Saksa

– The International 2022 Champion with Tundra Esports

– ESL One Stockholm Major 2022 Champion

– The International 2016 Runner-Up with Digital Chaos

– Champion of DreamLeague Season 27

Martin “Saksa” Sazdov (born May 17, 1995) is a Macedonian professional Dota 2 support player and current position 4 for Team Yandex. Widely regarded as one of the most mechanically gifted supports of his generation, Saksa is known for his precise initiations, calm decision-making, and consistent impact in high-pressure matches. His career is highlighted by both early breakout success and eventual championship glory at The International.

Early Career

Saksa first rose to prominence in 2016 while playing for Digital Chaos, where he shocked the Dota world by reaching the Grand Final of The International 2016. At just 21 years old, his performances on heroes like Mirana and Earth Spirit established him as one of the most promising support players in Europe.

Despite falling short in the final, TI6 marked Saksa as a long-term elite talent.

Development and Rise

Following TI6, Saksa competed across several European lineups before joining OG in 2018. His time with OG helped refine his understanding of structured, team-oriented Dota and high-level drafting, even if it did not result in a TI victory.

After OG, Saksa continued competing at the highest level, maintaining a reputation as a mechanically elite but team-focused support.

Championship Success with Tundra Esports

Saksa’s defining career moment came in 2022, when he joined Tundra Esports alongside Skiter, Nine, 33, and Sneyking. The roster quickly became one of the most dominant teams in the world.

At The International 2022, Tundra delivered a historic performance, dropping very few games throughout the tournament. Saksa’s flawless initiations and teamfight execution earned him his first Aegis of Champions, cementing his legacy as one of the best position 4 players in Dota 2 history.

Team Yandex Era

In 2025, Saksa joined Team Yandex, bringing championship experience and veteran composure to a rapidly rising CIS roster. His role focuses on initiation, tempo control, and enabling aggressive cores, fitting well into Yandex’s structured but fast-paced playstyle.

With Saksa in the lineup, Team Yandex gained not only mechanical excellence but also invaluable experience from a TI-winning support.

Playstyle and Reputation

Saksa is celebrated for his clean mechanics, clutch spell usage, and fight-winning initiations. His hero pool emphasizes high-skill, mobile supports that thrive in chaotic engagements. Unlike overly aggressive roamers, Saksa balances precision with discipline, making him effective throughout all stages of the game.

Among peers and analysts, he is often cited as a benchmark position 4 player—a standard for consistency and execution.

Fun Facts

Saksa reached a TI Grand Final in 2016 and won The International in 2022, showcasing rare longevity at the top level.

He is the only Macedonian player to ever win the Aegis of Champions.

His TI 2022 performance is frequently referenced as one of the cleanest support runs in TI history.