Saksa Steps Away from Tundra Esports and Competitive Scene

Martin “Saksa” Sazdov has left Tundra Esports and says he will take a break from the game

Martin “Saksa” Sazdov, the esteemed support player for Tundra Esports, has decided to take a prolonged hiatus from the pro scene. This decision was prompted by pressing health concerns that have necessitated his departure from the team.

We are sad to announce @saksadota will be taking an extended break due to health reasons and will not be on our active roster. We wish him all the healing and success possible.

Thank you, Martin, for playing a pivotal role in our TI victory. You’ll forever be a part of our… pic.twitter.com/l3uFrGHTJU

— TUNDRA (@TundraEsports) September 6, 2023

Saksa Leaves Tundra To Prioritize Health

Saksa has been an integral part of Tundra Esports throughout his time with the organization. The departure of the TI11 winner leaves a void in the team that will undoubtedly be challenging to fill. The health issues he is facing underline the physical and mental toll that the rigorous demands of professional esports can impose on players, serving as a poignant reminder of the need for balance and self-care in this highly competitive field.

The 28-year-old Dota 2 veteran, Martin “Saksa” Sazdov, has been notably absent from several high-profile tournaments, raising concerns among fans and teammates alike.

Saksa abruptly flew back home halfway through the Bali Major, citing a mysterious health issue as the reason for his departure. This unexpected turn of events prompted Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling to step in as Saksa's replacement for the remainder of the competition.

Following his unexpected departure from the Bali Major due to undisclosed health concerns, the talented support player delivered another surprise to the Dota 2 community by announcing his withdrawal from the upcoming Riyadh Masters tournament. In a heartfelt message on Twitter, Saksa offered an explanation for his decision, shedding light on the factors influencing his choice.

Have been struggling a bit lately with anxiety,sleep and mental health and due to that i wont be playing more at Riyadh.Sorry to my teammates and Tundra for doing this last minute and im thankful for them supporting me this whole time.

— Saksa (@Saksadota) July 22, 2023

In Saksa's absence, the spotlight once again turned to Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling, who had previously stepped into the support role during the Bali Major. Aui_2000 temporarily set aside his coaching responsibilities to bolster the Tundra Esports' lineup for the Riyadh Masters tournament.

Life After Saksa: Nine's Position Swap at Tundra and Topson's Arrival

Numerous reputable sources within the Dota 2 community have recently unveiled a significant roster shakeup that promises to reshape the dynamics of Tundra. According to these sources, the versatile player, Leon “Nine” Kirilin, who has traditionally played as a midlander, is poised to make a remarkable transition to position 4. In an equally surprising move, Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen is rumored to be joining the team as the new midlaner.

Some keen-eyed fans noticed that Nine has been actively engaging with position 4 heroes in recent times, as his Dotabuff stats suggest. This unexpected shift in his preferred hero pool has raised eyebrows and sparked intriguing discussions across various gaming platforms, particularly on Reddit. 

Nine's transition to position 4 heralds a fascinating shift in his gameplay style. Historically recognized for his prowess as a core player, this new role will require him to adapt to a support-centric approach, emphasizing crowd control, map control, and assisting the team's core heroes.

Topson's arrival, on the other hand, is nothing short of a blockbuster addition to the squad. Known for his dazzling plays and unpredictable hero choices, he has carved a name for himself as one of the premier midlaners in the Dota 2 world. His synergy with the existing roster, since he has already played as a stand-in for Tundra, and the strategies he brings to the table are poised to inject newfound strength and creativity into the team's gameplay.