Astralis Goes International as Dev1ce Exits Counter Strike 2 Roster
Astralis is entering a new era in Counter-Strike 2, and it starts with one of the most significant roster changes in the organisation’s history. The Danish powerhouse has officially confirmed the departures of Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz and Emil “Magisk” Reif, signaling a strategic shift toward an international lineup and a clear break from its long-standing national identity.
According to Astralis, these changes are part of a broader plan to pursue a more global direction in CS2. Magisk’s contract will expire on December 31, 2025, while dev1ce has agreed to a transfer that will take effect in 2026. CEO Jonas Gundersen explained that both exits were anticipated and handled through open communication, allowing the organisation to prepare for the transition well in advance.

Magisk’s return to Astralis in September 2025 was short but impactful. During his tenure, he represented the team at several Tier 1 events, including ESL Pro League Season 22, PGL Masters Bucharest, and IEM Chengdu. While Astralis struggled to convert appearances into trophies, Magisk remained a steady presence during a turbulent competitive year.
Dev1ce’s departure carries far more emotional weight. One of the most decorated AWPers in Counter-Strike history, dev1ce leaves Astralis for the second time. His original run with the organisation, from 2016 to 2021, defined an era of dominance. Four Major titles, countless international trophies, and a reputation for clinical consistency cemented his legacy as a cornerstone of Astralis’ golden age. After a brief stint with Ninjas in Pyjamas, his return in 2022 reignited hopes of sustained success, even if results never fully matched past glory.
In his farewell statement, dev1ce admitted the decision was difficult but necessary. His desire to explore something new reflects a wider truth about the modern CS2 landscape, where even legendary players must adapt, evolve, and seek fresh challenges to remain competitive.
This roster overhaul also marks a philosophical turning point for the Esports organisation. For the first time, Astralis is actively looking beyond Denmark for talent, opening the door to a truly international roster. In a scene where mixed-nationality teams often dominate, this shift feels overdue and potentially transformative.
Astralis’ 2025 season helps explain the urgency behind these changes. At the StarLadder Budapest Major, the team finished 19th out of 32, exiting early after a disappointing Stage 2 performance. While they remained active across top-tier events like IEM Katowice, BLAST Bounty, and PGL Bucharest, deep tournament runs were rare.

There were still flashes of promise. A third-place finish at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 and a runner-up placement at PGL Astana showed Astralis could compete with elite teams on the right day. However, inconsistency continued to plague the roster, preventing them from re-establishing themselves as a dominant force.
For many fans, these struggles mirror the ranked grind experienced by everyday players. It is no surprise that interest in services like a CS2 boost has grown, as players look for ways to overcome skill plateaus and reach higher ranks more efficiently. At the professional level, roster changes serve a similar purpose: resetting momentum and aiming for a higher competitive ceiling.
As Astralis rebuilds, the wider CS2 ecosystem continues to evolve. From rising international rosters to increased demand for CS2 boosting services among competitive players, the game’s landscape is more dynamic than ever. Whether Astralis’ new direction leads back to championship contention remains to be seen, but one thing is certain. The end of the dev1ce era closes a legendary chapter, and the next one is about to begin.

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