Jesse “JerAx” Vainikka, one of the most famous Dota 2 players, announced he’ll be retiring from the game for good. JerAx was part of the two-times TI-winning roster of OG.
Leaving while on top
JerAx started his Dota 2 career in the Finnish team Rat in the dark past of 2013. After that, he’d go through QPAD Red Pandas, 4Anchors, Team Tinker, MVP HOT6ix, 5 jungz, Team Liquid and finally – OG. His first introduction to high-tier Dota 2 was perhaps with 5 jungz, a newly-formed team by Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi that would later get signed by Team Liquid. Together, they’d finish in 7th-8th place in The International 2016.
JerAx left Liquid right after to join OG and has been a crucial part of the organization ever since. OG had great success in the years to follow throughout many Major tournaments, but what really made them stand out was The International. The team was the first and only one so far to win two annual editions of the most prestigious Dota 2 event in a row, 2018 and 2019 respectively.
To this day, the most signature hero played by JerAx remains Earth Spirit. The hero was constantly nerfed in a series of patches by Valve but that didn’t manage to stop the Finn for quite a long time. Retiring at the age of 27 with more than 6 million in prize winnings, JerAx’s tale is one many dream of.
From Boston to Shangai, @iamJERAX allowed us to write a unique story with OG.All good things come to an end, and Jesse has decided to retire from pro Dota 2.Thank you Jesse! Read JerAx's statement https://t.co/izeufE6vU4#DreamOG pic.twitter.com/nIxvuP9gxK
— OG (@OGesports) January 26, 2020
What’s next for OG?
JerAx wasn’t the first to leave the successful roster. Anathan “Ana” Pham announced he’ll be taking a break until next season, too.
Our carry player and Io god @anadota99 will extend his break and come back for the next season. Rest well Anathan!#DreamOG pic.twitter.com/Ry7Pr8KdZi
— OG (@OGesports) January 25, 2020
Sébastien “Ceb” Debs is also leaving his active role in OG.
Sometimes building a legacy requires to step out from the light.While still active in the roster @Ceb_dota is changing direction and will focus on helping OG players reach their potential.Read more: https://t.co/R8hWCyMVw3#DreamOG pic.twitter.com/j0ng4Kk6MB
— OG (@OGesports) January 27, 2020
By the looks of it, he’ll be something of a coach to the possible newcomers in the roster.
Currently, the team consists of Johan “N0tail” Sundstein and Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen so chances are we’ll see some new transfers pretty soon. The organization already missed two Major events, the ones in Chengdu and Leipzig. The next tournament on the line is ESL One Los Angeles, set to start in March.
But the Dota 2 International simply won’t be the same without JerAx.
