TI champion steps back from competition

OG is looking for a new carry player.

The organization announced on Twitter that Anathan “ana” Pham is taking a break from active competition in Dota 2, and will no longer be a member of the main roster.

“Our Australian prodigy, without whom nothing would have been possible, Anathan “ana” Pham, will be taking a longer break away from the game. He’ll remain a sub for OG,” the team said.

Ana discussed the news in a statement given through the team on Facebook.

“For now, I think more time is needed for myself and right now my motivation lies elsewhere,” Ana said.

Following its shocking win at The International 2018, the OG team decided to take a short break from competition. While that is understandable, questions swirled when OG remained on the shelf through the start of the new Dota Pro Circuit season, including completely missing the Kuala Lumpur Major and all of its potential circuit points. This news provides an additional explanation for the team’s absence.

Ana made a similar move following The International 2017 when he OG to take an extended break from competition. He returned four months later, but struggled to find success with various short-lived teams until he reunited with OG in June.

In the interim, OG has not yet secured a new carry player to replace Ana. The team is set to compete in the European qualifiers for the Chongqing Major, which begin on November 28. Expect a completed roster to be unveiled before then.