OG Esports is one of the most legendary names in the Dota 2 competitive scene. Since its formation in 2015, OG has set an unparalleled standard of success, etching its name in esports history with its unprecedented tournament victories. From humble beginnings as (monkey) Business to becoming two-time back-to-back The International champions, OG’s journey has been marked by resilience, innovation, and dominance. In this article, we will delve deep into OG’s history, major victories, roster transformations, and their impact on the Dota 2 community.
OG Esports – Foundation and Early Success
OG was originally formed in August 2015 under the name “(monkey) Business” by Tal “Fly” Aizik and Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, both former Team Secret players. They were joined by David “MoonMeander” Tan, Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi, and Andreas “Cr1t-” Nielsen. After proving their strength in the European qualifiers for the Frankfurt Major, the team rebranded to OG.
OG soon made history by winning the inaugural Valve-sponsored Dota 2 Major at the Frankfurt Major 2015. The team defeated Team Secret in the grand finals, securing their first significant championship and a prize pool of $1 million.
Major Championships and Notable Achievements
Frankfurt Major 2015 – First Major Victory
OG stunned the world by winning their first-ever Major just months after formation. Their impressive strategic drafting and teamwork led them to victory over powerhouse Team Secret.
Manila Major 2016 – A Record-Breaking Second Win
In June 2016, OG became the first team to win a second Valve-sponsored Major, defeating Team Liquid in the grand finals. This achievement solidified their place as one of the strongest teams in Dota 2.
Kiev Major 2017 – Fourth Major Triumph
OG made history once again by claiming their fourth Major title at the Kiev Major 2017, provingtheir consistency and dominance.
The International – OG’s Legendary Success
The International 2018 – The Cinderella Story
OG made history by becoming the first team to win The International after starting from open qualifiers. Entering the tournament as underdogs, they overcame all odds to defeat PSG.LGD in an epic five-game grand final, taking home $11 million from the prize pool.
The International 2019 – Back-to-Back Champions
In 2019, OG shocked the world again by becoming the first team to win The International in consecutive years. They dominated the competition and defeated Team Liquid in the grand finals, securing a record-breaking $15.6 million in prize money.
Roster Changes and Evolution
Over the years, OG has experienced significant roster changes, shaping its journey:
- 2015-2016: Early members MoonMeander, Miracle-, and Cr1t- departed, making way for s4, ana, and JerAx.
- 2016-2017: This roster won multiple Majors, including Boston Major and the Kiev Major.
- 2018-2019: ana temporarily left but returned to lead OG to back-to-back TI wins.
- 2020-2021: Multiple changes saw Sumail, MidOne, and Saksa joining. Ceb and N0tail took breaks, while Topson left the active roster.
- 2024-Present: The current OG lineup includes players such as 23savage, Nine, and xNova.
OG Esports – Organization and Management
OG is a Europe-based organization with a dynamic structure. It was co-founded by Johan “N0tail” Sundstein and Sébastien “Ceb” Debs. As of 2025, Daniel Sanders serves as the CEO, while Maurice Gutmann is the trial coach.
The management team has evolved over time, with past staff including Mikhail “Misha” Agatov, Evgenii “Chu” Makarov, and Janne “Gorgc” Stefanovski.
OG’s Esports Ventures Beyond Dota 2
Although OG is best known for its success in Dota 2, the organization has expanded into other esports titles:
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
OG entered CS:GO in 2019 with players such as NBK- and valde. The team faced ups and downs but remained a strong competitor in the European CS:GO circuit.
Rocket League
OG also competes in Rocket League, though with less prominence compared to Dota 2 and CS:GO.
OG’s Impact on Dota 2 Culture
OG’s historic victories and unique team culture have inspired countless players and fans worldwide. Their journey has been documented in Valve’s “True Sight” documentary series, highlighting their triumphs at The International. OG’s legacy is cemented as one of the greatest Dota 2 teams ever.
How to Follow OG’s Journey – A Fan Guide
Stay Updated with Social Media
- Follow OG on Twitter, YouTube, and Twitch.
- Join OG’s Discord community for live discussions.
Watch OG’s Matches
- Stay tuned to their Dota 2 events via official tournament streams.
- Check out past match highlights on YouTube.
Support OG Merch
Show your love for OG by purchasing official merchandise from their online store.
FAQ – Everything About OG Dota 2
What is OG’s most significant achievement in Dota 2?
OG is best known for winning The International in 2018 and 2019, becoming the first back-to-back champions.
Who founded OG Esports?
OG was co-founded by Tal “Fly” Aizik and Johan “N0tail” Sundstein in 2015.
Why did OG change its roster frequently?
Roster changes were necessary due to player retirements, skill gaps, and shifting team strategies.
Who is OG’s current captain?
As of 2024, OG’s roster includes players like 23savage and Nine, but the official captaincy role is rotational.
Where can I watch OG’s matches?
You can watch their games on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and through Dota 2’s in-game tournament section.
What other games does OG compete in?
Apart from Dota 2, OG has teams in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rocket League.
How much prize money has OG won?
OG has accumulated over $35 million in total prize winnings, with the majority coming from their two TI victories.
Why is OG considered a legendary team?
OG’s resilience, innovative strategies, and ability to perform under pressure make them one of the greatest teams in Dota 2 history.
Does OG still compete at the highest level?
Yes, OG continues to compete in major Dota 2 tournaments with a refreshed roster.
Where can I buy OG fan merchandise?
Official OG merchandise is available on their online store and esports merchandise platforms.
OG Esports’ legacy in Dota 2 is undeniable, driven by groundbreaking victories, iconic players, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The team’s journey continues to inspire millions in the esports community.
