OG May Be Forced to Forfeit TI Qualifiers

Dota 2

June 21, 2024

Sophie McCarthy

Earlier today, OG announced that Sebastian “Ceb” Debs would be unable to play in their Western EU TI qualifiers game against Entity due to a family emergency. They lost the series, but they still have a chance. As a team that plays their best Dota with their backs against the wall, fans had certainly not lost hope. It certainly wouldn’t be their first lower bracket run!

Now it seems that unless Ceb is able to play in their game against NaVi Junior tomorrow morning, the entire team will have to forfeit their chance to attend The International 2024 in Copenhagen.

Sebastien “Ceb” Debs (Image credit: Redbull)

PGL prevent roster changes in qualifiers

In a tweet posted by OG’s official X account, they confirmed that Ceb and his wife are currently expecting their first child and the delivery is taking place at the time of writing. There couldn’t really be a more justifiable reason to miss Dota, regardless of how important the games are.

In their statement, OG confirmed that they made TI organizers PGL aware of this situation back in May. However, they were informed that no roster changes would be permitted after June 3rd. Appeals also seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

It’s clear that the decision from PGL has not only impacted OG as an organization but put significant pressure on Ceb on what should be one of the most special days of his life. OG condemned PGL’s decision as “unacceptable” and “unprofessional”.

OG may be forced to forfeit TI qualifiers per PGL rulebook. pic.twitter.com/f15a7taL0h

— OG (@OGesports) June 21, 2024

Esports players have long had to make sacrifices in their personal lives in order to compete. This has led to significant burnout, heartbreak and mental health issues among players in the past. Although, as OG also stated, the rule is in place for a reason, allowances could and should be made in certain circumstances. It’s a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved.

There hasn’t yet been an official confirmation from either OG about whether Ceb will play or from PGL about if OG will be forced to forfeit. It seems unlikely that Ceb would play regardless of PGL’s decision and for good reason.