Media: HEROIC look to sign MartinezSa as new AWPer

According to a report published by HLTV, HEROIC are currently targeting Gentle Mates AWPer Antonio "⁠MartinezSa⁠" Martinez. The Spaniard would likely replace Simon "yxngstxr" Boije, who has been a temporary AWPer ever since Alimzhan "Alkaren" Bitimbay was benched due to consistent visa issues.

Additionally, HEROIC officially announced changes in the coaching staff as head coach Tobias "TOBIZ" Theo and analyst Mathias "R0nic" Pinholt would be replaced by former HEROIC Academy coach Joonas "doto" Forss.

Over 58 maps on LAN in 2026, MartinezSa has averaged a respectable 1.12 rating. He has shown good potential in matches against strong opponents like G2 and FURIA in addition to being a relatively versatile AWPer capable of opening and closing rounds.

yxngstxr played 74 LAN maps in 2026 and averaged a 0.99 rating. While he has been playing against generally higher opposition, yxngstxr is not a dedicated AWPer and has struggled to fill the role as he is the second-lowest-rated player on his team.

After a disappointing run at the IEM Cologne Major where few stepped up outside of Linus "nilo" Bergman, HEROIC could greatly benefit from an AWPing upgrade. If the signing goes through, MartinezSa would ironically be their first permanent AWPer since his fellow Spaniard Álvaro "SunPayus García.

As for the coaching changes, HEROIC was TOBIZ's first big opportunity after an impressive tenure on MOUZ NXT. It's difficult to gauge his impact, but a leadership refresh at HEROIC, especially with someone comfortable within the organization like doto, could benefit them.

If MartinezSa joins, HEROIC's lineup would be:

• Yasin "xfl0ud" Koç

• Linus "nilo" Bergman

• Tim "susp" Ångström

• Christoffer "Chr1zN" Storgaard

• Antonio "⁠MartinezSa⁠" Martinez

• Joonas "doto" Forss (Coach)

HEROIC are slated to play in just over a week at Stake Ranked Episode 3 in Barcelona.