Cover-Credits:
Tundra Esports, the powerhouse team from Western Europe (WEU) is currently competing at the Bali Major 2023 and has encountered a sudden issue at the event regarding one of its players. Currently placed third in Group A, just behind Team Liquid and beastcoast, Tundra Esports has been showcasing impressive performances at the major, securing victories against some of the best Dota 2 teams in the world.
However, the team recently announced that Martin "Saksa" Sazdov, its support player, will be flying back home due to some kind of illness, indicating that he will not be able to participate for the remainder of the tournament. The team also announced that Kurtis "Aui_2000" Ling will be replacing the player for the remainder of the tournament.
Saksa's Departure from the Bali Major 2023 - Aui Steps In
The announcement of Saksa's departure due to illness brings uncertainty to Tundra Esports' path at the Bali Major 2023. However, Tundra Esports has a history of rising to the challenge, especially where stand-in performances are considered, as seen at Dreamleague Season 19 with Adam “Aramis” Moroz and with Stanislav "Malr1ne" Potorak and Aleksandr "Immersion" Khmelevskoi at Dreamleague Season 20. The team announced that its coach, Aui_2000 will be stepping in to fill the player’s shoes. As an experienced player with victories at The International 5 winner and The International 11 (as a Tundra Esports’ coach), the player has a wealth of experience to bring to the team.
Tundra Esports - A History of Stand-Ins
Tundra Esports has demonstrated its ability to perform at the highest levels of competition with stand-ins in the past. Beginning at Dreamleague Season 19, where the team had Adam "Aramis" Moroz stand-in for Saksa, and then at Dreamleague Season 20, where the team had Stanislav "Malr1ne" Potorak and Aleksandr "Immersion" Khmelevskoi as replacement players on its team.
Despite these substitutions, Tundra Esports managed to deliver commendable performances, showcasing their ability to quickly integrate new players into the team’s playstyle. Now, with Aui_2000 stepping in as a stand-in for Saksa, the team faces yet another test of its flexibility and teamwork.
Evil Geniuses Also Sick - Potentially Unable To Play
While Tundra Esports grapples with the challenge of replacing Saksa, another similar incident also surfaced with Farith "Matthew" Puente, the support player for Evil Geniuses (EG) coming down with illness and being potentially unable to play.
A recent tweet from the creative manager of Gaimin Gladiators shed light on Matthew's health issues, stating that he has been sick with a stomach ache for three days, potentially affecting his ability to play at the tournament.
As the Bali Major continues, Tundra Esports faces an uphill battle in adapting to Saksa's absence. The team's ability to adjust and perform with a stand-in player will determine their fate in the tournament. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Tundra Esports can maintain its strong form and continue its quest for success in the face of this unexpected challenge.
Tundra are currently 3rd in the Group A standings and have two more series to play in the group stages against Team Aster and Team Liquid. The team will have to perform at its best in order to secure a Top 4 standing and upper-bracket slot in the playoffs of the Bali Major 2023.
