Dota 2 TI13 UPDATE: Tundra Enters TI13 With Saksa As Stand-In Due To Visa Issues

Most likely, it’s a reroute. Tundra will be having Saksa on the TI13 roster to replace 9Class after visa issues arise. 

It’s not a literal reroute, but the European powerhouse, Tundra Esports, will have to switch some things up in the roster. Dota 2 fans are buzzing with excitement as the biggest esports tournament nears its opening. The International 2024 (TI13) will start the group stage on September 4, 2024, with 16 teams competing for the title. 

Unfortunately for the fans of Tundra, they won’t be seeing its complete roster in the prestigious tournament. Tundra’s 9Class unexpectedly faced troubles with his visa that led the team to search for a replacement. It is a crucial roster change for Tundra that may possibly affect their performance in the competition. 

Visa Issues Strike Again: 9Class Unable to Compete

Some things won’t just go along the way we want. While their preparation is going well, an unexpected problem arises for Tundra Esports. Their starting support player, Edgar “9Class” Naltakian, is sidelined after complications with his visa. The Russian citizen faced difficulties in securing a visa in TI13’s host country, Denmark. This left the team with no other choice than to find a replacement for him as the tournament approaches. 

Saksa Steps In: A Familiar Face Returns

Fortunately for Tundra Esports, they have a reliable face to lean on in this time of crisis. They sought replacement from their TI 2022 winning roster’s support player, Martin “Saksa” Sazdov. They made this announcement just two days before the beginning of TI13. However, the North Macedonian player is no stranger to the competition and has experience to back him up. 

A Look Back: Saksa’s History with Tundra

In a quick recap of Saksa’s journey with Tundra in 2022, it is a successful and, at the same time, somewhat controversial sequence. Saksa initially joined the organization as a replacement for Adrian “Fata” Trinks, which made Dota 2 fans question the decision. Eventually, Saksa proved the doubters wrong as he became a key part of the Aegis of Champions in The International 2022. 

The following year, he stepped out from the active roster as he faced health issues. Saksa remained on the team’s inactive list while occasionally competing for small tournaments. He often plays in these competitions with Team Bald Reborn. Although they faced an early exit in the TI13 qualifiers, fate seems to have different plans as Saksa re-enters Tundra’s active roster. 

The Current Tundra Lineup: A New Era

It has been two years since Saksa joined the lineup of Tundra. With this, an entirely different roster faced him in his return for TI13. It is notable that none of his teammates from 2022 remained on the team. Hence, it’s a totally new start for Saksa and the rest of the Tundra’s players. 

Currently, their carry player, Ivan “‘Pure-” Moskalenko, and mid laner, Topias “Topson” Taavistainen, are leading the lineup for TI13. With two days left before the tournament, Saksa will have to adapt quickly into their strategies and playstyle to have a shot at the TI13 playoffs. 

The Bigger Picture: TI13 in Copenhagen

TI13 is seeing a bright start for the prestigious tournament as the sixteen teams arrived in Copenhagen. Despite facing challenges such as a last-minute roster change for Tundra Esports, they were able to reach just on time for the competition. Valve confirmed on September 2 as they promised the fans around the world of epic stage showdowns. 

For The International 2024, only Tundra faced the stand-in situation among the teams in the tournament. A similar circumstance with Team SMG during The International 2023 in Seattle. The team had to shoe in Ivan “MinD_ContRoL” for Natthapon “Masaros” Ouanphakdee.

Conclusion

It’s finally time for the grandest Esports tournament in years. The International 2024 is setting up the world stage to showcase the most exciting and impressive matchups of the year. Teams are gearing up for the action as Valve released the group seeding and schedule for TI13’s group stage. 

On the other hand, it was unfortunate for Tundra’s 9Class to miss the opportunity to stand on the world stage. However, with the sudden change in Tundra Esports’ roster, fans are expecting an extra unpredictability in the tournament. As no one has seen the group play together in the competitive stage, the scouting will be a difficult task. For now, keep an eye on Tundra Esports and Saksa’s performance as they compete in Group B along with strong teams.