Gabe Newell kicked off The International 2025 with a candid reminder that even the most recognizable figures in gaming aren’t immune to the realities of online play. In a pre-recorded message aired during the opening ceremony, the Valve co-founder and president—better known as GabeN—told fans that he still queues for Dota 2 regularly and gets flamed about once a week with messages like “hey noob, uninstall the game.” The lighthearted confession set the tone for an event that celebrates elite skill, passionate fandom, and the unpredictable magic that happens when they collide.
The International 2025, the 14th edition of Dota 2’s premier championship, opened on September 11 at Hamburg’s Barclays Arena in Germany. With around 100,000 viewers tuning in online for day one, the tournament wasted no time delivering high-stakes action as Xtreme Gaming faced Tundra Esports in one of the opening matchups. Sixteen top teams are fighting through a double-elimination playoff bracket after a tense group stage that began on September 3, all building toward the grand finals on September 14.
This year’s prize pool has climbed past $2.6 million. Valve seeded the event with a $1.6 million base, while the community added another $1 million through the in-game Compendium—once again underscoring how central fan support is to Dota’s biggest stage.
Newell’s message, delivered from what looked like a yacht, mixed nostalgia with humor and appreciation. He reflected on the very first International, held 14 years ago in Cologne, and how that moment transformed his relationship with Dota 2.
“Fourteen years ago, we held the first International in Germany. For me, that first International was awesome. It was awesome to see the skill of the players and the enthusiasm of the community. Before the first International, I really enjoyed the game. But after The International, I loved the game. It’s not just the game I love, but the community. Sure, people talk s**t at me in chat, and about once a week, people say, ‘hey noob, uninstall the game.’ But that’s really about their enthusiasm, and the energy that they bring, and that’s why, after all these years, I still play Dota every day. Now, we’re back in Germany once more to cheer and celebrate again. Oh man, this is going to be so much fun. To all the Dota fans who’ve been with us from day one, to those of you who’ve joined us along the way, and to any of you who are tuning in for the first time, welcome to The International.”
The speech resonated because it captured what makes Dota 2 unique: the intensity of its community. Newell emphasized that the occasional harsh words are just part of the high-energy culture that keeps the game vibrant and competitive, and he made clear that he still plays daily at age 62.
Despite his immense wealth—built largely from Valve’s Steam platform and iconic franchises like Half-Life—Newell remains deeply connected to gaming as a hobby. Earlier this year, he shared that he had completed STALKER 2 four times and was deciding what to play next, a small detail that reinforces his gamer-first ethos.
With The International returning to Germany, the stage is set for a memorable finish. The double-elimination format promises dramatic lower bracket runs, strategic masterclasses, and highlight-reel plays as teams battle for the Aegis of Champions. Whether you’ve followed every TI since the beginning or you’re discovering the spectacle for the first time, TI 2025 is delivering what fans have come to expect: world-class Dota, a passionate global audience, and moments that remind everyone—from casual players to industry legends—why this game still commands so much love.
