HEROIC in advanced talks with Martinez after SunPayus rejection

HEROIC have shifted their AWPer search to South American talent Martinez after sources confirmed that SunPayus turned down the Danish organisation’s offer. Martinez is now in advanced negotiations to join the team, with a deal expected to close within the coming days.

The move comes as HEROIC look to reinforce their sniper position ahead of the 2025 season. The organisation has been hunting for a consistent AWPer since the departure of their previous primary sniper, and SunPayus was the first choice. The Spanish player, currently contracted to Falcons, decided against the move, leaving HEROIC to pivot quickly to Martinez.

HEROIC zero in on Martinez

Martinez, a 22-year-old AWPer from South America, has been a standout performer in the regional scene over the past year. He has been competing primarily in the SA league circuit, putting up strong numbers against teams like 9z, Imperial, and MIBR. His raw aim and aggressive playstyle have drawn interest from multiple European organisations, but HEROIC appear to have won the race. Sources indicate that personal terms have been largely agreed upon, with only minor contractual details remaining before the transfer is finalised.

Why SunPayus said no

SunPayus’s rejection of HEROIC likely stems from his current role at Falcons, where he is a key piece of the lineup alongside players like Magisk and Snappi. The Spanish AWPer may also have concerns about joining a rebuilding project after HEROIC failed to qualify for the last Major and are currently ranked outside the top 10. Staying with a team that has a more established structure and a higher ceiling in the short term made more sense for him.

• Martinez is expected to take over the primary AWPer role, a position that has been a weakness for HEROIC in recent tournaments, with the team often relying on riflers to cover the sniper gaps.
• SunPayus’s decision leaves HEROIC without their preferred target, but the organisation’s scouting department had already identified Martinez as a backup option months ago.
• The deal for Martinez is believed to be worth a low six-figure buyout, reflecting his current contract status and the fact that he is still relatively unproven on the international stage.
• HEROIC have been actively scouting the South American region for emerging talent, with Martinez being their top candidate after watching him at the last SA Regional Major Ranking event.

What this means for HEROIC’s 2025 campaign

If the Martinez transfer goes through, HEROIC will gain a young, hungry AWPer with room to develop under the guidance of experienced players like TeSeS and sjuush. The team has shown flashes of potential in the past year, with wins over teams like FaZe and Virtus.pro, but has lacked the firepower to consistently compete with top-tier sides. Adding a reliable sniper could stabilise their defensive setups and give them a better chance at qualifying for the next Major, which is a primary goal for the organisation.

HEROIC’s next test will come at the BLAST Premier Spring Finals, where they will face stiff competition from teams like Vitality, NaVi, and G2. The integration of a new AWPer will be crucial, as the team has limited time to build chemistry before the event. HEROIC’s coaching staff, led by sAw, will need to work closely with Martinez to integrate him into the team’s system, which relies heavily on structured defaults and mid-round calls.

The final piece of the puzzle will be how quickly Martinez adapts to the European scene and the higher level of competition. HEROIC are betting on his raw talent and work ethic to elevate the team, but the organisation has a history of developing young players. The signing is expected to be announced within the next week, once the buyout is processed and the player has passed his medical checks.