OG expands to Southeast Asia with all-Filipino Dota 2 roster

MANILA, Philippines — Two-time The International (TI) champion OG is entering the Dota 2 Southeast Asian scene with a full Filipino roster.

“This move marks a new chapter in OG’s journey as a truly global esports organization. From Europe to Southeast Asia, our story has always been about people, players, fans, and communities united by passion and resilience. 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. What excites me most is the chance to reinvent ourselves while staying true to who we are. Dota 2 has always been part of OG’s DNA, and this new roster gives us fresh energy, new perspectives, and a chance to write another great story. The future of OG is global, competitive, and more connected than ever,” said OG co-owner and CEO Xavier Oswald.

The European powerhouse, known for its legendary TI runs in 2018 and 2019, has officially relocated to the SEA region. It will now be represented by 2022 Asia Pacific Predator League champion John "Natsumi-" Vargas and Nikko "Force" Bilocura, and Gamers Galaxy winners Erin Jasper "Yopaj" Ferrer and Andrei "skem" Ong, with veteran Dota2 player with multiple TI appearances Timothy "Tims" Randrup completing the squad.

The team will be under the guidance of Malaysia coach Adam “343” Shah and manager Isaac “Lane” Alfon.

“What makes OG special has never been where we come from, it’s who we are and how we play. This new chapter in Southeast Asia is proof that the OG spirit can live anywhere. These players have the hunger, the humility, and the fire to compete at the highest level. I’ve watched SEA Dota for years, it’s raw, emotional, and full of heart. That’s exactly what OG is about. I can’t wait to see what we can build together,” said OG co-founder and player Sébastien “Ceb” Debs.

Veteran OG player Johan "Notail" Sundstein, who adored Filipino fans back in the 2016 Manila Major, continued to give his admiration in a video posed by the organization ahead of the roster announcement.

"Manila [is] where we became the first team to win two majors, and where our legend was truly born. OG was still a child, and we were far from knowing that our great legacy would be much greater than what we had just achieved. Far from knowing that Manila, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia would mean so much to us. For as long as it has existed, Dota has always had a home in the Philippines. Now, it will become a home, too,” said Sundstein.