'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMI/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgP/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAM9RFT//xAAfEAACAQQCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgQAAxEiBSVhk9H/2gAIAQEAAT8Aiy49xbTXYSHICtudsLgHxTcnHDHr19x+V//EABQRAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/2gAIAQIBAT8Af//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAP/aAAgBAwEBPwCwJN//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
OG, one of the most successful and record-breaking Dota 2 teams, is no stranger to controversy and finds itself embroiled in another. This time, the entire roster might be forced to forfeit the TI qualifiers per the PGL rulebook, as Sébastien "Ceb" Debs missed the TI 2024: WEU Closed Qualifier Upper Bracket Semifinals. Although OG defeated Nigma Galaxy in the UB Quarterfinals, the team lost the series 2-1 to Entity without the veteran's presence.
Adding to these woes, OG announced on its official X handle that it may be forced to forfeit if the Frenchman cannot attend the squad's upcoming Lower Bracket Bo3 series against NAVI Juniors.
The controversy surrounding OG in the Dota 2 TI 2024 WEU Closed Qualifier
Trending
OG's official X post revealed that Ceb and his wife were having their first child at the time of the WEU Closed Qualifier UB Semifinals. It further explained that the team had informed PGL about the situation in May. After multiple appeals, the two-time Aegis-winning esports organization was allowed to use a stand-in for a day.
Without any other exception or special arrangement, OG isn't permitted to use a stand-in for its upcoming LB series. OG suggested that Ceb will be unavailable with the following statement:
"Ceb should not have to decide between supporting his wife, enjoying the most important moment of their lives, and competing"
Due to PGL's rejection of allowing a long-term stand-in, OG might be forced to forfeit its Dota 2 TI 2024 campaign. If this happens, OG will be eliminated from the Lower Bracket and must wait a year to compete for a TI spot.
OG's objection to the Dota 2 PGL rules
Here are the PGL rules about roster changes:
- A team consisting of five [5] players who have been invited to the Regional Qualifier cannot adjust the roster that they submitted by June 3
- A team consisting of five [5] players that is taking part in the Regional Qualifiers cannot adjust its roster during or after the Regional Qualifiers
- No roster changes to teams invited directly are permitted
OG has claimed that the relatively young Dota 2 esports scene is facing a decline due to this action from PGL. The post added that both Ceb and OG "will always put the esports industry first" with their mission to elevate competitive esports.
Also Check: Dota 2 Heroes Tier List
Sneyking's perspective on OG vs PGL
Wu "Sneyking" Jingjun, Team Falcon's captain, has also shared his thoughts on the OG-PGL controversy. He highlighted PGL's one-day stand-in exception and criticized OG's request to change rules mid-tournament.
Sneyking also questioned the integrity of rules if they can be altered based on one team's demands:
"If rules are allowed to be changed in the middle of the tournament at the whimsical of a team's wishes, what would be the point of having rules"
Conclusion
In the final paragraph of its statement, OG explained how PGL's decision is heartbreaking as the organization is unable to compete in the most important moment of the Dota 2 calendar year. The team concluded that OG welcomes Dota to Copenhagen, Denmark — the country of Johan 'Notail' Sundstein, OG's founder — and will always be a core part of TI.
