Astralis Claim Their First Offline Tournament Title Since 2019 Before a Roster Overhaul
Astralis won first offline title since 2019, then benched HooXi and jabbi amid reports of a roster rebuild linking siuhy and cmtry.
Background: A long LAN wait ended in Barcelona
Astralis secured its first LAN trophy since 2019 by winning Stake Ranked Episode 4 in Barcelona. The event was the organisation’s first LAN title since December 2019, and it was won under the leadership of Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen.
HooXi joined Astralis permanently in June 2025 after serving as a stand-in, replacing Casper “cadiaN” Møller. Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard arrived from HEROIC in November 2023 alongside Martin “stavn” Lund. HooXi led the team to that win, as well as to grand-final appearances at PGL Astana 2025, FISSURE Playground 1 and PGL Bucharest 2026.
Development: Immediate benching after the trophy
Days after the team secured its first LAN trophy since 2019, Astralis moved Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen and Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard to the bench with immediate effect. Sport.ua reported the benching and said both players’ contracts are nearing completion. The same outlet reported that Astralis had reportedly been seeking replacements for the pair two days before the benching.
The sequence separates short-term success from roster planning: HooXi led Astralis to its first LAN title since December 2019, yet the organisation changed the roster status of both him and jabbi before confirming a replacement lineup.
Latest: Possible additions are reported, not confirmed
The change is confirmed, but the next roster is not. Reports identify former Liquid captain Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek and Ukrainian rifler Nikita “cmtry” Samolotov as possible additions, with neither move officially confirmed.
The reported interest in siuhy also comes amid movement in the CS2 in-game-leader market. His availability after his Liquid stint has featured in recent CS2 roster changes, while established leaders have continued to move between teams during active roster cycles.
The listed active lineup comprises Love “phzy” Smidebrant, Victor “Staehr” Staehr and Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas. Filip “NEO” Kubski is also named in the same listing, but his exact role is not stated.
Current stage: Confirmed move, unresolved rebuild
Astralis now has a confirmed benching and an unconfirmed future roster. The Stake Ranked Episode 4 victory closes the immediate achievement chapter, while the contract status reported for HooXi and jabbi gives the move practical urgency. The open questions are whether Szkaradek or Samolotov will be formally added and whether the remaining active names will be completed into a stable lineup.
Common Questions
What did Astralis win in Barcelona?
Astralis won Stake Ranked Episode 4 in Barcelona, securing their first LAN trophy since December 2019 under leader Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen.
What happened to HooXi and jabbi after the win?
Days after the trophy, Astralis moved Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen and Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard to the bench with immediate effect; Sport.ua reported that both players’ contracts are nearing completion.
Are Astralis’ next roster additions confirmed?
No. Reports identify former Liquid captain Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek and Ukrainian rifler Nikita “cmtry” Samolotov as possible additions, but neither move has been officially confirmed.
Who is listed in the current active lineup?
The listed active lineup includes Love “phzy” Smidebrant, Victor “Staehr” Staehr and Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas; Filip “NEO” Kubski is also named, but his exact role is not stated.
Why is the roster situation unresolved?
Astralis has a confirmed benching but not a confirmed replacement lineup, leaving open questions about whether Szkaradek or Samolotov will be formally added and whether the active names will become a stable roster.
Comments (0)