13 reasons why we love OG

November 20th marked a significant turning point in Dota 2 history when legendary captain Johan “N0tail” Sundstein departed from OG’s active roster. This departure solidifies what many suspected: the golden era of the original OG lineup has concluded. To honor this transition, we examine the key elements that made OG one of the most beloved teams in esports. Through extensive research including interviews with over 100 dedicated fans and casual players, we’ve compiled the definitive reasons for OG’s enduring appeal. Many readers will find their own experiences reflected in these insights.

1. N0tail’s Unbreakable Spirit and Leadership Journey

Before establishing his Dota 2 legacy, Johan demonstrated elite performance in Heroes of Newerth, but his transition to professional Dota faced significant adversity. Following disappointing results with Fnatic.EU, being removed from Team Secret and the collapse of Cloud9 during TI5, N0tail confronted one of the most challenging periods of his career, seriously contemplating retirement.

Following the TI5 disappointment, I reached my absolute lowest point. One particular night, I became physically ill, repeatedly vomiting as I mentally replayed every defeat. Each recollection intensified my distress, creating an endless cycle of misery throughout the entire evening. That experience represented the most physically and emotionally devastating moment of my life. I genuinely considered ending my professional gaming career entirely.

Despite three consecutive disappointing International performances—including poor finishes with Fnatic at TI3 and TI4, followed by a 9th-12th placement with Cloud9 at TI5—N0tail rediscovered his self-belief and co-founded a new team with longtime companion Tal “Fly” Aizik. This partnership initiated the (Monkey) Business era, which ultimately evolved into the legendary OG organization.

2. Masterful Talent Scouting and Player Development

OG demonstrated exceptional ability in identifying and nurturing emerging talent within the Dota 2 competitive landscape. This organization served as the proving ground where Miracle-, Cr1t, ana, Topson, and numerous other players established their competitive credentials. Even Ceb, whose professional future appeared uncertain by 2016, experienced remarkable career rejuvenation within OG, excelling both as a strategic coach and exceptionally skilled competitor.

3. Psychological Warfare Through Strategic Trash-Talk

When examining masters of competitive banter in recent Dota history, OG’s roster consistently stands out. Instances include Ceb’s commentary regarding “other teams’ positioning,” the ongoing social media conflicts between OG and Secret, and various other competitive exchanges. This team transformed in-game voice lines from the chat wheel and seemingly innocent tips into sophisticated tools for psychological pressure against opponents. Most importantly, OG’s confident arrogance perfectly complemented their competitive identity. Even when banter escalated excessively, as occurred with Ceb’s remarks, players consistently addressed situations with appropriate professionalism and grace.

4. Revolutionary Aggressive Playstyle and Strategic Philosophy

Fountain diving, tier-two tower aggression, and jungle invasions within the first five minutes represent the high-risk, high-reward gameplay that defined OG’s appeal. While frequently compared to the legendary MVP.Phoenix, OG developed a uniquely distinctive approach to Dota strategy. Vitaly “v1lat” Volochai appropriately termed this phenomenon “ogmovism” [representing dynamic, proactive gameplay contrasting with “oblomovism,” symbolizing passive indifference. This terminology originates from Ivan Goncharov’s literary work “Oblomov”].

5. Meta-Defining Hero Strategies and Innovative Combinations

OG introduced numerous unconventional strategic approaches to competitive Dota, demonstrating consistent willingness to experiment beyond established meta conventions.

N0tail established his legacy through masterful Meepo and Abaddon executions, while ana demonstrated excellence on Phantom Lancer and Ember Spirit. Topson consistently dominated opponents using signature Monkey King, Pugna, and Invoker selections. JerAx earned recognition as the definitive Earth Spirit specialist, while Ceb established himself as the premier initiator utilizing Axe and Magnus.

However, the core-position Wisp strategy deserves particular attention [OG maintains a perfect competitive win rate with Io selections] alongside the Morphling-Earthshaker combination. Although TNC Predator primarily utilized this strategy during the Chengdu Major, this innovative pairing actually debuted significantly earlier. Specifically, OG first demonstrated this combination during the Moscow EPICENTER Major competition in 2019.

