Tundra Esports makes roster change just three days before The International 2025

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 01/09/2025

UK-based organisation Tundra Esports has been forced into a last-minute change ahead of The International 2025.

Dota 2’s season-ending event will see 16 teams from around the world head to Hamburg, Germany, for the tournament, which is set to begin on Thursday, September 4th.

Originally, the Tundra Esports team included Matthew ‘Whitemon’ Filemon on the starting line-up, in the fourteenth edition of Valve’s season-ending annual tournament for the MOBA title.

However, it has now been revealed that Whitemon is unable to represent the organisation at The International 2025.

Why has Whitemon pulled out of the Tundra Esports roster ahead of The International 2025?

Tundra Esports revealed it had encountered ‘unforeseen complications in the visa application process,’ resulting in Whitemon being unable to represent the British organisation at The International 2025.

The organisation added: “Every attempt was made to secure Matthew his visa, however, extenuating circumstances outside of Tundra and Matthew’s control led us to this situation.”

Whitemon, in a video on X, said that he was disappointed to be missing the biggest event of the year.

He said: “As you probably already know, I won’t be going to The International this year. We did everything we could with the visa, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out this time.

“I’m sad that I’ll be missing the biggest event of the year.”

Whitemon, though, vowed to return to Dota 2 action with Tundra Esports to participate in their next tournament.

He said: “I will return to the team for the next tournament, but for now, I will enjoy The International as a fan alongside you. I will be cheering for my teammates, and I hope you will too.”

The late change is likely to have a knock-on effect on their odds of success with Dota 2 betting sites.

Who will fill in for Whitemon at The International?

Tundra Esports has confirmed that Tobias ‘Tobi’ Buchner will replace Whitemon at The International 2025.

The Austrian player in July won Fissure Universe 5 while representing Team Liquid.

Tundra Esports has revealed that Tobi has been practising as part of the team over recent days.

Other changes ahead of The International 2025

There was further drama ahead of The International 2025, after Gaimin Gladiators withdrew from the event just over a week ago, following a disagreement between players.

Valve confirmed the withdrawal on August 22nd, revealing that the invited players could not participate due to contractual disputes with their team.

Nick Cuccovillo, co-founder and president of Gaimin Gladiators, released a statement shortly after Valve’s announcement, confirming legal proceedings are underway.

He said: “I want to share that Gaimin Gladiators won’t be competing at TI this year. Some internal matters between the players and the organisation made it impossible for us to move forward with a roster.

“For now, I can’t go into more detail as there are legal considerations involved, but I’ll share more when I’m able to.”

Valve later announced that Yakutou Brothers as the replacement for Gaimin Gladiators at the event.

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Kieran Lynch is an esports journalist who writes about several games including EA Sports FC 25, Call of Duty, Rainbox Six Siege, and more. He previously worked as a sports journalist for MailOnline.

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