Well… I am sure that after such an announcement, you guys probably have hundreds of questions you would want to ask us. If you were not ready for what just happened, be assured that neither were we.

This news came as early as yesterday, and it was a big shock for us. I have witnessed and experienced similar situations throughout my DotA career, but this one definitely has a different taste to it. If you’ve been following me, this takes me back to Sigma.int days.

My OG Jersey is just a couple meters away from me, and I can’t stop staring at this very logo. Two Red Bull’s facing each other. One for the will to win, and the other for the ability to face defeat. An “O” for optimism. As in OG we have always fought losses and setbacks with optimism. An optimism that we built through believing in each other, and through trying to be the best teammates we could, on a daily basis.

Last, but not least, a “G” for Greatness. As what we have built and overcome together is nothing else than great. Respect, trust and dedication have always been our core values. Through the highs and the lows, through major wins and TI disasters.

Up until today, I truly believed that we would always give these things priority over anything else. But for some people, the will to succeed sometimes has to come first. As they aim to seize what seems the best option for themselves. My way of doing things stands at the very opposite.

Indeed, I look at success like a very capricious and unpredictable thing. It never shows when you expect it. It tests your patience, your will and your loyalty countless times before it even starts thinking about rewarding you.

You only get the success you deserve once you are actually ready to give it up for other things. Whether it is for friendship, or being truthful to your own moral principles, through thick and thin. At least, this is the way I like to look at things. This is what helps me find the strength to compete against all odds. It’s much more than DotA, it’s a way of life.

But I have digressed a lot. What matters is that I understand, and I have already forgiven.

To Tal and Gustav,

You guys have been amazing teammates, and I will always cherish the memories and achievements we share together. I would be lying if I said I was not feeling a great disappointment. Nevertheless, I wish you guys best of luck and many future successes. The journey, at the end of which we would have won a TI together, brutally comes to an end. But the end of a journey marks the beginning of a new one.

After the rain comes the sun, right?

Today’s sunshine has been more beautiful than ever. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by incredible people, and be assured that we shall build OG back up, back to where it’s meant to be.

To all the OG fans, bless us with your trust, your support and your passion. Together we will build something beautiful. A lot of challenges are coming our way, with TI qualifiers.

A lot of battles are to be fought, and we will be on the battlefield, ready to win every single one of them.

For now, it is time to recollect. This is an opportunity to rebuild healthy foundations, and we shall seize it.

Once again, thank you for your invaluable support. It means everything, and we will make you proud OG fans.

Seb.