The former captain of Gaimin Gladiators, Melchior "Seleri" Hillenkamp, has officially announced his departure from the organization. The decision comes after a month of inactivity, which was originally described as a necessary break from Dota 2 due to burnout caused by the demanding schedule. The official announcement regarding this separation was made public by the organization.
In response to the announcement, Seleri expressed his gratitude towards the team but did not disclose any specific plans for the future. Back in March, he had assured his fans of his return post-break, citing that he still had unfinished business in the world of Dota.
Melchior "Seleri" Hillenkamp had been an integral part of the team's core lineup since 2021 when the squad was formed under the name Team Tickles, along with Ace, dyrachyo, and tOfu. The team quickly rose to prominence and enjoyed a successful run in 2023, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the competitive scene. Although the team's victory count decreased in the subsequent year, they managed to secure two grand finals appearances at The International and emerged victorious at the Riyadh Masters 2024.
Seleri's absence from the roster in February led to Kazakhstan's Arman "Malady" Orazbayev stepping in as a stand-in support player. While Malady has been filling in the role effectively, no official decision regarding his permanent addition to the lineup has been made. The upcoming event for the Gladiators is the FISSURE Universe Episode 4, scheduled to commence on March 22.
