TORONTOTOKYO joins OG, while Niko is moved to inactive roster

Mid-season roster shuffles are heating up.

Prominent Dota 2 teamOG has dropped a bombshell with a roster change that few saw coming. The fully Filipino line-up is bidding farewell to Nikko “Force” Bilocura (also known as Niko), who has been moved to the inactive roster. Stepping into the offlane role is prominent Russian star, Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Khertek, a The International 2021 champion.

OG Dota 2’s new roster:

1. John Anthony “Natsumi-” Vargas
2. Erin Jasper “Yopaj” Ferrer
3. TORONTOTOKYO
4. Timothy “TIMS” Randrup
5. Rolen Andre Gabriel “Skem” Ong

TORONTOTOKYO is perhaps one of the last players you would expect to see wearing an OG jersey–especially following his iconic “ez game” all-chat against them at The International 10, when his team, Team Spirit, built momentum on their way to winning the championship.

Five years later, however, TORONTOTOKYO finds himself on the other side. After leaving Team Spirit’s midlane role in 2022 and experimenting with different roles at BetBoom Team and, most recently, Aurora Gaming, he now enters a new chapter, representing OG in Western Europe this season.

TORONTOTOKYO’s arrival brings experience and versatility to a resurgent OG squad. The 28-year-old has consistently delivered strong results throughout his six-year–long career. This includes a Top 6 finish at The International 2023 and more Top 6 results at the 2023 and 2024 Riyadh Masters, alongside numerous podium finishes at Tier 1 events like ESL One Birmingham and DreamLeague Season 23–both in 2024. 

TORONTOTOKYO joins OG ahead of crucial events

The roster move in OG comes at a pivotal point in the season, with major tournaments on the horizon. 

One key event is DreamLeague Season 29 in May, which will play a significant role in determining direct invites to the Dota 2 Esports World Cup. It is also seemingly the first event OG will play with their new roster.

The team has also been invited to BLAST Slam VII, taking place right after DreamLeague Season 29, giving them more room to practice before significant tournaments approach. These include the Dota 2 Esports World Cup, which begins in July with a US$2 million prize pool. Meanwhile, The International 2026 is set for August in Shanghai, China where teams battle for an undisclosed prize pool and the world champion title. 

TORONTOTOKYO’s arrival could be the spark OG need to return to the top tier, though it remains to be seen how well the team will gel. Fans will have to wait until later in May to see OG back in competitive action.

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