Whitemon to Miss TI 2025 — Replaced by Tobi

August 30–31, 2025 — Valve has officially confirmed that Tundra Esports support player Matthew “Whitemon” Philmon will not take part in The International 2025. The news appeared in the latest Dota 2 client update. The reason for his absence has not been disclosed, though media reports suggest possible visa issues.

Replacing him in the lineup will be Austrian offlaner Tobias “Tobi” Buchner, best known for his time with ViKin.gg and Entity.

Tundra Esports roster for TI 2025:

• Carry: Crystallis
• Mid: bzm
• Offlane: 33
• Support: Saksa
• Support (position 5): Tobi
• Coach: MoonMeander

The International 2025 will run from September 4–14 in Germany, making this roster change especially critical right before the tournament begins.

Tobi’s Career

Tobias “Tobi” Buchner, born December 20, 1996, in Austria, is considered one of the most experienced offlaners on the European scene.

• Began his career in 2019 with Six Eight Two (682), where he first competed in TI qualifiers.
• Joined ViKin.gg (2019–2020), winning SECTOR: MOSTBET DOTA 2 Season 1 and securing strong placements at ESL One Los Angeles 2020 (Online) and multiple regional events.
• From 2021, he played for Entity Gaming, where he achieved his biggest successes: victory at DPC WEU 2021/2022 Tour 1: Division II, a top-6 finish at PGL Arlington Major 2022, and a spot at The International 2022, finishing 9–12th.
• Across his career, he has played in 460+ professional matches, participated in about 72 tournaments, and claimed 9 titles.
• His total career earnings are estimated at $231,000, with more than half coming under the Entity banner.
• He made history as the first Austrian player ever to qualify for The International.

Outside of Entity and ViKin.gg, Tobi has also represented Ghost Frogs, Creepwave, PSG Quest, and MOUZ, winning several regional competitions. In 2023, he reached the 15,000 MMR milestone, confirming his strong individual skill.