KuroKy Explains How N0tail and OG Appropriated Their Playstyle to Win Consecutive Dota 2 TI Titles

Dota 2 icon Kuro «KuroKy» Salehi Takhasomi has always been candid about his views, particularly regarding gameplay strategies. In a recent panel discussion at PGL Wallachia Season 5, alongside Clement «Puppey» Ivanov and Johan «N0tail» Sundstein, the trio shared captivating insights related to The International 8 (TI8) and The International 9 (TI9).

N0tail, well-known as the captain of OG, the team that won back-to-back TIs, acknowledged that their triumph was significantly influenced by the gameplay methods of Team Liquid during that period. Beyond the elements of luck and skill, N0tail emphasized that Liquid’s style served as a foundational asset, which OG modified to forge their own path.

OG Enhanced Liquid’s Strategy

N0tail credits KuroKy and Liquid’s strategy for OG’s consecutive TI victories.

During the discussion, KuroKy reflected on the rise of OG and the decline of Liquid. He mentioned that OG didn’t simply create a new approach; rather, they elaborated on the strategies Liquid had initiated.

«OG effectively took our methodology and elevated it,» KuroKy remarked with a grin, adding, «They transformed it because we were experiencing a slowdown.»

KuroKy further praised OG for adapting Liquid’s rapid gameplay into a significantly more effective version. «We witnessed their success at TI9, which marked the culmination of their refinement process,» he noted.

While KuroKy’s team achieved a TI7 victory, they placed fourth the following year. In contrast, N0tail’s leadership allowed OG to modify Liquid’s gameplay tactics, infusing their own style to create a fast-paced, adaptable strategy that drove them to victories at two consecutive Internationals.

While it’s common in such a competitive arena to claim that others have emulated your strategies, KuroKy clarified that OG’s actions represented innovation rather than mere imitation. They not only grasped Liquid’s success formula but also tailored it to their own gaming philosophy. The outcome? OG stands as the only team in Dota 2 history to secure consecutive TI championships.

This engaging dialogue among these esports titans, each having achieved remarkable success in the competitive landscape, illustrates that at the pinnacle of Dota 2 esports, progress frequently stems from learning, adapting, and building upon the successes of competitors.