September 17, 2024 – Astralis is thrilled to announce the signing of Casper 'cadiaN' Møller as the new in-game leader.

Following an agreement with Team Liquid, the 29-year-old Danish star transfers to Astralis with immediate effect, replacing Alexander 'br0' Bro on the Main roster.

At Astralis, our ambition has always been to unite the best Danish Counter-Strike talent and remain competitive at the highest level. This signing reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a Danish roster capable of competing with the global elite.



The addition of one of the most prominent players in recent CS history brings great excitement to Astralis, and of course, cadiaN himself.

cadiaN: "I share Astralis' vision—always striving to be the best"

"I'm thrilled to have signed with Astralis. I understand some might see this as a controversial move, given my history with the team and past rivalries. Some may even question whether stepping away from the AWP is the right decision. But the truth is, I share the same vision as Astralis: always striving to be the best, building a top Danish CS roster, and competing for the biggest titles," says Casper 'cadiaN' Møller.

"I know some fans may feel I've had 'beef' with Astralis, but actually, I've faced similarly fierce rivalries with other teams and players too. My intense winning mentality has always driven me to push boundaries, and these rivalries have only made me stronger over the years. As a leader, the Counter-Strike community knows what I bring—both tactically, where I've helped revolutionize the game, and through the passion I show, from energizing huddles to celebrating my teammates' great plays. Astralis' fans can expect even more of that from me in the future."

"This reunion with jabbi and stavn is, of course, exciting for all of us. We've addressed the challenges we faced in the past, and today we're fully aligned. After a year of reflection, we’re still hungry for trophies and continue to share the same tactical vision that drove our success before," cadiaN states.




Kasper Straube, Astralis' Sports Director, is excited about cadiaN's addition to the roster and believes this transfer will play a crucial role in the team's pursuit of top results:

"At Astralis, our goal has always been to compete for the biggest titles, and with cadiaN's addition, we're improving our chances of achieving just that. We've not been satisfied with our recent performances despite hard work. Signing cadiaN gives us the best prospects, both in the short and long term," says Kasper Straube.

"cadiaN is a winner—energetic and passionate in everything he does. We’re confident he will help shape our game and be a leader both on and off the server."

"Regardless of past rivalries, both Astralis and cadiaN share the same drive to be the best. That energy thrives in competition, but it also shines when you unite for a common goal. We know what cadiaN can bring, and he believes in the future of Danish Counter-Strike, especially with our roster," Straube adds.

New Astralis Main Team Roster

The current Astralis Main team roster is as follows:

- Nicolai 'dev1ce' Reedtz (29) – Dedicated AWPer
- Casper 'cadiaN' Møller (29) – In-game Leader (IGL) and rifler
- Martin 'stavn' Lund (22) – Rifler
- Jakob 'jabbi' Nygaard (21) – Rifler
- Victor 'Staehr' Staehr (20) – Rifler

cadiaN’s first official matches with the Main team will take place at the BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024, held at Forum in Copenhagen, running from September 25 to 29.

https://vimeo.com/922004714

"Today we bid farewell to a legend as we are parting ways with Andreas "Xyp9x" Højsleth, who will soon be taking on a new challenge.

As a founding member, Andreas is a vital part of the team that forever changed Counter-Strike through a new vision for the game and how it is played, and with 4 Majors and 24 major LAN trophies he is one of the most winning players ever.

It is not only on the server and in the statistics, though, Andreas has made his mark and a real difference.

He has always been there for the fans, to his team-mates he has been a rock, and to Astralis... he is family.

We are proud to have been a part of your amazing journey, Andreas, and we can’t wait to see how you will grow even further as a part of the Counter-Strike scene.

On behalf of everyone in Astralis,
Thank you"

Wednesday saw the early recruitment of the new head coach, Casper "ruggah" Due, while team captain Benjamin "blameF" Bremer was benched with a potential sale in mind.

Thursday morning, Astralis, Monte, and Alexander "br0" Bro reached an agreement on a transfer, sending the young Dane to Astralis, where he has previously been part of the successful talent squad.

Simultaneously, Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz assumes the role of team captain and in-game leader.



- Our top priority has been to find a player who can step into the team and create space for the other four to move into their favorite positions. Alexander "br0" fits perfectly here.

- He was a standout player on an extremely successful talent team and chose to seek international experience after his run on the talent squad. It's a pleasure for us to complete the circle and bring a former talent player back to the main team in this way.

- He was the first player we identified who has the level and fits perfectly into the role, and I'm extremely happy we succeeded in bringing him back so quickly. We also owe thanks to Monte, who has been understanding and flexible in making this transition successful.



- I'm insanely happy to return to Astralis. I know what I'm talking about when I say it's a fantastic organization, and it really hurt to see them miss the Major because I know how much it means to everybody here. However, it has opened up opportunities for me, and I will do everything to show that I am the best choice for the team.

- They know what they're getting, and I know what it means to play here and be part of Astralis. Although I have the utmost respect for playing alongside such skilled players and the pressure of being here, I also know I can make a difference. That's who I am as a person and as a player, and I'm just insanely excited to get started.



The team also changes its in-game leader, and although he has been around for a long time and had much to say both on and off the server, it's a new responsibility for Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz.




