Ceb on finding players for OG: "We don't just look at MMR"
OG is currently competing in the group stage of the Elite League. The team started slow on day one, losing their series against Entity and tying up with G2.IG.
The team recovered in their next match, taking down PSG.Quest in dominant fashion, particularly in game one.
After winning the series, the team captain and co-founder of OG Sébastien "Ceb" Debs talked to the panel about the importance of time away from Dota 2, the loss of the DPC, and how he looks for new players.
Ceb believes teams benefit from time off
OG didn't compete on the second day of the group stage. The team requested time off to focus on other matters outside the competition.
Ceb explained that having time off is important for the players, as it allows them to take their time to grasp new ideas and concepts.
"I had a little bit of an issue this weekend, big props to the tournament organizers for helping us with the schedule. The boys did things together and I kept track online and we just met today. Yesterday was off in terms of team action and it's been a really really busy couple of months for us, so I think these days off really help everyone. Because there are a lot of things you learn and think of and it's hard to get them unless you have a full day off to try them yourself, watch replays."
After years of using the DPC to decide which teams attend Majors and The International, Valve removed the system entirely and allowed third-party organizers to make their tournaments instead of Majors.
The new (or old) system has resulted in multiple new organizers entering the scene, each trying to make their mark on the Dota 2 competitive landscape.
For Ceb, the abundance of tournaments means his team can pick and choose what they wish to play, "Overall we like the schedule, because at the end of the day, if we don't want to participate, we're allowed not to. We're only playing what we choose to play, so if we felt burned out, or focusing on something coming later, we can just deny participation in one of the qualifiers. I like that freedom."
The OG captain had different thoughts on the DPC, believing it to be too exhausting for teams overall.
"DPC was different, you just had to play all the time and be on the road all the time, so I think this allows teams to do what's best for them, which in the end is better for everyone. So I like it, we're still building together, we had a good day, and we hope to keep the trend up."
Ceb: "In OG we require a lot of trust from people"
Ceb At The International 2021.Credits: Valve
OG has worked magic in the past, taking pub stars and turning them into International winners. The organization has been the gateway into the pro scene for many players.
When asked how they are able to make stars, Ceb replied that it all comes down to the player's character and the commitment both sides have to bring out the best in each other.
"Obviously we spent a lot of time scouting people, the process of getting somebody on the team is maybe longer than it is for other teams. We don't just look at MMR and things like that, even though these are things we take into account. We try to understand how the person functions, how they think, and how they view the game. What does being a teammate mean to them, cause that's really an important part of being able to build."
Of course, even with all that effort and time, the process doesn't always work. But that doesn't deter Ceb as long as everyone does their best.
In OG we require a lot of trust from people. Sometimes it clicks really easily, people feel like they found the home they were looking for. And sometimes it's a little bit longer and sometimes it doesn't work, but you only realize if you try hard enough, on both sides."
OG's journey at Elite League continues, be sure to catch all the action live on Twitch.
READ MORE: Five reasons you should be playing Disruptor in Dota 2
Featured Image Source: Valve