Can N0tail Bring Back the OG Magic?

OG is making headlines again—this time with Johan “N0tail” Sundstein stepping back into the spotlight, not as a player, but as the new coach of their European Dota 2 roster. After a few years away from direct team involvement, he’s now taking full control, building a new lineup from the ground up in his own vision.

And if you’re wondering whether that means a return to OG’s signature style—unpredictable drafts, fearless plays, and that unshakable bond between teammates—you’re not alone.

N0tail has always believed that Dota isn’t just about mechanics or meta. It’s about people. During OG’s golden era, they weren’t just ahead in gameplay—they were ahead in mindset. They were one of the first teams to work with a team therapist, openly prioritizing mental health, trust, and emotional resilience. That deep connection between players became their secret weapon, especially during high-pressure moments on the biggest stages.

OG CEO Daniel Sanders made it clear: this is N0tail’s team to shape. “He’s building the team the way he wants to,” Sanders told GosuGamers. “That means finding young talent and returning to his philosophy of how a team should work together.”

N0tail has always had an eye for raw, overlooked talent—players like Miracle-, Topson, and ana weren’t household names until OG gave them a shot. With recent trials featuring a mix of new blood like 423 and seasoned players like Stormstormer, it looks like he’s sticking to what he knows: trusting his gut and building around chemistry, not hype.

The goal? A return to the top—and a shot at The International 2025. In his comeback video, N0tail made it clear: he’s aiming to get this team to TI. While OG’s recent results have been shaky, his return brings a fresh energy and renewed direction. Whether or not they make it, the journey there will define the team’s new identity.

So what can we expect from this new OG? Will we see a return to the loose, joyful, yet razor-sharp playstyle that once took the scene by storm? Is there still room in modern Dota for that kind of trust-based, free-flowing approach?

Can this old-school mindset survive—and thrive—in a game that’s become more structured and stats-driven?

Most of all: is the OG magic still possible in 2025?