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Dota 2 Roster Shuffle 2025: All Major Roster Moves post-TI (Week 3)
We’ve reached the third week of the post-TI Dota 2 Roster Shuffle, and this phase has brought plenty of reversals. After the initial wave of announcements and unexpected signings, things have started to calm down..
The biggest changes this week came from China, with Xtreme Gaming and Vici Gaming both unveiling revamped lineups. Meanwhile, Virtus.pro, Talon Esports, and Wildcard Gaming all made notable adjustments or withdrawals.
Dota 2 Roster Shuffle of the Week
Xtreme Gaming: Bringing Back the Rubick Master
Xtreme Gaming was the first Chinese organization to stir the scene this month, confirming roster changes in the midlane and soft-support positions. Guo “Xm” Hongcheng and Zhao “XinQ” Zixing both exited the team, leaving only two players from the TI 2025 lineup.
In their place, the organization brings back legendary support Xu “fy” Linsen, returning to professional Dota 2 after more than a year of hiatus since Azure Ray went inactive. Alongside him, Yap “xNova” Jian Wei joins replacing Poloson. This duo is expected to form a solid support foundation with lots of experience in international events.
Finally, Cheng “NothingToSay” Jin Xiang — formerly of Team Tidebound — arrives to fill the midlane role, bringing vast experience and versatility. For many fans, the return of fy — one of Dota 2’s most iconic Rubick players — is a highlight of this year’s Dota 2 Roster Shuffle.
Team Nemesis: A Brief Appearance
Team Nemesis made headlines earlier this year after a surprising showing at The International 2025, where they challenged Team Falcons in the group stage with an impressive show of strength. However, just weeks later, the organization announced the departure of both of its hard-support players, James “Erice” Guerra and Pang “ponyo” Sze Xuan.
To stabilize the roster, veteran player Carlo “Kuku” Palad has stepped in as a stand-in hard support. While traditionally an offlaner, Kuku has made the "Ceb transition" in an attempt to stabilize this roster. The position-five role remains officially open, but Kuku could very well take it permanently in the future if the chemistry works out
Wildcard Gaming: Taking Another Step Back
Wildcard Gaming has once again withdrawn from the Dota 2 competitive scene following The International. After finishing 11th, the organization released its entire roster. However, the players will continue competing together under their previous name, Apex Genesis.
VP.CIS: Gone With the Wind
Virtus.pro made one of the strangest moves of the week. After announcing a second roster under the VP.CIS banner, the organization disbanded it within days. Most of the players were released, while Serenada was moved to VP.Prodigy. The team didn’t even compete in any qualifiers before being dissolved.
This quick reversal puzzled many fans, as Virtus.pro had just re-entered the spotlight of the Dota 2 Roster Shuffle with hopes of rebuilding its regional strength. Instead, it seems the experiment was short-lived, and the organization is now refocusing on its main squad, competing on Western Europe instead of their traditional Eastern European approach.
Flipster Talon Esports: Walking Back Decisions
Another headline this week came from Southeast Asia. Flipster Talon Esports initially announced the signing of Nuengnara “23savage” Teeramahanon, alongside Q and Oli, but that deal quickly fell apart. 23savage later revealed on social media that he was looking for a new team, implying that things didn’t go as planned internally.
Offlaner Chung “Ws” Wei Shen also left the team, though his case was quite different — he would later be revealed as part of Vici Gaming’s new roster.
Vici Gaming: Returning From Retirement
Perhaps the biggest and most surprising announcement this week came from Vici Gaming. The Chinese powerhouse unveiled a completely new roster filled with familiar faces, returning legends, and Dota stars. Lou “Lou” Zhen takes up the carry role, while Guo “Xm” Hongcheng joins from Xtreme Gaming as the midlaner. The offlane will be handled by Chung “Ws” Wei Shen, who makes the jump from Talon.
The support duo unites Xiong “Pyw” Jiahan — returning from hiatus since Azure Ray went inactive — and Ding “Dy” Cong, who comes back from retirement after briefly playing during The International 2025 Qualifiers. This new lineup signals China’s serious preparation for the next International, which will be hosted in Shanghai in 2026
Closing Thoughts
This week’s Dota 2 Roster Shuffle felt like a wave of second thoughts across the competitive scene. Organizations and players alike seem to be re-evaluating their decisions from earlier announcements. Virtus.pro’s CIS experiment was scrapped, Talon reversed its signing of 23savage, and Xtreme Gaming brought fy back to the stage.
The ongoing shuffle illustrates how unpredictable the Dota 2 off-season can be. China in particular seems to be taking a proactive approach, reviving legendary talent while testing new combinations. If this trend continues, the region could re-emerge as a powerhouse ahead of the 2026 International in Shanghai.
As the dust settles, fans can look forward to even more announcements in the coming weeks. To stay updated with the latest roster changes, metagame trends, and tournament results, visit the Strafe news section!
Featured Image Source: Twitter and Weibo