Energy drink company Red Bull has always been supportive in all kinds of sports- extreme sports, motorsports, even esports. Now they will be partnering up in a major way in the Dota 2 scene by bringing in the legendary team OG as part of their family.
The boys in green has a remarkable record in the international stage, winning four of the five Dota Major events so far. As premier Dota 2 event The International starts this week, the lineup of Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, Anathan “ana” Pham, Gustav “s4” Magnusson, Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka, and captain Tal “Fly” Aizik will be swapping their trademark green colours for Red Bull blue, as reflected by the new logo change.
Countdown to #TI7 with @OGDota2 – Welcome to the family, #OGRedBull! More on the team's TI7 prep here: https://t.co/LPvEJWTv34 pic.twitter.com/srhmTlLLew
— Red Bull Esports (@redbullesports) July 28, 2017
Despite their strong record in Dota Majors, the European team has yet to bring a good result at The International. Last year, despite being top seed after a marvellous group stage performance, OG lost back to back against MVP Phoenix and then TNC Pro Team thus finishing ninth overall.
In an interview with Red Bull Esports, team captain Fly fancies his chances to take home the win this year. “It’s personal for me, as it is for most players.
“The Aegis has been my goal for a very long time. This isn’t the only goal I have; it’s just a step towards where I want to be as a player.
“However, I do feel that every year I’m stronger and my chances at #1 have grown.”
As of day 2 in The International 2017 group stages, OG is now tied in second place within Group B alongside Newbee and Virtus.pro. Top for teams within the group will advance in the main event on the winners side of a double elimination event. The next four will be advancing from losers while the team at the bottom gets eliminated.