'Unacceptable, unprofessional' OG issues protest on PGL ruling

OG, A TEAM that has captivated and captured the hearts of the Dota 2 community due to their Cinderella run back in The International 2018 and one of the most successful orgs in the esports scene, might miss the upcoming The International 2024 qualifiers.

The reason as to why? It was revealed that their team captain Sebastien "Ceb" Debs will be having his first child.

"Ceb and his wife are currently having their first child, with the birth happening as we post this. We wish them both the absolute best and all our love and support."

"This is why Ceb is unable to play today's qualifier," said the official post from OG.

As stated by the PGL rulebook

With Ceb not being able to play for the team, his absence would clash with the PGL rulebook which states the following terms:

• 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 Qualifiers cannot adjust its roster during or after the Regional Qualifiers.
• No roster changes to teams invited directly to qualifiers are permitted

OG tried to appeal and they even highlighted last May that Ceb might give birth during the qualifiers.

However here's what the PGL decided.

"After multiple appeals, PGL permitted us to use a stand-in for one day only, completely ignoring the fact the birth may take longer and that Ceb will want to be there to support his new family."

PHOTO: Red Bull OG

OG protests

In the end OG issued a protest.

"We understand the need for the rule to exist, but object to its application in this context. Ceb should not have to decide between supporting his wife, enjoying the most important moment of their lives, and competing."

"This is unacceptable, unprofessional, and shines a poor light on esports.Our industry is going backwards with decisions such as these. It shows how much we must continue to develop to cater to the needs of us as humans with commitments and lives."

PGL's decision will force OG out of The International 2024 qualifiers, meaning they'll also miss the main stage. This wouldn't be the first time that the team will not enter the biggest tournament in Dota as the team finished 5th-6th overall during The International 2023 Western Europe qualifier.

As of now, OG's roster consists of Enzo "Timado" Gianoli, Bozhidar "bzm" Bogdanov, Adrián Céspedes "Wisper" Dobles, Matthew "Ari" Walker. With Ceb out, Aleksandr "Immersion" Khmelevskoi is temporarily serving as the team's stand-in player.