Prominent Dota 2 Players Headed to Controversial “Games of the Future 2025” Tournament

Several well-known Dota 2 personalities have confirmed their participation in Games of the Future 2025 — a move that has already sparked criticism within the esports community. Although this year’s event is being held in Abu Dhabi, its origins remain widely known: the tournament is organized under the umbrella of the Russian Ministry of Sport, and in 2024 the opening ceremony was attended by Vladimir Putin himself.

Despite this background, a number of high-profile figures from the Dota 2 scene are listed among the participants. The names include MinD_ContRoL, Topson, Ceb, N0tail, Gorgc, and AdmiralBulldog — players and content creators who have long enjoyed strong reputations and large followings.

For many fans, seeing such respected individuals associated with an event tied to Russian state structures feels deeply disappointing. Community discussions across social platforms reflect frustration and surprise, with some joking that after the tournament, the participants may as well “visit Putin’s bunker for a Dota session.”

Games of the Future 2025 is positioned as a hybrid event combining traditional sports and esports disciplines. However, due to its clear political ties, it remains controversial and widely criticized across international esports circles.