Martin “Saksa” Sazdov has announced his departure from Tundra Esports, deciding to take a hiatus from the game
Notable support player for Tundra Esports, Martin “Saksa” Sazdov, has elected to take a significant break from the professional scene due to various health issues that demand his attention and precipitated his exit from the team.
Sadly, we need to inform @saksadota is taking a long-term break due to health conditions and will be absent from our current roster. We wish him robust recovery and overall success.
We appreciate you, Martin, for your critical role in our TI triumph. You will forever remain part of… pic.twitter.com/l3uFrGHTJU
— TUNDRA (@TundraEsports) September 6, 2023
Saksa Steps Back from Tundra to Focus on Health
Saksa’s contribution to Tundra Esports has been significant throughout his tenure. The exit of the TI11 victor marks a significant gap in the team, which is expected to present a formidable challenge to fill. His current health challenges highlight the physical and psychological strain that professional esports can inflict, reminding us of the importance of maintaining equilibrium and prioritizing self-care amidst high competition.
Martin “Saksa” Sazdov, the 28-year-old Dota 2 veteran, has been noticeably absent from numerous high-profile tournaments, stirring concerns amongst fans and teammates.
Saksa abruptly returned home midway through the Bali Major, due to an unexplained health condition, leading to Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling stepping in as his substitute for the rest of the tournament.
After his unforeseen exit from the Bali Major, attributed to undisclosed health issues, he shocked the Dota 2 community further with his announced withdrawal from the upcoming Riyadh Masters tournament. Saksa utilized Twitter to shed some light on his choice and discuss the circumstances influencing his decision.
Lately, I’ve faced difficulties coping with anxiety, sleep, and mental health, which is why I’ll no longer play at Riyadh. I apologize to my teammates and Tundra for this last-minute change, but I thank them for their support throughout.
— Saksa (@Saksadota) July 22, 2023
In the absence of Saksa, the focus shifted back to Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling, who had previously filled in the support position during the Bali Major. Aui_2000 momentarily set his coaching duties aside to reinforce the Tundra Esports’ team for the Riyadh Masters tournament.
The Post-Saksa Scenario: Nine’s Role Revision at Tundra and the Arrival of Topson
Trusted sources from the Dota 2 community lately revealed substantial changes to the team lineup which may significantly alter Tundra’s dynamics. Reports suggest that flexible player, Leon “Nine” Kirilin, traditionally seen as a midlaner, will transition dramatically to position 4. Additionally, there are whispers of Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen potentially joining the team as their new midlaner.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Nine has been recently experimenting with position 4 heroes, indicated by his Dotabuff statistics. This sudden shift in his hero preference has generated intrigue and engrossed discussions across gamer platforms, especially Reddit.
Nine’s switch to position 4 signals an interesting variation in his gameplay. Known for his skill as a core player, this new role demands a shift to a support-oriented approach, focusing on crowd control, map domination, and team core hero aid.
Meanwhile, Topson’s addition to the team is a significant boost. Renowned for his stunning gameplay and unconventional hero selection, he is revered as one of the best midlaners in the Dota 2 realm. His previous experience as a stand-in for Tundra and the strategies he will introduce are likely to invigorate the team’s gameplay with added strength and innovation.