Tundra Esports’ Dota 2 team has revealed two major changes, with Martin “Saksa” Sazdov and Remco “Crystallis” Arets both leaving the active roster.
After a disappointing 7th-8th place finish at The International 2025, the team has moved quickly ahead of Dota 2’s busiest period of roster shuffles.
Saksa has revealed he will take a break from competition. Image Credit: Valve
The team struggled in Hamburg at Dota’s crowning event, partly due to Matthew “Whitemon” Filemon’s absence due to visa issues, and bowed out earlier than expected.
Saksa has announced he is stepping away from the game and taking a break, while Dutchman Crystallis has been moved to the bench.
Saksa Takes Time Off Again
Saksa is no stranger to prioritizing his well-being. The veteran support took a year-long break after TI12, where he returned to help Tundra at TI13 as an emergency stand-in, placing 3rd at the tournament.
After playing the entire 2025 season, seeing the end at TI14, Saksa will once again step away from competition.
His absence will be felt deeply. His synergy as a support duo with Whitemon, combined with his long-standing partnership with Neta “33” Shapira, has been one of Tundra’s defining strengths.
With the 30-year-old gone, the search for a capable replacement won’t be easy.
Crystallis Moved to the Bench
Crystallis has also been sidelined following the team’s TI14 exit. The carry joined Tundra midway through the season after dyrachyo’s sudden desire to retire despite the plethora of trophies he was achieving with the team.
Despite his pedigree of proven results on Team Secret and PARIVISION, Crystallis couldn’t replicate the same level of success during his six-month stint on Tundra.
His performances drew criticism throughout the season, and while he showed flashes of his old form in several matches, it wasn’t enough to lift Tundra back to the title contender it once was.
Crystallis has been moved to the bench. Image Credit: Valve
What’s Next for Tundra Esports? Speculated Changes
With Saksa and Crystallis out, Tundra is now down to a core of Bozhidar “bzm” Bogdanov, 33, and Whitemon. The remaining trio is still world-class in their roles, giving Tundra a strong foundation to rebuild around. The challenge will be finding the right fits for the vacant positions.
Three potential replacements stick out in the carry role:
- Ivan “Pure” Moskalenko is a likely candidate, having played for Tundra on loan in 2024. He and Whitemon had already formed a formidable duo during their time together.
- Alan “Satanic” Gallyamov, PARIVISION’s star carry, has been rumored to be interested in joining Tundra, where he would once again replace Crystallis.
- Alimzhan “watson” Islambekov, from the dissolved Gaimin Gladiators roster, is still a top-tier carry player. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a player of his caliber slot into Tundra.
When it comes to Saksa’s replacement, it’s anyone’s guess. One name that sticks out could be Erik “tOfu” Engel from the former Gaimin Gladiators roster. He’s a non-greedy support player who fits well into lineups with farm-focused cores – precisely the type of profile that could complement Tundra’s style.