N0tail, a highly regarded name in the Dota 2 community and a key figure in the founding of OG, has made an unexpected return to the competitive circuit, rejoining OG as an active player in their main lineup.
The 32-year-old Danish icon is stepping back into his familiar position as the five-role support, marking his first official match since The International 2021, where OG finished in the 7th to 8th range. For dedicated fans, witnessing N0tail’s return evokes a blend of nostalgia and excitement, as he played a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape of Dota 2.
This comeback follows several months during which N0tail served as OG’s head coach, a role he assumed in May 2025 amid a flurry of roster changes. At that time, he mentioned his intention to guide a fresh wave of players through OG’s restructuring efforts as the coach and project leader for Dota 2.
However, in a surprising twist, the organization recently announced N0tail’s shift back to the active roster, where he will team up with Shad, Stojkov, MikSa, and daze.
This transition significantly alters the trajectory of OG. For a team that has been striving to regain its former glory, the return of the captain who led them to two International victories signals a strategic move. N0tail stands as one of the select few to have lifted the Aegis of Champions consecutively, celebrating back-to-back triumphs in 2018 and 2019.
His career from 2012 to 2022 evolved him from a skilled pub player to one of the sharpest minds in Dota 2, earning him widespread acclaim for his gaming talent and leadership skills. N0tail’s journey with OG began in October 2015, as he was instrumental in forming the organization that would change competitive Dota 2.
In OG’s formative years, N0tail led the team to secure four Major championships: the Frankfurt Major in 2015, the Manila Major and Boston Major in 2016, and the Kiev Major in 2017. Few esports teams have achieved such levels of consistency and excellence.
OG expresses gratitude to Rodrigo ‘Lelis’ Santos for his contributions during his brief time on the team. He is now being replaced by Johan ‘N0tail’ Sundstein on the active roster.
N0tail’s return exemplifies OG’s commitment to rebuilding through experienced leadership. With younger players like Stojkov and MikSa still honing their skills at the top level, N0tail’s presence could serve as the stabilizing force they require. His veteran insight and profound understanding of OG’s culture make him an invaluable mentor on the battlefield rather than merely a coach from the sidelines.
Following a three-year hiatus from active competition, his choice to return underscores the intense passion he still harbors for the game. While it’s not common to see legends of his calibre re-enter the fray, it reflects his confidence in OG’s potential.
As the team gears up for upcoming competitions, the community is keenly focused on N0tail to assess if his comeback can reignite a resurgence for the organization that once dominated Dota 2. Regardless of whether this marks a new era of triumph or simply serves as a passionate farewell for a remarkable player, one certainty remains: N0tail’s presence injects fresh enthusiasm and hope into OG’s quest to reclaim their former status.
