OG, the legendary Dota 2 organization, has announced the departure of their coach, Mikhail “Misha” Agatov, marking the end of a significant chapter for the team. Misha, who has been with OG since March 2023, previously played and coached the team in various capacities, contributing to their journey through several tournaments.
A Tumultuous Year for OG
Misha’s exit comes after a year filled with ups and downs for OG. The team struggled to find consistency, leading to disappointing finishes in several high-profile tournaments.
Notable among these were the BetBoom Dacha Dubai, where OG finished 9th-12th, ESL One Birmingham with a fourth-place finish, and more recently, the Riyadh Masters 2024, where they again placed 9th-12th.
The team’s most significant setback, however, was failing to qualify for The International 2024, Dota 2’s most prestigious event, after bowing out to Natus Vincere Junior in the Western Europe Closed Qualifier. This marked the second consecutive year that OG missed out on The International, raising concerns about the team’s direction and performance.
The Departure of Misha: How It Happened
OG announced Misha’s departure on August 14, with both the organization and the coach expressing mutual gratitude for their time together. OG referred to Misha as one of the “faces of OG 2.0,” highlighting his impact on the team. Misha also thanked OG, marking the end of their collaboration on a positive note.
However, neither side has delved into the specifics behind the decision, leaving fans to speculate on what may have led to this change. The timing suggests that the team’s recent struggles might have played a role in the decision to part ways with Misha.
Who Will Be OG’s Next Coach?
With Misha’s departure, the focus now shifts to who will step into the coaching role for OG. The team is in urgent need of a new head coach, especially with their recent performance struggles.
Several names have already been tossed around in the community, with some speculating that Sébastien “Ceb” Debs, OG’s co-founder and current captain, could once again transition into a coaching role.
Ceb has a storied history with OG, having coached the team to victories at the Boston Major in December 2016 and the Kiev Major in April 2017. His deep understanding of the game and the team’s dynamics could make him a strong candidate to lead OG through this challenging period.
What’s Next for OG?
As OG navigates this period of transition, fans are eagerly awaiting news on who will take the reins as the new coach. The team’s performance in upcoming tournaments will likely hinge on how quickly they can fill this leadership void and adapt to the new dynamics.
Final Toughts
For now, OG is expected to continue competing, but with the roster in flux, the team’s future remains uncertain. The next few weeks will be critical in determining the direction OG will take as they prepare for the next season.
Dota 2 Patch 7.37: Is Tinker the Best Support Hero Right Now?