6. The Legendary TI8 Buyback That Changed Everything

One of the most memorable displays of next-level gameplay occurred during the extraordinary fourth match of the TI8 grand finals against PSG.LGD, who stood merely one victory away from claiming the championship. With the series standing at 1-2, the Chinese squad executed multiple successful engagements, utilized smoke of deceit, and located ana, who lacked sufficient gold for buyback capability.

Within that critical moment, OG’s carry player executed a brilliant 300 IQ maneuver comprising three essential components:

— collecting a bounty rune and verifying buyback availability (+100 IQ)

— deceptive illusion manipulation (+100 IQ)

— liquidating Ring of Aquila and Talisman of Evasion (+100 IQ)

Ana’s lightning-fast reaction time and courageous decision-making fundamentally transformed the match outcome. Remarkably, this pivotal play developed independently: none of ana’s teammates possessed awareness of the game-winning buyback until he personally recounted the sequence afterward.

7. TI9’s Game-Winning Gyrocopter Diffusal Strategy

Some moments transcend verbal description. Simply recalling Topson’s performance during the decisive fourth match of TI9 provides sufficient understanding, particularly his innovative itemization that effectively countered Windranger, Bristleback, and Omniknight compositions. Interestingly, Team Liquid competitors avoided immediate tilt response following their defeat, instead immediately analyzing Topson’s brilliant strategic choice.

That decision secured their victory. He completely depleted my mana reserves, Bristleback’s mana pool… His execution was simply masterful. That Diffusal Blade selection. Incredible Topson.

8. The Family Atmosphere That Forged Champions

When requesting fans to characterize OG using three descriptive terms, nearly every response included variations of: chemistry, camaraderie, or familial bonds. Throughout their competitive journey, OG consistently demonstrated that International championship success requires complete mutual trust and professional respect among teammates. “Victory shared, defeat endured, dominance achieved collectively” represents more than simply an inspirational quotation from True Sight documentaries, but rather the authentic guiding principle underlying this organization’s success.

9. Hollywood-Worthy Dramatic Narrative Arcs

N0tail and Fly initially connected through Heroes of Newerth, developing their friendship from age fourteen onward. They progressed together through Fnatic and Secret organizations before establishing OG. They were frequently described as brothers, until their relationship dramatically shifted following the disappointing ESL One Birmingham performance, after which Fly and s4 transitioned to the promising Evil Geniuses roster. The International 2018 loomed merely three months distant, leaving N0tail with limited options: complete team reconstruction became necessary.

The dramatic narrative that unfolded during TI deserves cinematic adaptation treatment. OG, from whom competitive expectations remained minimal, qualified for the tournament and defeated EG during the upper bracket semifinals. That specific N0tail expression following the match victory will remain memorable for decades. This represents the definitive visualization of satisfying competitive redemption.

10. Championship Emotion and Motivational Leadership

OG’s journey toward TI8 victory represents the classic underdog narrative—competitors achieving pinnacle success through dedicated effort, making genuine emotional connection with this team virtually unavoidable. OG delivered the most compelling True Sight documentary in Dota history alongside unforgettable emotional experiences. Ceb’s inspirational team communications generated motivation capable of overcoming seemingly impossible challenges.

[Before the fourth map of TI8 grand final] Alright team, initial match within our best-of-three scenario. Competitive backs against the wall. We anticipated facing significant tests, we’re currently being tested, absolutely. This represents a challenging competitive situation, naturally, but we’ll collectively overcome these obstacles, understand? Our path has been relatively straightforward until now. Championships aren’t earned effortlessly, we predicted this development, we prepared for difficult matches, we prepared for challenging series.

Welcome to high-stakes competition, this represents a demanding series. We recognize we’re one victory away, that remains irrelevant, we’ll enter, enjoy ourselves, secure the subsequent match, then claim the following victory, that represents our trajectory. We’re experiencing testing conditions, embrace the challenge. We understand their strategic objectives and simply need to execute our game plan, that’s the complete strategy.

