Tundra Esports move 2 players to inactive after TI 2025 letdown

Tundra Esports have wasted little time addressing their disappointing finish at The International 2025, moving swiftly to make their first major roster changes.

The organization has shifted carry player Crystallis and veteran support Saksa to the inactive roster, a decision that reflects the weight of expectations surrounding the team. For a squad that entered Dota 2 TI 2025 as one of the favorites, the early exit in the 7th-8th place bracket was far from the standard they had set in previous seasons.

The move comes just days after Tundra’s elimination, a loss that cut short any hopes of reclaiming the Aegis. Their campaign was hindered by unexpected roster turbulence when hard support Whitemon was forced to miss the event due to visa complications.

As a result, Tobi stepped in as a substitute, altering team chemistry at the most critical stage of the year. Despite managing to show flashes of strength, including a notable victory over Team Liquid during the elimination round, Tundra’s run collapsed earlier than expected when they fell 2-0 to HEROIC in the lower bracket’s opening round.

That defeat to the South American underdogs was a turning point. HEROIC’s fearless, aggressive approach punished Tundra’s inability to adjust mid-series, as the match highlighted issues that ran deeper than a temporary stand-in. The loss served as a reminder that even world-class teams can be undone by lapses in coordination and an overreliance on structure when faced with unpredictable play.

Placing both Crystallis and Saksa on the inactive roster is a bold statement from the organization, signaling that surface-level fixes will not suffice. Crystallis, once touted as a promising star in the carry role, struggled to provide the consistency needed against top-tier competition. Saksa, a respected position four support with years of international experience, faced his own challenges as the team’s drafts and execution faltered.

Their departures mark a clear reset for Tundra as they look to reestablish themselves in a scene where the margin for error grows smaller each year. The timing of the roster moves underscores how seriously Tundra views their position within Western Europe’s hypercompetitive landscape.

Making changes so quickly after TI suggests that Tundra intends to be aggressive in the post-tournament shuffle, potentially pursuing talent that can complement their existing core and restore their championship ambitions. Tundra’s decision will inevitably fuel speculation about their next steps.

The organization has earned a reputation for methodical roster construction in the past, often favoring long-term cohesion over short-term fixes. Yet, after TI 2025’s disappointing outcome, the emphasis appears to have shifted toward urgency. Their fanbase will be watching closely, as will rival teams, to see whether these moves lay the groundwork for another title-contending lineup or mark the beginning of a longer rebuild.