After six consecutive appearances at Dota 2’s prestigious tournament, The International, renowned organization OG will not be participating this year. Despite a strong performance at DreamLeague Season 21, OG veteran Sébastien “Ceb” Debs described the team’s 2023 season as “hell on Earth.” The team faced numerous obstacles, including the war in Ukraine, visa issues, last-minute roster changes, and intense competition pressure.
Ceb expressed his frustration at the team’s lack of stability throughout the season, stating that it was disheartening to put in so much effort only to be hindered by external factors. He described this year as one of the most challenging in his Dota career. OG struggled to maintain a consistent roster, with players leaving, coaches stepping in, and substitutes being brought in. Ceb compared himself to a “fireman,” constantly putting out fires and trying to keep the team together.
Despite their struggles, OG entered The International 12 qualifier as a top seed due to their accumulated DPC points. However, they were unable to secure a spot in the tournament, losing to Team Secret and Quest. Their best result of the year came at DreamLeague Season 21, but overall, it was a forgettable season for OG.
Ceb expressed his disappointment at missing The International, stating that OG belongs at the top competing for titles. He emphasized the need for roster stability in the future, aiming to build a core five that can consistently play together and attend events.
As for Ceb himself, he has transitioned from an active player to coaching the team and even retiring for over a year. However, he finds himself unable to stay away from the game. He credits the beauty of Dota for this, as it constantly challenges him to improve. Winning trophies followed by elimination motivates him to keep striving for success.
OG’s next appearance may be at ESL One Kuala Lumpur in December, where Ceb and the team will aim to make a strong comeback.
OG’s Performance in 2023
The table below showcases OG’s performance throughout the 2023 season:
| Tournament | Result |
|—————————|————–|
| Riyadh Masters | Group Stage |
| DreamLeague Season 20 | Group Stage |
| DPC Western Europe Tour 1 | Top 4 |
| DPC Western Europe Tour 2 | Top 6 |
| ESL One Berlin | Top 8 |
| DreamLeague Season 21 | 2nd Place |
Despite their struggles, OG managed to secure a second-place finish at DreamLeague Season 21, which was their best result of the year. However, their overall performance was inconsistent, with early exits in several tournaments.
The Importance of Roster Stability
Ceb emphasized the significance of roster stability for a successful Dota team. He highlighted the challenges faced when substitutes are brought in due to external factors such as visa issues or player illness. Ceb suggested that having substitutes who are familiar with the team’s style and can seamlessly integrate would mitigate the impact of these setbacks. Building a core five that can consistently play together is crucial for long-term success.
The Everlasting Challenge of Dota
Ceb expressed his love for Dota and its perpetual challenge. He stated that no one can ever truly be the best in the game, as winning trophies is quickly followed by the need to improve and adapt. This constant cycle of striving for success and facing setbacks is what keeps him engaged and motivated.
In conclusion, OG’s absence from The International this year marks a disappointing end to a challenging season. Ceb and the team are determined to return to the top of Dota and will focus on building a stable roster for future competitions. The everlasting challenge of the game continues to drive Ceb, pushing him to constantly improve and strive for success.
Source: DOTESPORTS
