Two prominent Dota 2 teams of Eastern Europe - Navi Junior and Virtus.pro (VP) - have suddenly withdrawn from the regional qualifying round of The International (TI) 2025, according to the announcement from the PGL tournament organizers. Both teams did not give an official reason for the decision to refuse to attend the Dota 2 annual world championship.

Navi Junior confirmed to withdraw from the qualifying round on May 18, then Virtus.pro also announced the withdrawal on May 21. This is the first time since participating in the professional DOTA 2 arena in 2012, Virtus.pro was absent in a qualifying period or final round.

With Navi Junior, they are likely to withdraw due to internal conflict. According to Valve's regulations, the two teams of the same organization are not allowed to attend the TI. Navi has announced the main squad from the beginning of the year and may have decided to prioritize the main team instead of the youth team, although Navi Junior played actively and somewhat more prominent in the last season.

After the withdrawal of the two teams, the 2025 TI qualifier in Eastern Europe will add two teams from the open qualifying round. A total of six teams from the open qualifying round will join four teams directly invited, Aurora Gaming, Natus Vincere, One Move and L1ga Team, the only painting.

The open qualifying round will take place from May 31 to June 3, then the regional qualifier from 4/6 to 8/6.