OG enters SEA Dota 2 Scene, Signs All-Filipino Roster
Photo from OG Esports
OG enters SEA Dota 2 Scene, Signs All-Filipino Roster
MANILA — Two-time The International champion OG Esports has made a seismic shift in direction, transferring their Dota 2 operations to Southeast Asia (SEA) with a brand-new all-Filipino roster.
The surprise announcement ends OG’s long-standing presence in the Western Europe region after a disappointing start to the 2025 circuit. The organization confirmed it has acquired the former Team Aureus lineup, a rising Filipino team composed of top Filipino players.
The Pinoy Five
The new roster features a star-studded mix of battle-tested veterans and regional standouts, backed by a proven leadership group:
- Pos 1: John “Natsumi” Vargas
- Pos 2: Erin “Yopaj” Ferrer
- Pos 3: Nikko “Force” Bilocura
- Pos 4: Timothy “TIMS” Randrup
- Pos 5: Andrei “skem” Ong
Guiding the squad is Malaysian coach Adam “343” Shah, alongside Filipino manager Isaac “Lane” Alfon, forming a staff lineup that blends SEA experience with OG’s championship pedigree.
OG co-owner and Dota legend Sébastien “Ceb” Debs described the decision as a return to the organization’s emotional roots.
“I’ve watched SEA Dota for years—it’s raw, emotional, and full of heart. That’s exactly what OG is about,” said Ceb.
“If the SEA region is going to finally get the championship it deserves, I’m sure that will be with OG.”
Off to Romania at PGL Wallachia
The new OG roster will make its debut at PGL Wallachia Season 6, a $1,000,000 Major-tier LAN in Romania from November 15–23. The lineup—as Team Aureus—qualified for the event through the SEA Closed Qualifier, defeating Execration 3–2 in a hard-fought Grand Final.
Now, they enter the international stage under one of Dota 2’s most iconic banners, with massive expectations and global eyes watching.
OG Co-Owner and CEO Xavier Oswald underscored that this move represents more than just a roster swap.
“Expanding into SEA isn’t just a geographic shift—it’s about embracing a region with incredible talent and energy that has shaped Dota 2 for years,” Oswald said.
Such move in the Dota 2 scene is not new, as Team Nemesis also entered the SEA market last April.
Meanwhile, it was not the first time OG entered the SEA market. Last March, they have entered a partnership with MPL Malaysia powerhouse Selangor Red Giants to form SRG.OG. In May, they have signed EAFC player Khevind “Buzzinho” Awat-Ranai, again from Selangor.
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