- I've always been the secondary caller and right-hand man for both Lukas and Benja, so when there was a change underway, it naturally came up in the team if I could see myself taking the lead as IGL.

- It's obviously a very different role to be the IGL with more responsibility both on and off the server, but it's a good time for me to go this way. I also see it as an opportunity to do even more of what I love most in the world, playing CS at the highest level for much longer.

- It motivates me insanely because I don't just intend to continue this for a couple of years – it's my lifelong dream to play CS! Stepping into a new chapter in my career really excites me, and it's a role I see myself in for many years to come.

- The hardest thing for me is to ask Astralis fans for patience because they have really been patient for the past 3 years. That's also why I'm fully committed, and although it's new, it's also in many ways a continuation of my own development.

- I have a group of outstanding players around me and feel great support from the team. I know we've said it before, but I truly believe in this, and I'm just super motivated to do my best in my new role.

Alongside the new coach, Casper "ruggah" Due, Alexander "br0" Bro joins the team on Friday, when the first boot camp begins for the team.

Following the missed Major qualification, ambitions remain intact at Astralis, and the work towards creating a team capable of competing at the top of the world continues.

On Wednesday, there was a change in the head coach position, and today the organization announces a change in the lineup, with in-game leader Benjamin "blameF" Bremer being benched with a potential sale in mind.



- Benjamin is one of the hardest working players in the game, and he is extremely dedicated, as evidenced by various rankings. He has always worked loyally for Astralis and is highly regarded within the organization, so it is with a heavy heart that we make the decision to bench him with a potential sale in mind.

- We have to acknowledge that we haven't succeeded with him in the role of IGL as there is a mismatch in profiles and roles that everyone has been working to resolve. Unfortunately, we have never achieved the stability required to compete at the highest level, and after thorough analysis and discussions with all involved parties, the conclusion is clear:

- We need to establish roles and utilize the players where they individually feel most comfortable so they can perform optimally for the team. That is our focus in the short term, and it's crucial for determining who we bring in.

- We have a group of quality players who can and should compete at the very top of the sport consistently. It takes time, but with the talent we have available and with the addition of Casper Due to the coaching staff, we are at a point where we have to reach higher standards than what we have delivered.

- On behalf of everyone at Astralis, I would like to thank Benjamin for his time and dedication. He is a top-class player who will surely make his mark at the top of the world in the right role. He will always be part of the Astralis history.




- Naturally I'm disappointed to be leaving Astralis and a team I hoped to bring back to the top. I've truly enjoyed my time here and can only speak positively about my teammates and all the great people who work tirelessly to support the team in any way possible.

- I probably saw it coming, as we haven't succeeded, even though it felt like we were on the right track. I play with four incredibly talented players, but we just haven't functioned as a team in the matches that really matter, and you know that something new needs to happen.

- It has been an honor to be part of Astralis, and I would like to thank everyone here for the way they have always treated me. I wish everyone the best of luck in the future and believe they will bounce back.

- Right now, however, I am mostly looking forward to new opportunities because I still have the burning desire to prove that I can compete among the world's best.

Benjamin’s replacement will be announced shortly.

As Alexander "Altekz" Givskov has been included in the main roster for the coming period, Andreas "Xyp9x" Højsleth has agreed to help the talent team.


- Throughout 2023, Alexander "Altekz" has been performing on a consistent, high level, and he is currently one of the most talented players in his role. As such, and in continuation of the first team coaches' desire to work with him in the coming period, we have had a good dialogue with Andreas "Xyp9x", who has agreed to help the talent team.

- It tells you everything about Andreas that his first thought is to help the organization where he can and give the talents a chance to learn from Andreas' huge experience, while at the same time, we can give one of the most talented young players the opportunity to get closer to the first team. Andreas is still part of our main roster, and the attitude he shows in a difficult situation is exactly what we are looking for in Astralis, says Hvidt.


- I am still super disappointed that we missed the qualification for the Major. That was my goal and everyone's ambition. An organization like Astralis must participate in all Majors and ultimately be able to compete for the title. When we miss this opportunity for the second time in a row, it's clear we have to look at all options. I know the game and know how I contribute, but I'm also Astralis to the core and will do what it takes to move us forward.

- People close to me know that I am a team player, and even though I am now taking a break from the A team, I will always be ready to help the organization and the team that I have been a part of since the very beginning. There are many talented players on the talent team, and I look forward to helping them. I hope, of course, that my experience and knowledge from countless large international tournaments can lift the players even, says Højsleth.


- I am super happy to be part of the talent team at Astralis and the culture we have built. We always work for each other to get better every day so that we can one day compete on the highest level. That's why, when "casle" told me they wanted to work with me on the first team. I was just all smiles and excitement, and I intend to give my everything to help the team. I haven't been made any promises, so for me it's just about showing what I can do and who I am as a person and as a player.

- I know there will be a lot of speculation, but for me, it's about Astralis and about being a team player so that we can lift the results together.

Andreas "Xyp9x" plays the first match for Astralis Talent on Wednesday at 12:30 CEST, where Prospects is the opponent in the European Pro League, Season 7.

Alexander "Altekz" Givskov will have to wait a little longer for his first team debut, which will happen in connection with the online tournament Brazy Party 2023. The tournament, which i.a. featuring opposition from teams like ENCE, BIG, OG, and Eternal Fire, kicks off on April 27.