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Gabe Newell appears noticeably slimmer in video opening The International 2026

Gabe Newell recorded a video to open The International 2026 in Shanghai, reflecting on past tournaments, thanking fans and players, and looking to the future. Viewers responded strongly to his noticeably slimmer, healthier appearance, sparking praise and comparisons to actor Hugh Jackman. Online discussion included nicknames like "Chad Gabe" and speculation about whether lifestyle changes or medical intervention caused the change.

• Newell’s video served as the official kickoff for The International 2026 in Shanghai and included reminiscence, gratitude to fans and players, and forward-looking remarks.
• Reddit and YouTube users widely highlighted Newell’s slimmer appearance, with at least six Reddit users explicitly comparing him to Hugh Jackman.
• Fans posted praise such as “I’m so happy he lost all that weight” and gave Newell nicknames like “Chad Gabe” and “Babe Newell.”
• Commenters proposed explanations for his weight loss ranging from a yacht lifestyle to medical intervention, and joked about him “absorbing Australian genes” while living in New Zealand.