Sébastien “Ceb” Debs is a legendary figure in the Dota 2 world, renowned for his remarkable journey as a player, coach, and mentor. From his early beginnings in French Dota to becoming a two-time The International (TI) champion with OG, Ceb has demonstrated unparalleled Perseverance and skill. His story is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and a deep love for Dota 2. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore Ceb’s illustrious career, his ups and downs, and his lasting impact on the game and its community.
Early Career – The Start of a Legend
Ceb began his professional Dota 2 career in 2011 with Team Shakira, an all-French roster that quickly gained recognition by securing a fourth-place finish at DreamHack Winter 2011. This initial success led to the team being picked up by Western Wolves. However, due to internal roster issues, Ceb decided to move on and joined a newly reformed mTw, led by Danish player Troels “syndereN” Nielsen.
mTw and Early Tournament Triumphs
During his time with mTw, Ceb achieved several notable victories. The team emerged victorious at DreamHack Summer 2012 and successfully qualified for The International 2012 by winning the Western qualifiers. Unfortunately, their performance at the main event was disappointing, as they finished with a 3-11 record in the group stage. This setback marked the beginning of a period of instability for Ceb’s professional career.
Team Changes and Struggles – A Player in Search of Glory
Following his departure from mTw, Ceb sought to establish himself in the competitive Dota 2 scene by reforming Team Shakira and later creating DD.Dota. The team was later signed by Quantic Gaming, but despite their efforts, they failed to qualify for The International 2013.
Formation of Sigma.int
Determined to continue his career, Ceb co-founded Sigma.int. Initially, the team producedpromising results but eventually disbanded after mixed performances. Over the next few years, he played for several organizations, including Denial Esports, but was unable to achieve the success he desired.
Alliance and Transition to Coaching
In 2015, Ceb joined Alliance, one of the most prestigious Dota 2 teams at the time. While part of the squad, he helped secure a second-place finish at the MLG Pro League Season 2 and a fourth-place result at the ASUS ROG DreamLeague Season 3. However, Alliance failed to qualify for The International 2015, which led to Ceb’s departure.
Shifting Gears – Embracing Coaching
After unsuccessful stints with Monkey Freedom Fighters and Kaipi, Ceb transitioned into a coaching role, a move that would change his career trajectory forever. In 2016, he was appointed head coach of OG, a team striving to dominate the competitive scene.
Coaching Success with OG
Ceb’s impact as a coach was immediate. He played an instrumental role in OG’s domination of the professional Dota 2 scene, leading them to victories at the Frankfurt Major (2015), Manila Major (2016), Boston Major (2016), and Kiev Major (2017). His leadership and analytical skills helped OG establish themselves as one of the strongest teams in Dota 2.
Becoming a Player Once Again
In March 2018, OG experienced a crisis as their roster underwent major changes. Resolut1on left, and OG needed a new offlaner. Ceb stepped in as a stand-in player, eventually transitioning back into an active player role.
The International 2018 and 2019 – Historic Victories
Despite their struggles, OG managed to qualify for The International 2018 at the last moment. Against all odds, the team completed one of the most spectacular underdog runs in esports history, defeating PSG.LGD 3-2 in the grand finals to secure the TI8 championship.
Back-to-Back Champions
OG’s fairytale continued in 2019 when they once again dominated The International 2019. They became the first team in history to win back-to-back TI titles, solidifying their legacy as one of the greatest Dota 2 teams of all time. Ceb’s signature aggressive offlane plays and leadership were pivotal in these triumphs.
Retirements and Comebacks – The Unstoppable Player
Following OG’s triumph at TI9, Ceb initially retired in 2020. However, he made a surprising return in July after SumaiL’s departure, determined to recapture OG’s former glory. He played with the team until The International 2021, where they finished in the 7th-8th place bracket.
Temporary Retirement and Unexpected Returns
On November 18, 2021, Ceb once again announced his retirement. However, he remained closely involved with OG, occasionally standing in for the team in various tournaments. In 2022, he played as a substitute at ESL One Stockholm Major, where OG emerged victorious.
Recent Activities – Old G and OG Resurgence
In 2023, Ceb formed Old G, a team competing in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2023. Meanwhile, he continued to play as a reserve for OG in various events, including DreamLeague Season 20 and Riyadh Masters 2023. On July 30, 2023, he officially rejoined OG’s active roster, attempting to qualify for The International 2023. Unfortunately, OG failed to qualify for the main event.
Top Achievements & Records
- Two-time The International champion (2018 & 2019) with OG.
- First and only French player to win The International.
- Holds the record for longest gap (five TIs) between appearances at The International.
- Won Valve-sanctioned Dota 2 tournaments as both a player and a coach.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Ceb in Dota 2
What teams has Ceb played for?
Ceb has played for several teams, including OG, Alliance, Sigma.int, and Old G, among others.
What role does Ceb play?
He is an offlaner, known for his aggressive playstyle and game sense.
Has Ceb won The International?
Yes, he won The International twice, in 2018 and 2019 with OG.
Why did Ceb retire and return multiple times?
Ceb initially retired but returned multiple times due to his love for the game and OG’s need for a leader.
What is Old G?
Old G is a team Ceb formed in 2023 to compete in the DPC.
What is Ceb’s biggest achievement?
Winning back-to-back TI championships with OG.
Where is Ceb from?
He is French-Lebanese.
What is Ceb doing now?
As of 2023, he is playing with OG while competing in other events.
Did Ceb face any controversies?
Yes, he was fined for making inappropriate comments in a pub game.
Where can I follow Ceb?
You can follow him on Twitch and Twitter for updates.
How to Improve Your Dota 2 Offlaning Like Ceb
- Study replays of Ceb’s games to understand his map movements.
- Master strong offlane heroes like Axe and Centaur Warrunner.
- Learn positioning techniques to properly engage fights.
- Communicate with your team for efficient strategy execution.
- Practice regularly to understand meta shifts.
Source: theScore esports
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