During a recent stream, Alimzhan "watson" Islambekov shared his observations on Quinn "Quinn" Callahan's conduct in Dota 2 matchmaking versus professional tournament settings. Islambekov noted a notable difference in the gameplay approach of the Gaimin Gladiators midlaner between the two scenarios.
In addition, Islambekov disclosed that he has been taking on a more vocal role within the Gladiators team. This newfound assertiveness marks a departure from his previous tendencies, which he acknowledged as a weakness during his time with other teams.
The decision to join the Gaimin Gladiators in early October 2024 raised eyebrows among analysts, who highlighted the contrast between Islambekov's reserved demeanor and the lively persona of Anton "dyrachyo" Shkredov. Speculation ensued regarding how well Islambekov, known for his introspective nature, would integrate into the team dynamics. Despite a less-than-stellar performance post-TI13, the team's struggles may not be solely attributed to Islambekov's presence, as a similar decline was witnessed in the previous season.