With TI10 happening in less than a month from now, we take a look at the teams competing for Dota 2’s biggest event of the year. In this piece, we take a closer look at OG Esports, the reigning kings of Dota 2 as they try to gun for that majestic 3-peat at TI10.
OG at TI10 – can they keep their crown?
Roster:
- Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan (position 1)
- Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen (mid-laner)
- Sébastien “Ceb” Debs (off-laner)
- Martin “Saksa” Sazdov (soft support)
- Johan “N0tail” Sundstein (hard support)
It’s unbelievable to think now, but there was once a time when OG were considered to be the best team in the world. After so many roster shakeups and less-than-stellar showings in this year’s DPC seasons, every other Dota 2 fan kind of wrote them out. Adding fuel to this flame was the fact that a new iteration of their old-time rival, PSG.LGD, managed to outperform every other team from across all regions. Even Evil Geniuses, captained by ex-OG member Tal “Fly” Aizik, found their stride for what seems to be their best performances yet.
Despite their amazing showing at the TI10 WEU Qualifier, OG still have a ton of doubters on-board. For many, they managed to skirt by the skin of their teeth, and their mettle will truly be tested on The International stage.
Predictions:
With Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka and Anathan “ana” Pham no longer in the equation, it will be very interesting to see how OG performs at TI10. While the legendary esports team have shown time and time again that they can beat all kinds of odds when the Aegis is at stake, JerAx and ana were integral to their previous successes.
If newcomers SumaiL and Saksa can fill in the huge blanks left by the two legendary players, then there’s a very good chance that OG can take the title once again this year. N0tail, a scene veteran, has shown that the team had the ability to adapt to various patches, with their chemistry being the only thing left wanting.
The International 10 will run from October 7 to 17. Stay tuned for our coverage of Dota 2’s biggest event of the year.
