OG announced that they might forfeit the WEU TI qualifier if Ceb can not join their series against NAVI Junior tomorrow.
OG announced on Twitter/X that they might have to drop out of The International (TI) Western Europe Qualifier because of PGL's strict rule enforcement.
What happened to OG: Ceb steps away due to family emergency
During the crucial Western Europe (WEU) TI qualifier, OG announced that Aleksandr "Immersion" Khmelevskoi would stand in for Sébastien "Ceb" Debs on June 21 due to Ceb's family emergency. OG then revealed it to be the birth of Ceb's first child.
During Ceb's absence, OG won the first game against Entity, but Entity bounced back to win the next two. This rough loss means OG must start a lower bracket run tomorrow to fight for a ticket to the Copenhagen International. However, they might have to forfeit the TI qualifier if Ceb cannot join the next series.
OG Dota 2 might be forced to forfeit the TI qualifier
According to OG’s official statement on X, Ceb might miss the qualifiers because he is tending to his wife for the birth of their first child. OG told PGL about this possible conflict back in May, knowing it might overlap with the qualifier dates.
However, the PGL rulebook states that a team in the regional qualifier cannot change its roster during the TI qualifier:
- A team consisting of five (5) players who have been invited to the Regional Qualifier cannot adjust the roster that they submitted by June 3
- A team consisting of five (5) players that is taking part in the Regional Qualifers cannot adjust its roster during or after the Regional Qualifers.
- No roster changes to teams invited directly to qualifiers are permitted
PGL allowed OG a one-day stand-in, but OG insists that Ceb shouldn’t have to choose between supporting his wife during their child’s birth and participating in the qualifiers.
Related articles
OG reacts to PGL's decision
OG called the decision “unacceptable and unprofessional,” arguing it shows the esports industry isn’t supporting players' personal lives enough. They also promise to remain a core part of TI, whether they play or not, and look forward to welcoming the Dota community to their hometown, Denmark.
Follow-up information
PGL hasn’t publicly responded to OG’s statement as of this article's publication. We will keep an eye on new information and keep this post updated.
Stay tuned to esports.gg and our Dota 2 section for more upcoming news during the TI qualifier!
