The perennial debate of “who is the greatest team of all time” in esports rarely finds a definitive answer, yet it consistently sparks fervent discussion. In the world of Dota 2, where dynasties rise and fall with the ebb and flow of patches and player transfers, few teams have carved out a legacy as profound as **OG** and **Team Spirit**. Recently, Aydin `INSaNiA` Sarcoui, the discerning support player for **Team Liquid**, weighed in on this very topic during an appearance on Austin `Capitalist` Walsh`s podcast, offering a perspective that might ruffle a few feathers among contemporary fans.
The `Golden Age` Argument for OG
INSaNiA’s preference for OG, he admits, carries a hint of personal bias. However, his reasoning extends beyond mere sentimentality. He posits that OG`s dominance occurred during what he fondly terms the “golden age” of Dota 2. This period, roughly from 2015 to 2019, presented a different competitive landscape. While fewer teams might have been vying for top titles compared to the current era, INSaNiA believes this only amplified OG’s achievements. Their victories, he argued, were rarely accidental, consistently demonstrating a level of strategic depth and execution that set them apart.
“I would rate [n0tail`s achievements] higher than [Miposhka, Collapse, and Yatoro`s successes],” INSaNiA stated, drawing a direct comparison between the core members of both legendary squads. He elaborated, “Simply because OG was at their peak in the `golden age` of Dota 2. Yes, I would rate OG`s results slightly higher, but Team Spirit is very close. These are the two teams that can even claim to be the greatest – everyone else is very far from that.”
An Unmatched Record: The OG Dynasty
To understand INSaNiA`s conviction, one need only look at OG`s unparalleled track record. Led by the enigmatic Johan `n0tail` Sundstein, the team achieved what many considered impossible: winning two consecutive The International tournaments (TI8 and TI9). This feat remains unmatched in Dota 2 history, a testament to their sustained excellence and clutch performance on the biggest stage. Beyond their TI triumphs, OG also secured an impressive four Valve Majors, cementing their status as a dominant force across multiple competitive seasons.
The argument is not simply about the number of trophies, but the context in which they were acquired. INSaNiA suggests that the strategic complexity and individual skill required to win consistently in that particular era made OG`s victories profoundly significant. Their ability to innovate, adapt, and consistently outmaneuver opponents, often with unconventional drafts and audacious plays, became their hallmark.
The Maestro: n0tail`s Enduring Influence
A significant part of INSaNiA`s admiration is reserved for n0tail himself. The Danish captain, known for his infectious positivity and unconventional leadership, is considered by Sarcoui to be the greatest player in Dota 2 history. N0tail`s journey from competitive HoN to becoming a two-time TI champion, often orchestrating miraculous comebacks, solidified his legendary status. His ability to foster camaraderie, maintain morale, and extract peak performance from his teammates, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds, is a narrative thread that runs deep through OG`s storied success.
Team Spirit: A Worthy Contender, But a Different Era
While INSaNiA places OG slightly ahead, he is quick to acknowledge Team Spirit`s formidable achievements. Their dominant run at The International 10 (TI10) showcased a remarkable blend of individual skill, team cohesion, and strategic mastery, echoing some of the qualities that defined OG`s peak. Spirit`s success firmly places them in the conversation for the greatest team, proving their mettle against a deeply competitive modern scene.
However, the nuance in INSaNiA’s analysis lies in the distinction between eras. The 2020s have seen an explosion of talent and a broader distribution of top-tier teams. While this makes winning a Major or TI incredibly difficult, INSaNiA subtly implies that the *nature* of competition, and perhaps the challenges posed by fewer, but perhaps more intensely focused, elite contenders during OG’s prime, lends a unique weight to their legacy.
The Unending Debate
Ultimately, the “greatest of all time” debate is less about definitive answers and more about celebrating the incredible achievements of legendary teams. INSaNiA`s insightful commentary provides a valuable perspective from a current professional, highlighting the subjective yet deeply personal interpretations of greatness. Whether you subscribe to the `golden age` supremacy of OG or the undeniable modern dominance of Team Spirit, one thing remains clear: both teams have indelibly etched their names into the annals of Dota 2 history, providing endless fuel for passionate discussion among fans and pros alike.
