Tundra Esports joins Roster Shuffle as Nine takes a break
The future of Tundra Esports in the professional Dota 2 scene is uncertain following a rough 2023 DPC season that cost them their throne. It just got worse, as the team’s former midlaner and current roaming support, Leon “Nine” Kirilin, is retiring from competitive play.
Tundra Esports. Saksa at The International 2022.Credits: Valve
The team had issues regarding their roster this season. Their former support player, Martin "Saksa" Sazdov, has been on and off throughout the season. As a result, the team had to make some roster changes before going into The International 2023.
Adding Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen to their roster made them a threat to the tournament. However, the team dropped out in the early stages of the tournament. In their latest video on the team’s YouTube channel, the team’s in-game leader and coach explained the team’s struggles and inconsistencies throughout the tournament.
Nine takes a break
Tundra Esports. Nine after their series against Team Secret at Ti11.Credits: Valve
Nine has decided to join Saksa in taking a break from competitive play after the team's unsuccessful tournament run. With him joining the inactive squad, only three players from the TI winning squad remain.
I am going on an extended competitive-dota break. I am forever grateful for the last 3 years with Tundra, both the players and the org. I have fulfilled my dream with friends i hold dear, and experienced things i will never forget.
Nine has been a part of Tundra Esports for the last three years and has achieved tremendous success as a professional player with the team. Despite his success, he recently noted that he had been under a lot of stress, and he couldn’t deal with it anymore.
However, the last 2 years were the most stressful of my life, and I cant continue like i did. Its time to chill abit and live life just the way i want to :) I will still play dota and follow everything, i just need some break from all the traveling and stress of playing.
On a positive note, he mentioned returning to competitive play if his passion for the game re-ignited during his break.
I will come back eventually when i feel ready, if that is what i want. Thank you for my teammates for always believing in me. Thank you to all the supporting and managing staff of @TundraEsports who supported us. And special thanks to @CurtisCoffin96 ❤️
Following Footsteps
Topson At TI9Credits: Valve
As a midlaner, Nine followed in the footsteps of Topson. Nine brought unorthodox heroes into the mid lane, like Keeper Of Light and Spirit Breaker.
The player's playstyle caused chaos on the map. His heroes have high mobility with early-level power spikes. Additionally, his gameplay provided ample space for his safelaner to farm on the map.
It was one of the primary reasons Tundra rose to fame during this short duration and had their names etched on the prestigious Aegis of Champions.
A Great Sacrifice
Signature Nine Pose.Credits: Valve
The player also sacrificed for his team when Saksa took a break from competitive play due to his health. He switched from being a midlaner to a support, which allowed Tundra to bring Topson in as the midlaner.
Despite his marvelous performance in his new role, the team failed to defend their throne as Entity eliminated them from the tournament.
With all eyes on Tundra Esports, the team could make a possible revamp for the new season in the upcoming days.
Featured Image Souce: Valve
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