TI12 Heartbreak: Gaimin Gladiators’ Quinn reflects on loss and the conditions they needed for glory

Quinn “Quinn” Callahan, the renowned mid-player for Gaimin Gladiators, came really close to lifting the Aegis of Champions at Dota 2’s The International 2023 (TI12). However, he and his team had to settle for second place after a devastating 3-0 loss to the dominant Team Spirit in the Grand Final. Quinn has since reflected on their loss, claiming that they would have taken first place — if only someone else had defeated Team Spirit.

“If Spirit would have been a little bit worse, or someone else would have knocked them out, we would have won TI12 for sure,” said Quinn. “But Spirit was just next level. I don’t think us winning the Majors really impacted us. Like, you win the Major and then you figure out other heroes, and then you are good with other heroes. If you are only good at one way of playing Dota, that’s kinda being lame. But Spirit is just very very good.”

Recap on TI12 Grand Finals

Gaimin Gladiators really didn’t look in control in the Grand Final and only showed potential for victory in a single game. Their journey to the finals, though, was a remarkable show. After losing to Talon in the seeding decider, they found their spot in the Lower Bracket of the Main Event. They were absolutely dominant here, however, and cruised through into the final with back-to-back victories.

Team Spirit, on the other hand, secured their second Aegis and winnings of $1.4 million. Their first victory came in 2021 against LGD Gaming in Bucharest, marking this win as another significant achievement in their career and the second two-time champions in history.

Perspective from TI12 Viewers

Despite the final results suggesting a shortfall by GG in the crucial moments, the reality was more complex.

GG had a difficult start in the group stage, resulting in an early placement in the risky lower bracket. Nonetheless, they fought valiantly to reach the TI12 grand finals, almost claiming the title of Lower Bracket Champions by defeating Team Spirit.

In the quarter and semifinals, GG impressively defeated Azure Ray and LGD Gaming, two strong Chinese teams that had demonstrated exceptional performance throughout TI12. GG’s victories in these matches were significant and unexpected.

Gaimin Gladiators’ Road Ahead

For Quinn and the Gaimin Gladiators’ supporters, the vision of becoming International 12 Champions remains an unfulfilled aspiration. However, their performance in 2023 showcases their strength as a long-term team, with potential for continued success in the upcoming season.

I’m looking forward to the future and next season!
Much is unclear but one thing is for certain:@dyrachyoo @ccncdota2 @AceDota @tOfuDota2 @cydota2 and me will try our best to make magic happen again! Can we win 66% of all (T1)tournaments again? No idea, but we can at least try!

— Melchior Hillenkamp (@Seleri4096) November 4, 2023

The team’s positive outlook and commitment to stay together despite massive post-TI12 roster shuffles across the scene suggest they may have a promising future, as perfectly iterated by Melchior “Seleri” Hillenkamp, GG’s team captain. TI13 could potentially be the tournament where Gaimin Gladiators make their mark in Dota 2 history.