[Before the final map of TI8 grand final] Pause momentarily, appreciate. Savor this experience, yes, appreciate. This represents the defining match of our professional lives, appreciate fully. Fifth match, grand finals of The International, this represents the moment where all elements will synchronize next game, complete synchronization. And the outcome will prove magnificent.

I desire competition, I want to compete repeatedly, engage with Dota. We’re achieving this objective, we’re accomplishing this goal. You possess capability, you can achieve absolutely everything. We’re making this happen. This day belongs to us.

OG’s TI9 championship achievement inspired belief that any objective remains attainable. Even becoming the world’s premier competitive team twice consecutively alongside individuals you genuinely respect and appreciate.

11. Roster Appeal Beyond Competitive Performance

This inclusion felt necessary since numerous OG supporters [including diverse demographics] consistently rank OG competitors among their favorite personalities. N0tail, Ceb, JerAx, ana, Topson, and additional roster members regularly appear across various rankings of esports’ most appealing competitors. And who determines that physical appearance represents the exclusive consideration?

12. Global Community and Cross-Cultural Fanbase

OG maintains an extensive international supporter network. Throughout organizational development, OG evolved into a transcendent competitive entity beyond geographical, temporal, or roster constraints. Initially comprising primarily European competitors, subsequently MidOne and ana from Eastern regions joined, followed by Sumail, historically associated with North American competitive scenes. Currently OG transitions toward “CIS regional integration,” generating significant competitive intrigue.

Simultaneously, individuals who previously became OG enthusiasts typically maintain lifelong affiliation because they represent integral components within the organizational family, and familial tradition involves welcoming new members with genuine care and emotional support.

13. Individual Personalities and Post-Career Aspirations

OG roster members have permanently inscribed their names within Dota competitive history, but they additionally maintain active lifestyles beyond professional gaming. Following competitive retirement, N0tail expresses interest in canine-related activities and psychological counseling services, Topson prioritizes family commitments requiring dedicated attention, while remaining teammates continue determining future professional directions.

Various indications suggest such distinctive personalities won’t disappear from public visibility and will repeatedly remind audiences of their presence whether through potential professional comebacks or certainly through engaging social media content and streaming activities. Additionally, they seem unlikely to abandon their collective creation, the organization that has become their secondary home environment.

This represents temporary separation rather than permanent farewell. Future reunions anticipated. Sincere appreciation extended for all contributions, competitive legends!

When Johan “N0tail” Sundstein announced his departure from the active OG roster on November 20, it signaled the definitive conclusion of an extraordinary chapter in competitive Dota 2. The departure of the legendary captain from OG marked the end of what many consider the most inspiring era in esports history. Through extensive research involving interviews with over 100 dedicated fans and casual players, we’ve compiled the compelling reasons why this two-time International champion team captured global admiration. Their journey offers valuable lessons about team building and perseverance that transcend gaming.

Beginning his career as one of Heroes of Newerth’s standout performers, Johan faced monumental challenges during his transition to Dota 2. After disappointing results with Fnatic.EU, being removed from Team Secret, and the collapse of Cloud9 at TI5, N0tail reached his professional nadir, seriously contemplating retirement from competitive gaming entirely.

Following the TI5 disappointment, I personally hit rock bottom. One particularly difficult night, I found myself physically ill, repeatedly reliving every defeat. Each memory intensified my discomfort, creating a cycle that lasted throughout the evening. That experience represented the most physically and emotionally distressed I’ve ever felt throughout my entire life. I was prepared to end my competitive career.

Despite three consecutive underwhelming International appearances—including bottom placements with Fnatic at TI3 and TI4, followed by a 9th-12th finish at TI5 with Cloud9—N0tail rediscovered his competitive drive and established his own team alongside longtime friend Tal “Fly” Aizik. This partnership initiated the era of (Monkey) Business, which eventually evolved into the iconic OG organization that would dominate competitive Dota.

OG demonstrated exceptional ability in identifying and nurturing extraordinary talent within the Dota 2 competitive landscape. The organization served as the proving ground where legendary players like Miracle-, Cr1t, ana, Topson, and numerous others established their competitive credentials. Even Ceb, whose professional career appeared finished by 2016, experienced remarkable resurgence within OG, excelling both as strategic coach and exceptionally skilled player.

