The post-TI 2025 Dota 2 roster shuffle has claimed another casualty, with North American organisation Wildcard Gaming officially disbanding its Dota 2 roster. The decision came as a surprise to fans, especially after the team’s impressive showing at The International 2025, where they stood out as one of the region’s most promising squads.

Even the best stories have to come to an end 💔

Today we say goodbye to our Dota 2 roster and whish them only the best going forward 🃏 pic.twitter.com/YwKxoO6WJV

— Wildcard (@Wildcard_GG) October 2, 2025

Wildcard’s journey in Dota 2 has been anything but straightforward. The organisation first entered the scene in 2022 but stepped away the following year after Valve shut down the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). However, in January 2025, Wildcard made a comeback by signing the Apex Genesis roster, a team made up of rising North American talents hungry to make a mark.

Despite being relatively new, the roster quickly climbed the ranks in North America, finally breaking Shopify Rebellion’s long-standing dominance and securing the region’s sole spot at The International.

For most of the players, TI 2025 marked their debut on the world stage. Wildcard’s squad exceeded expectations, advancing through the Group Stage and outperforming teams like BOOM Esports, Team Nemesis, and Natus Vincere. Though their journey ended in the Elimination Round against powerhouse PARIVISION, their 9th–13th finish was an impressive feat for an underdog roster that had only been together for a few months.

With Shopify Rebellion’s exit from Dota 2 earlier this year, Wildcard seemed poised to become North America’s leading force in the competitive scene. That’s why the organisation’s decision to part ways with its entire roster has raised eyebrows. Even more confusingly, the team had already qualified for DreamLeague Season 27 under the Wildcard banner before being released.

As of now, Wildcard hasn’t clarified whether it plans to stay involved in competitive Dota 2 or exit the scene altogether.

Thankfully, this isn’t the end for the players themselves. According to former manager stresspresso, the roster will stay together and continue competing under their old banner, Apex Genesis. The team has already registered for PGL Wallachia Season 6 and DreamLeague Season 27, as well as upcoming qualifiers for BLAST Slam 5.

Here’s the current Apex Genesis Dota 2 roster:

• Luke “YamSun” Wang
• Francis “RCY” Fundemera
• Victor “Fayde” Zuev
• Danil “Bignum” Shekhovtsov
• Paul “Speeed” Bocchicchio

While Wildcard’s exit marks another blow to the struggling North American Dota 2 scene, fans can take comfort knowing the players aren’t done yet. With Apex Genesis back in action and momentum still on their side, the squad’s next chapter might be just as exciting as their unexpected rise.

The post Wildcard Disbands Dota 2 Roster After Promising Season, Players Reform as Apex Genesis appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Team Spirit’s Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk wasted no time making headlines at The International 2025, opening his campaign with a Rampage that left fans and opponents stunned.

In Spirit’s very first series of the tournament, Yatoro locked in Shadow Fiend for their opener against Wildcard. While his teammates had already set the pace and built a commanding lead, the Ukrainian carry saved his fireworks for the final clash. As Wildcard desperately tried to mount a last-ditch push, Yatoro cut them down one by one, securing all five kills and completing a Rampage that forced the North American squad to immediately surrender.

What makes the moment even crazier is that Yatoro only had three kills up until that point, with two deaths and five assists to his name. Then, with one explosive teamfight, he turned a quiet performance into one of the most talked-about highlights of the tournament.

Team Spirit Show No Mercy

The Rampage wasn’t the only statement Spirit made. After the fireworks in Game One, the reigning two-time Aegis champions absolutely dismantled Wildcard in the rematch, ending it in just 22 minutes with a brutal 23–1 scoreline. The stomp showed why Spirit are once again considered one of the favourites to claim The International title.

Image via DLTV.org

Image via DLTV.org

Fans and analysts quickly rallied behind Yatoro and his squad after the Rampage clip went viral. For many, the highlight was proof that Spirit’s star carry is locked in and ready to hunt for a third Aegis of Champions.

The International 2025 Has Only Just Begun

Held in Germany from September 4–14, this year’s The International 2025 features the world’s best battling for a prize pool starting at $2.3 million. With heavyweights like Team Spirit in prime form from the very start, the road to the Aegis is already heating up.

For Yatoro, this Rampage wasn’t just a flashy moment, it was a message. If Spirit are going to make another run at the Aegis, their carry is more than ready to lead the charge.

The post Team Spirit Yatoro Rampage Kicks Off The International 2025 In Style appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

After nearly three years of battling through the Dota 2 pro scene, Shopify Rebellion has officially called it quits. The Canadian esports org, once seen as North America’s last hope, is stepping away after a long stretch of near-misses, roster swaps, and crushing defeats.

“We found ourselves in so many promising positions, only to have our hopes slip through our fingers,” said Dario “TLO” Wünsch, CEO and co-founder of Shopify Rebellion.

Years of Promise, But No Breakthrough

In 2022, Shopify made its debut in Dota 2 with a stellar squad and huge hopes. The team never quite achieved the necessary results, even though they advanced far in events and qualifiers.

The breaking point came in July 2025, when Shopify lost the NA TI Qualifier grand final to Wildcard Gaming, despite Wildcard receiving a draft penalty. It was their last shot at The International 2025, and it slipped away.

Rather than rebuild yet again, the org decided it was time to pull out.

An update regarding our time in Dota 2 pic.twitter.com/6Eqt6HSqOE

— Shopify Rebellion (@ShopifyRebels) July 30, 2025

Players Now Free Agents

The final roster is now released and open to offers:

• Enzo “Timado” Gianoli
• Erin Jasper “Yopaj” Ferrer
• Cedric “Davai Lama” Deckmyn
• Kirill “Hellscream” Lagutik
• Andrei “skem” Ong
• Kanishka “BuLba” Sosale (Coach)

Image Credit: Shopify Rebellion

Some of these names still carry major weight, and fans are hoping to see them return under new banners.

Is This Goodbye Forever?

Not necessarily. In his farewell, Wünsch called this a “hiatus” and left the door open for a return.

“I’ll always keep an eye on Dota. For now, you can bet I’ll be right there with you, cheering on my favourite players during TI.”

Final Verdict

Shopify Rebellion’s Dota 2 chapter ends not with a bang, but with a sigh. For now, they’ll focus on other titles like VALORANT, Rocket League, and more, but fans will always remember the fights and the heartbreaks from Shopify Rebellion’s Dota 2.

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