OG’s Dota 2 Roster Suffers a Blow as JerAx Retires
When OG lifted the first Aegis of the Immortals at The International 2018, it was a dream come true. The Dota 2 team went on to repeat this feat in Shanghai, becoming the first two-time champions in history. However, OG will now have to move forward without one-fifth of their iconic roster. Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka, while remaining part of the OG organization, has officially retired from competitive Dota 2 and will no longer be an active player for the team, according to an announcement made by OG today.
In a statement by OG, JerAx explains that the rollercoaster ride of competitive Dota 2 has left him feeling “apathetic, exhausted, and numb.” Although he appreciates the complexity and enjoyment of the game, the pressure to win has forced him to lie to himself in order to continue playing. He believes that what truly motivated him was the constant “creative work” behind the scenes, where he and his teammates shared ideas and aimed for constant improvement.
While JerAx expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be a pro player and respect for the passionate individuals behind the Dota 2 scene, his retirement leaves OG with a major void to fill. Additionally, Anathan “ana” Pham has extended his break until the end of the season, which poses an additional challenge for OG as they prepare for the ESL One Los Angeles Major qualifiers.
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