Revolutionary Gameplay and Signature Strategies

The organization introduced numerous unconventional tactical approaches to competitive Dota, consistently demonstrating fearlessness in experimental gameplay. N0tail became renowned for his brilliant Meepo and Abaddon executions, while ana impressed with masterful Phantom Lancer and Ember Spirit performances. Topson systematically dismantled opponents using his signature Monkey King, Pugna, and Invoker heroes. JerAx earned recognition as the undisputed master of Earth Spirit, and Ceb established himself as the premier initiator utilizing Axe and Magnus.

However, their core-position Wisp strategy deserves particular attention—OG maintained a perfect 100% win rate in professional competition with Io—alongside the innovative Morphling-Earthshaker combination. Although TNC Predator extensively utilized this combo during the Chengdu Major, this strategic pairing originally emerged significantly earlier. OG first demonstrated its effectiveness at Moscow EPICENTER Major back in 2019.

Among the most spectacular displays of advanced gameplay occurred during the unforgettable fourth game of the TI8 grand finals confrontation against PSG.LGD, who stood merely one victory away from claiming the championship. With the series score at 1-2 favoring the Chinese squad, they executed multiple successful engagements, utilized Smoke of Deceit, and located ana, who lacked buyback capability at that critical moment.

Simultaneously, OG’s carry player executed what many consider a 300 IQ maneuver through three decisive actions:

— Collecting a bounty rune and verifying buyback status (+100 IQ)

— Employing illusion deception tactics (+100 IQ)

— Selling Ring of Aquila and Talisman of Evasion (+100 IQ)

Ana’s lightning-fast reaction time and courageous decision-making fundamentally altered the game’s outcome. Remarkably, this game-changing play developed organically: none of ana’s teammates were aware of the game-winning buyback possibility until he subsequently explained the sequence himself.

The TI9 Gyro Diffusal Masterpiece

Sometimes, detailed explanations become unnecessary when witnessing pure genius in action. Simply recall Topson’s performance during the fourth—and championship-deciding—match of TI9, where his unconventional item choice proved devastatingly effective against Windranger, Bristleback, and Omniknight. Surprisingly, Team Liquid competitors avoided immediate tilt following their defeat, instead immediately analyzing Topson’s brilliant strategic decision.

That decision secured their victory. He depleted my mana reserves, Bristleback’s mana pool… His execution was simply flawless. That Diffusal Blade. Incredible Topson.

Team Dynamics and Motivational Leadership

When surveying dedicated followers to characterize OG using just three words, nearly every response included variations of: atmosphere, friendship, or family. Throughout their competitive journey, OG demonstrated convincingly that International championship success requires complete mutual trust and profound respect among teammates. “Win together, lose together, slay together” represents far more than an aesthetically pleasing phrase from True Sight documentaries—it embodies the genuine philosophy driving this remarkable team.

OG cultivated an enormous global following throughout their competitive dominance. Over multiple competitive seasons, the organization transformed into a transcendent team surpassing geographical boundaries, temporal constraints, and roster configurations. Initially composed predominantly of European competitors, the organization later integrated MidOne and ana from Eastern regions, followed by Sumail, long associated with the North American competitive landscape. Currently, OG enters what many term the “CIS era,” generating substantial anticipation throughout the Dota community.

Concurrently, individuals who developed loyalty to OG typically maintain their support indefinitely, having become integral members of an extended family where welcoming new participants with genuine care and affection represents established tradition.

The OG competitors have permanently inscribed their names within Dota’s competitive annals, yet they maintain active lives beyond professional gaming. Following his competitive retirement, N0tail expresses interest in canine-related work and psychological support provision, Topson prioritizes family commitments, while remaining team members continue determining their future professional directions.

Strong indications suggest these dynamic personalities will maintain media presence, repeatedly reminding audiences of their impact—whether through potential professional comebacks or certainly via engaging social media content and streaming activities. Additionally, they’re unlikely to abandon their collective creation: the organization that evolved into their secondary home.

This isn’t farewell. See you soon. Thank you for everything, legends!

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » 13 reasons why we love OG 1. N0tail's personality and unwavering will