In the volatile world of competitive Dota 2, even recent triumphs offer no guarantee against the ever-present threat of roster instability. Fresh off a successful run that included a major tournament win and a coveted spot at The International 2025, Chinese powerhouse Team Tidebound now finds itself at the epicenter of swirling rumors suggesting the imminent departure of two key players: offlaner Zhang “Faith_bian” Ruida and position four support Lin “pLAnet” Hao.
The Weight of a Potential Farewell
The most impactful of these whispers concerns Faith_bian, a name synonymous with high-level Dota 2 play. Reports from well-connected Chinese sources indicate that Faith_bian is contemplating a significant break from professional competition. More alarmingly, during a recent interview, he reportedly hinted that this could even signify a permanent farewell to the pro scene. For a player of Faith_bian`s caliber, whose strategic acumen and consistent performance have been hallmarks of multiple successful teams, such a decision would send ripples throughout the entire Dota 2 ecosystem, especially within the fiercely competitive Chinese region.
A Team on the Brink?
Adding to Tidebound`s potential woes, the rumors suggest that pLAnet, the team`s reliable position four support, is also on his way out. This information, initially shared by the “Мюсли китайские” Telegram channel and corroborated by none other than Yakult Brothers` midlaner Zhou “Emo” Yi, paints a grim picture for the team. If both Faith_bian and pLAnet indeed depart, Tidebound would be left with a mere two players and their coach, a skeleton crew in a game that demands five dedicated competitors.
Success Interrupted: A Familiar Narrative
The irony of the situation is palpable. Team Tidebound`s current roster, assembled in January 2025, quickly found its stride. They showcased their prowess on the grandest stage, participating in The International 2025, and clinched a significant victory at the Clavision DOTA2 Masters 2025: Snow-Ruyi. These are not the hallmarks of a struggling team, but rather a squad that had just begun to carve out its identity and claim notable victories.
However, the seeds of instability were arguably sown earlier. In October, midlaner Cheng “NothingToSay” Jin Xiang, another pivotal member, transitioned to Xtreme Gaming, leaving a gaping hole in Tidebound`s core. The team had yet to officially announce a replacement for NothingToSay, meaning that if the current rumors hold true, Tidebound would be facing not one, but two or even three vacant roles—a daunting prospect for any organization.
The Future of Tidebound: A Question Mark
Amidst the uncertainty, there`s a glimmer of potential change. Emo`s insights suggest that Tidebound`s assistant coach, Li “niu” Kongbo, might step into the competitive arena to fill Faith_bian`s shoes. While coaches occasionally transition to player roles, such a move during a major roster overhaul would undoubtedly present its own set of challenges and require a significant adjustment period.
The Chinese Dota 2 scene is notoriously dynamic, a ceaseless cycle of ambitious team formations, spectacular ascensions, and often, abrupt dissolutions. Team Tidebound`s recent success, it appears, was merely a fleeting moment of calm before the storm of the inevitable roster shuffle. As the community awaits official announcements, the fate of Tidebound hangs precariously in the balance, a stark reminder that in esports, the only constant is change.
Rupert Fairfax 
Jasper Hawthorne