Tundra Esports’ Dota 2 group has revealed two main modifications, with Martin “Saksa” Sazdov and Remco “Crystallis” Arets each leaving the energetic roster.
After a disappointing Seventh-Eighth place end at The Worldwide 2025, the group has moved rapidly forward of Dota 2’s busiest interval of roster shuffles.
Saksa has revealed he’ll take a break from competitors. Picture Credit score: Valve
The group struggled in Hamburg at Dota’s crowning occasion, partly resulting from Matthew “Whitemon” Filemon’s absence resulting from visa points, and bowed out sooner than anticipated.
Saksa has introduced he’s stepping away from the sport and taking a break, whereas Dutchman Crystallis has been moved to the bench.
Saksa Takes Time Off Once more
Saksa is not any stranger to prioritizing his well-being. The veteran help took a year-long break after TI12, the place he returned to assist Tundra at TI13 as an emergency stand-in, putting third on the match.
After enjoying the whole 2025 season, seeing the tip at TI14, Saksa will as soon as once more step away from competitors.
His absence will likely be felt deeply. His synergy as a help duo with Whitemon, mixed together with his long-standing partnership with Neta “33” Shapira, has been one in all Tundra’s defining strengths.
With the 30-year-old gone, the seek for a succesful substitute gained’t be simple.
Crystallis Moved to the Bench
Crystallis has additionally been sidelined following the group’s TI14 exit. The carry joined Tundra halfway via the season after dyrachyo’s sudden want to retire regardless of the plethora of trophies he was reaching with the group.
Regardless of his pedigree of confirmed outcomes on Crew Secret and PARIVISION, Crystallis couldn’t replicate the identical stage of success throughout his six-month stint on Tundra.
His performances drew criticism all through the season, and whereas he confirmed flashes of his outdated type in a number of matches, it wasn’t sufficient to carry Tundra again to the title contender it as soon as was.
Crystallis has been moved to the bench. Picture Credit score: Valve
What’s Subsequent for Tundra Esports? Speculated Modifications
With Saksa and Crystallis out, Tundra is now right down to a core of Bozhidar “bzm” Bogdanov, 33, and Whitemon. The remaining trio continues to be world-class of their roles, giving Tundra a powerful basis to rebuild round. The problem will likely be discovering the proper suits for the vacant positions.
Three potential replacements stick out within the carry position:
Ivan “Pure” Moskalenko is a probable candidate, having performed for Tundra on mortgage in 2024. He and Whitemon had already shaped a formidable duo throughout their time collectively.
Alan “Satanic” Gallyamov, PARIVISION’s star carry, has been rumored to be concerned about becoming a member of Tundra, the place he would as soon as once more exchange Crystallis.
Alimzhan “watson” Islambekov, from the dissolved Gaimin Gladiators roster, continues to be a top-tier carry participant. It wouldn’t be shocking to see a participant of his caliber slot into Tundra.
Relating to Saksa’s substitute, it’s anybody’s guess. One title that stands proud could possibly be Erik “tOfu” Engel from the previous Gaimin Gladiators roster. He’s a non-greedy help participant who suits nicely into lineups with farm-focused cores – exactly the kind of profile that would complement Tundra’s fashion.
