional Final, defeating top teams like Team Liquid, Team Secret, and OG, quickly catching the Dota 2 community’s attention.

Throughout the 2022 season, the team performed well, finishing fourth at ESL One Stockholm. However, their run at The International proved more challenging, resulting in a top 9-12 finish. This led to a roster change, with midlaner BOOM leaving the team on October 29.

Quinn Joins and Gaimin Gladiators Dominate

In December 2022, North American star  Quinn "Quinn" Callahan   made a big move, leaving his home region for the first time in years to join Gaimin Gladiators. Known as a strong midlaner, Quinn found his biggest career breakthrough with GG.

In 2023, Gaimin Gladiators dominated the scene, becoming one of the most feared teams in Dota 2. They claimed three Major championships, winning the Lima Major, ESL One Berlin Major, and Bali Major. They also triumphed in three other top-tier events: DreamLeague Season 19, 20, and BetBoom Dacha, bringing their total tournament wins for the year to six.

 By this point, GG was a powerhouse, widely regarded as the favorites heading into The International. However, as often happens, being the favorite didn’t guarantee victory. Gaimin Gladiators finished a strong 2nd place, but falling short of the championship was a disappointment. They lost to Team Spirit, who went on to secure their second TI title.

Gaimin Gladiators Hits a Wall

In 2023, Gaimin Gladiators had another strong year, winning the Riyadh Masters and securing a runner-up spot at The International. However, despite these achievements, internal conflicts seemed to arise. Just two weeks after TI, dyrachyo left the team, ending his three-year tenure with GG amid rumors of drama.  Alimzhan "watson" Islambekov   , a Kazakhstani pub star and former Cloud9 player, was brought in as his replacement.

Watson’s arrival, however, coincided with a decline in performance. GG struggled to secure podium finishes and even failed to qualify for major events like ESL One Bangkok, ESL One Raleigh, and PGL Wallachia Season 4. The team’s drastic drop in performance raised questions about the root cause.

Possible Factors of Performance Decline

BURNOUT

Gaimin Gladiators have been consistently at the top for a long time, and it's not surprising if the team is now feeling the effects of burnout. The past two years have been packed with back-to-back tournaments, leaving little time for rest.

The signs of burnout are becoming clearer, especially after GG's captain, Seleri, took a break from competing. The team placed him on the inactive roster to give him an extended break from Dota 2 due to the exhausting tournament schedule. Quinn supported this decision, emphasizing that Dota 2’s demanding nature can be mentally taxing, and prioritizing personal well-being is always the top priority.

STRUGGLES WITH ADAPTATION

The recent switch from dyrachyo to watson as the team's carry definitely impacted the team's performance - one way or another.  But it's important to remember that Dota 2 is a team game with many variables. Players may have better chemistry with some teammates than others, and their hero pools and playstyles may align more effectively with certain individuals.

Additionally, GG's roster had been together for over two years with dyrachyo, which means their synergy and strategies were well-established. With dyrachyo’s departure, the team lost that familiar dynamic, and rebuilding that chemistry will take time.

Looking Ahead

The rise and fall of teams is a common pattern in Dota 2 and most competitive environments. In a constantly evolving game that requires high stamina and discipline, players are prone to burnout and a loss of form.

Dota 2 is also a team-oriented game, where finding the right balance and synergy takes time. Gaimin Gladiators may need more time and space to adjust to the new player dynamics. The best approach for the team is to focus on long-term success. What GG is currently facing is likely the result of several factors, but there is always potential for a comeback. With time, they may very well bounce back, and we could see them rise again in the near future!