If you a true OG fan, you might expect Ana to announce his break from Dota 2. After all, he did it after winning The International 2018 and came back just in time to go home with another championship at TI9. However, it is not Ana leaving this time around – instead Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen will be taking an indefinite break from the game.
As the team continues to ride off their momentum after defeating Team Liquid at TI9, Topson took the opportunity to inform his fans about taking a break from Dota 2. He wants to spend more time with his family and reflect on his career, which has been quite exceptional for a pub-gamer-turned-pro player.
Topson has mentioned time and again that his passion for the game is unmatched. He has been playing it since he was eight years old. Although he is a very popular pub gamer, his first true professional experience came after OG took him on. And mind you, he joined the roster just three months or so before The International 2018.
No one in the scene even expected the esports organization to rely on someone like Topson. Sure, they did the same thing with Miracle, who also started his Dota 2 career as a spectacular pub gamer, but unlike Miracle, Topson was unheard of.
Nonetheless, Topson proved his doubters wrong. His unorthodox Invoker was menacing at the final stage, beating Evil Geniuses to pulp. He is indeed a major factor in OG, one that helped the team clinch its first TI championship.
Following the team’s win at TI8, Anathan “Ana” Pham decided to go on an extended leave from competitive Dota 2. He returned nine months later, which was just in time for OG to acquire his help in order to qualify for TI9. Much like Topson, Ana wanted to reflect on his career, spend time with his family, and find motivation.
Interestingly, Topson worded his break as a “holiday.” Ana, on the other hand, simply made his statement like he was about to retire from the pro Dota 2 scene.
It is safe to say that OG is currently the best Dota 2 team in the world. Fans and critics are without a doubt looking forward to their run at next year’s The International, which will be held in Stockholm, Sweden. Will OG go for a three-peat? Only time can tell!