Topson Returns to OG for New Dota 2 Season

Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen has officially returned to OG as part of the organization's rebuilt Dota 2 roster for the upcoming season.

The two-time The International winner joins returning players John Anthony "Natsumi" Vargas and Andrei "skem" Ong, while Valery "SSS" Lazarev and Ivan "OneJey" Zhivitsky complete the new five-man lineup. Igor "Kaffs" Estevão will coach the team, with BLAST Slam VIII confirmed as its first tournament together.

Topson's return reunites OG with one of the defining players from its most successful Dota 2 era. He originally joined ahead of The International 2018 and helped the organization win the tournament in his first appearance on the biggest stage.

OG returned with the same lineup in 2019 and defeated Team Liquid 3-1 in the grand final, becoming the first organization to win The International in consecutive years. Topson, N0tail, Ceb, JerAx, and ana also became the first five players to win TI twice.

Following The International 2021, Topson stepped away from OG's active roster and took time away from full-time competition. OG said at the time that he wanted to spend more time with his family after several years of constant travel and tournament preparation.

OG is retaining Natsumi and skem from its previous roster while changing the other three playing positions.

The new lineup consists of Natsumi, Topson, SSS, OneJey, and skem, with Kaffs as coach. OG said the changes follow the end of its previous competitive cycle and form part of the organization's longer-term plans, while Southeast Asia will remain what it calls its "home away from home."

The organization also confirmed the departures of TIMS, Yopaj-, Raven, Nikko, 343, and Lane from the previous setup.

OG's new lineup will make its first competitive appearance at BLAST Slam VIII, which runs from September 29 to October 11. The tournament features 16 teams competing for a combined $750,000, with its online stage leading into a six-team LAN Finals in Malta.