Changes in Team Tidebound’s roster see coach bLink exit, while Yao returns to Dota 2’s mainstream after 4 years.
Team Tidebound has been known for having some of the Chinese Dota 2 players who took the world by storm. This includes ex-Wings Gaming members such as Zhang “Bach” Ruida and Zhou "bLink" Yang. Unfortunately, after a poor result at The International 2025, the team was destined to see some changes. However, nobody really expected one of these to be the return of Yao "Yao" Zhengzheng to the competitive Dota 2 realm, let alone Team Tidebound.
The old guard still stands strong as Yao joins Team Tidebound
While Team Tidebound’s 2025 results have not been stellar, the team has made some huge strides. Since joining the scene early in the year, TT took things step-by-step, eventually winning at the Clavision Masters 2025: Snow Ruyi shortly prior to TI. Although making some fantastic moves in Hamburg, Germany, they managed only seventh/eighth place. Shortly after this, on October 1st, Cheng “NothingToSay” Jin Xiang was confirmed to be leaving the team. Only a few weeks later and the team confirmed two more departures.
In the post on the team’s X account, TT noted that both bLink and Bach would be departing from the roster.
Thank you all for your dedication to the team. Last season, we experienced many ups and downs, ultimately making it to The International. Although there are regrets, we will never forget the days we fought side by side. May your future journey be ever bright and exciting.”
Following that came the announcement of their new additions, which included their ex-assistant coach moving into the position 3 role. However, the most interesting addition was that of Yao "Yao" Zhengzheng to the Team Tidebound roster. Although never having won TI, Yao was there from the beginning. With a record of “close calls” similar to that of Wang “Ame” Chunyu, Yao’s Dota 2 results remain impressive.
While having recently coached a smaller team, Tearlaments, Yao’s last major Dota 2 role came back in 2021. This was alongside EHOME. However, known more for his longstanding dedication to his teams, Yao now takes on a new challenge with Tidebound.
The full new Team Tidebound roster is:
- Guo “shiro” Xuanang
- Xu “Echo” Ziliang
- Li “niu” Kongbo
- Lin “planet” Hao
- Zhang “y`” Yiping
- Yao “Yao” Zhengzheng
TT’s next venture with their new roster comes in mid-November at PGL Wallachia Season 6. With a new coach and a few new faces on the roster, it will be interesting to see if the team can find their footing quickly.
