Martin “Saksa” Sazdov is one of the most recognizable names in the professional Dota 2 scene. As a highly skilled support player, he has etched his name in competitive history with incredible plays, outstanding game sense, and a deep focus on teamwork. With a career spanning multiple top-tier teams and a hard-fought victory at The International 2022, Saksa has solidified himself as one of the most respected position 4 players in the game. His journey from humble beginnings in North Macedonia to becoming a world champion has inspired fans and aspiring players alike. In this article, we will take a deep dive into his career, achievements, and interesting trivia while answering the most common questions about him.
Biography – The Early Life of Saksa
Born on June 12, 1995, in North Macedonia, Martin “Saksa” Sazdov started his gaming journey at an incredibly young age. At just 3 years old, he was already playing Starcraft, displaying an early affinity for strategy games. As he grew older, he transitioned to DotA, the original Warcraft III custom game. Around the age of 10, he played on Garena servers, gradually developing a deep understanding of the game.
The origin of his nickname, “Saksa”, stems from an unusual incident. His original DotA account was hacked, and upon recovery, he was given a new account pre-named “Saksa.” Rather than changing the name, he decided to keep it, thus cementing a key part of his identity in the esports world.
Career in Dota 2 – A Journey Through the Competitive Scene
Early Professional Years (2014-2015)
Saksa’s professional Dota 2 career started in 2014 with the all-Macedonian team Global Challengers. He remained with them for over a year before making a move to Team Moriarty. WithMoriarty, he secured a tournament victory at the GIGABYTE Challenge Cup #16.
In mid-2015, Saksa’s gameplay began drawing significant attention. He climbed the matchmaking rating (MMR) leaderboards, becoming one of the first players worldwide to hit the impressive 8000 MMR milestone. This personal achievement broadened his recognition and soon earned him an invitation to join 4 Clover & Lepricon as their support player.
Breakthrough with Digital Chaos and The International 2016 Run
In early 2016, Saksa joined Mamas Boys but later moved to Digital Chaos, a decision that would prove to be a defining moment in his career. With Digital Chaos, he competed in The Manila Major, marking his first appearance at a Valve-sponsored event. The team finished 9-12th, but greater successes were just around the corner.
Despite being considered underdogs, Digital Chaos made a spectacular run at The International 2016 (TI6). Against all odds, they reached the Grand Finals, where they eventually lost to the legendary Wings Gaming. This runner-up finish skyrocketed Saksa’s career, making him a household name.
Shifting Teams – Thunderbirds, Planet Odd, and Beyond (2017-2019)
Following Digital Chaos’ dissolution, Saksa played for several teams, including:
- Thunderbirds
- Planet Odd
- MidOrFeed
- OpTic Gaming
- HellRaisers
During these years, he continued competing in international events but was unable to reclaim the same level of success as TI6.
Ninjas in Pyjamas and DPC Minor Success (2018-2019)
In 2018, Saksa joined Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) and found some notable success. Under NiP’s banner, Saksa won two DPC Minors, showcasing his consistency as one of the best support players in the scene. However, by September 2019, he parted ways with the organization.
Joining OG and Competing in TI10 (2020-2021)
On January 29, 2020, Saksa made a colossal move in his career by joining OG, replacing JerAx as the position 4 player. With OG, he competed at The International 2021 (TI10) and helped the team secure a Top 8 finish. Unfortunately, following TI10, he was removed from the roster.
The Pinnacle of Success – Tundra Esports and Winning The International 2022
In early 2022, Saksa joined Tundra Esports, replacing Fata in a somewhat controversial move. However, this shift proved to be a masterstroke, as it led to the biggest achievement in his career.
At The International 2022 (TI11), Tundra Esports dominated the competition, seamlessly moving through the brackets to claim the championship. After six years since his first TI final, Saksa finally lifted the Aegis, becoming the first Macedonian player to win The International.
Key Statistics and Milestones
Notable MMR Milestones
- 10,000 MMR – May 9, 2020
- 12,000 MMR – October 21, 2022
- 13,000 MMR – July 7, 2024
- 14,000 MMR – August 4, 2024
- 15,000 MMR – November 20, 2024
Noteworthy Game Statistics
- Highest average deaths per game (8.05) – 2021 DPC WEU Upper Division
- Highest average assists per game (17.00) – 2023 DPC WEU Upper Division
Physical Attributes and Trivia
The Tallest Professional Dota 2 Player
Saksa is widely known for his towering height, standing at 2.03 meters (6’8″). He is currently the tallest player in the professional Dota 2 scene.
Historic Firsts
- First Macedonian player to attend The International (TI6)
- First North Macedonian player to win The International (TI11)
Frequently Asked Questions – Saksa in Dota 2
What is Saksa’s real name?
His real name is Martin Sazdov.
When did Saksa start playing Dota?
He began playing DotA around the age of 10.
What is Saksa’s highest MMR?
As of November 20, 2024, his highest MMR is 15,000.
What was Saksa’s first TI?
His first TI was The International 2016 (TI6) with Digital Chaos.
Which team did Saksa win TI with?
He won TI with Tundra Esports in 2022.
How tall is Saksa?
He stands at 2.03 meters (6’8″).
What role does Saksa play?
He primarily plays position 4 (roaming support).
Who did Saksa replace in OG?
He replaced JerAx in 2020.
What was Saksa’s first major tournament win?
His first major win was at a DPC Minor with NiP in 2018.
Which teams has Saksa played for?
He has played for Tundra Esports, OG, NiP, Digital Chaos, and several others.
Conclusion
From a young gamer to a world championship winner, Saksa’s journey through the competitive Dota 2 scene is nothing short of remarkable. His commitment, remarkable skills, and numerous achievements have cemented his legacy in esports history.
