Wildcard disbands Dota 2 roster

Despite a promising run in the previous season, Wildcard has opted to release its Dota 2 roster.

The post-The International (TI) 2025 roster shuffle continues with the unfortunate release of Wildcard's Dota 2 roster. The team was North America's strongest competitor last season, claiming decent achievements despite being just formed months earlier. But the organisation has opted to part ways with its Dota 2 roster as we enter the 2025/2026 competitive season, marking another discouraging move in the already struggling region.

Wildcard's venture in Dota 2 started in 2022, though it shortly ended in 2023 after Valve discontinued the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). In January 2025, the organisation re-entered the scene by picking up the roster of Apex Genesis–comprising mainly emerging American players. Following the acquisition, the team made a slow yet fruitful rise to the top of the region. After months wrestling for the top position in North America, Wildcard finally overcame Shopify Rebellion's reign just in time to grab the sole regional slot at The International.

In what was the debut International for most of Wildcard players, the team impressively prevailed the Group Stage. They ranked above two Southeast Asia teams, BOOM Esports and Team Nemesis, and Western Europe's Natus Vincere. Advancing to the Elimination Round, Wildcard was paired to clash against the season's giants PARIVISION. Although they put up a decent fight, Wildcard took an inevitable loss and finished 9th-13th.

The result wasn't the best but it was more than promising for a team of underdogs. Following that performance, it's fair to assume that Wildcard was set to be North America's only powerhouse–especially after Shopify Rebellion's departure from the Dota 2 scene.

But the organisation has other plans as it surprisingly lets go of its roster. The decision also comes as a surprise as the team had been participating in the new season qualifiers as Wildcard, even winning a slot for DreamLeague Season 27.

Wildcard hasn't clarified whether it intends to stay in competitive Dota 2 or pull out of the scene entirely.

Former Wildcard players to find a new home

While the team's departure is heartbreaking, we will fortunately see the team continue their fight in future tournaments. The former manager of Wildcard, stresspresso, stated that the team will stick together and is now searching for a new organisation. As for now, the team has reverted to compete under their previous name Apex Genesis, already registered for PGL Wallachia Season 6 and DreamLeague Season 27.

Apex Genesis' Dota 2 roster is as follows: