Gabe Newell: “People talk sh*t to me in chat, but I still play Dota every day”

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At The International 2025, it was Gabe Newell‘s humorous and dry sense of humor that drew the most attention, reminding attendees once more about his daily dedication to playing Dota 2, emphasizing his enduring passion for the game.

At The International 14, Gabe Newell, the head honcho at Valve, captivated the crowd with his stirring opening ceremony address. Year after year, the President’s speech titled “Welcome to the International” has been a cherished tradition that persisted through the audience-less COVID-19 pandemic version of TI110 in 2020 as well.

In this paraphrase, I’ve aimed to maintain the original meaning while making it more accessible and engaging for readers.

As we approached 2025, I, a dedicated fan, found myself eagerly anticipating Gabe Newell’s opening address. With his signature deadpan expression, he shared his unwavering affection for Dota 2, a love that remained steadfast even in the face of the occasional critic or hater.

Gabe Newell – Welcome to the International (2025)

14 years back, we organized the inaugural International event in Cologne, Germany. For me, that initial International was remarkable. It was truly remarkable to witness the talent of the players and the passion of the fanbase. Following that International, my affection for the game significantly increased.

Beyond simply enjoying the game itself, it’s the community that truly captivates me. Admittedly, there are moments when players in chat hurl harsh words my way, like calling me a ‘noob’ or suggesting I should uninstall the game and go away. However, I view these instances as expressions of their passion for the game, and the fervor they exhibit. That’s why, after all this time, you can find me playing Dota every single day.

We’re back in Germany once more, ready for more excitement and festivities. Oh boy, this is going to be a blast! (in German) To all the Dota enthusiasts who have been with us since the beginning, those who’ve joined later, and anyone new tuning in – welcome to The International!

It’s widely known that Gabe Newell, a co-founder of Valve, has a deep affection for the game Dota 2. In fact, during an interview with him, one of his employees stated that Gabe Newell’s unofficial slogan could be, “Why bother playing any other game when Dota 2 is available?”

Gabe Newell has consistently shown support towards Dota 2 enthusiasts throughout the years, demonstrating this through various fan-friendly gestures. For instance, in 2017, he launched his own announcer pack for the game. This year, during The International 14, his welcoming comments were met with great enthusiasm and quickly gained widespread popularity.

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2025-09-11 18:41