Astralis, one of the most iconic and successful teams in Counter-Strike history, has left an indelible mark on the esports landscape. Known for their dominance in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and their seamless transition into Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Astralis’ legacy is built on years of exceptional teamwork, innovative strategies, and an unparalleled record of achievements. This article delves into the history of Astralis, chronicling their formation, roster changes, major accomplishments, and their performances in global tournaments, particularly the prestigious CS:GO Majors.
The History and Formation of Astralis
Astralis was officially formed in January 2016 by a group of Danish players who were previously competing under the name “Team Questionmark.” At the time of its inception, the organization was notable for being one of the first esports teams to be self-owned by its players. The move aimed to give players more control over the direction and management of their team, a revolutionary approach in professional esports. This roster initially consisted of:
- Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth
- Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen
- Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz
- René “cajunb” Borg
- Finn “karrigan” Andersen
The team quickly made a name for itself, leveraging a mix of raw talent and experience to compete with the best teams in the world. Early on, Astralis earned a reputation for their cohesiveness and tactical depth, characteristics that would come to define their success for years to come.
Roster Evolution and Changes
Early Adjustments – Building the Foundation
In October 2016, Astralis underwent some critical roster changes that would set them on the path to greatness. René “cajunb” Borg was replaced by Emil “Magisk” Reif, and Finn “karrigan” Andersen was succeeded by Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander, who took over the crucial role of in-game leader. These adjustments reshaped the team’s dynamic, establishing Astralis as a tactically superior squad capable of challenging and outsmarting stronger opponents.
The impact of these changes was immediately evident. Under gla1ve’s leadership, Astralis broke barriers when they secured their first Major championship win at the ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017 by defeating Virtus.pro in a thrilling grand final. This victory validated their decision to revamp the lineup and hold steadfast to a tactical, discipline-first approach to the game.
The Dominant Era – 2018 Roster
In the following year, Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz briefly stepped away from competition due to health issues but returned in January 2018. Around the same time, Emil “Magisk” Reif joined the team, replacing Markus “Kjaerbye” Kjærbye. This roster of dev1ce, dupreeh, Xyp9x, gla1ve, and Magisk would go on to build one of the most dominant periods in CS:GO history.
The Astralis roster from 2018 to 2020 is widely recognized as the greatest lineup in CS:GO history. Known for their utility usage, impeccable aim, and masterful map control, this roster set the standard for excellence in competitive Counter-Strike.
Adapting to Challenges – 2020 and Beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic brought dramatic changes to the global esports scene, and Astralis was not immune to these challenges. Both Xyp9x and gla1ve took breaks for health reasons, leading to temporary roster additions such as Patrick “es3tag” Hansen and Jakob “JUGi” Hansen. While Astralis attempted to maintain their dominance, the frequent changes and disruptions stymied their consistency. During this period, the addition of Lucas “Bubzkji” Andersen brought some promise, but the team’s golden era struggled to persist amid these challenges.
Notable Achievements of Astralis
🏆Intel Grand Slam Season 1 – $1,000,000
🏆StarLadder Berlin Major 2019 – $500,000
🏆Katowice Major 2019 – $500,000
🏆FACEIT Major: London 2018 – $500,000
🏆ELEAGUE Premier 2018 – $500,000
🏆ELEAGUE Major Atlanta 2017 – $500,00
🏆BLAST Pro Series: Global Finals 2019 – $350,000
🏆ESL Pro League Season 8 – $250,000
🏆Esports Championship Series Season 6 – $250,000
🏆Esports Championship Series Season 5 – $250,000
🏆ESL Pro League Season 7 – $250,000
🏆ELEAGUE Clash for Cash: The Rematch – $250,000
🏆Esports Championship Series Season 2 – $250,000
Major Championships
🏆ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017
🏆FACEIT Major: London 2018
🏆Intel Extreme Masters XIII – Katowice Major 2019
🏆StarLadder Berlin Major 2019
Astralis is best known for their record-breaking performances in Counter-Strike Major Championships, which are regarded as the most prestigious tournaments in CS:GO. The team holds the distinction of being the first-ever squad to win four Major titles, a feat still unmatched.
Not only did Astralis secure four Major wins, but they also set another record by winning three back-to-back tournaments (London 2018, Katowice 2019, and Berlin 2019). This streak solidified their reputation as the most dominant team in CS:GO history.
Intel Grand Slam Winners
Another highlight in Astralis’ storied career came in 2018 and 2019, when they won the first season of the Intel Grand Slam. This achievement awarded them $1,000,000 in prize money, following consecutive victories in top-tier tournaments such as ESL Pro League and the Esports Championship Series events.
Other Tournament Victories
Astralis has excelled beyond the Majors, capturing numerous titles in premier tournaments. Some of their most notable wins include:
- ESL Pro League Season 7 and 8 Finals
- Esports Championship Series Seasons 5 and 6 Finals
- BLAST Pro Series: Sao Paulo 2019
- BLAST Pro Series: Global Final 2019
Astralis and the Transition to Counter-Strike 2
As the esports world transitions from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Astralis aims to carry forward its legacy of excellence. While their current CS2 roster does not include the iconic lineup of 2018–2020, the organization remains committed to trying and reach the heights of the previous rosters.
Current CS2 Roster
The Astralis squad includes:
Nicolai “device” Reedtz – The only survivor from the glory days of Astralis. The world-renowned AWP’er played for a short while with NIP before returning to Denmark and Astralis.- Casper “cadiaN” Møller – Previously synonymous with Heroic, the Dane was signed to take over the in-game leadership from device at the end of 2024.
- Martin “stavn” Lund – The former Heroic rifler switched allegiances at the end of 2023 alongside his teammate jabbi.
- Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard – A dramatic move saw jabbi join Astralis in 2023.
- Victor “Staehr” Staehr – His versatility has allowed Staehr to survive several different roster shakeups at Astralis.
Notable Former Players
- Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander – In the conversation of being the best in-game leader of all-time. Four Majors under his belt.
- Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen – The most winning CS:GO player in history with five Majors.
- Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth – Known for his clutch abilities, Xyp9x played a key part in the Astralis upswing.
- Emil “Magisk” Reif – Won three Majors with Astralis before moving on to Vitality, where he hoisted another trophy.
- Markus “Kjaerbye” Kjærbye – Was the youngest Major MVP until Danil “donk” Kryshkovets broke his record in 2024.
- Finn “karrigan” Andersen – One of the most recognisable faces in the game never got to win a Major with Astralis, but went on to write his own history with FaZe winning the PGL Antwerp Major in 2022.
FAQs – Astralis
What is Astralis known for?
Astralis is known for being one of the most successful teams in Counter-Strike history, particularly in CS:GO, with four Major championships and three consecutive Major wins.
Who formed Astralis?
Astralis was formed in 2016 by a group of Danish players, including Xyp9x, dupreeh, and dev1ce, who previously competed under the name “Team Questionmark.”
What is Astralis’ most successful roster?
The most successful roster featured dev1ce, dupreeh, Xyp9x, gla1ve, and Magisk from 2018 to 2020.
How many Major titles has Astralis won?
Astralis has won four Major championships, a record in CS:GO history.
What is the Intel Grand Slam, and did Astralis win it?
The Intel Grand Slam is a prestigious accomplishment awarded to teams that win four top-tier tournaments in a circuit. Astralis won the first season in 2019.
What tournaments has Astralis won beyond Majors?
Astralis has won many tournaments, including the ESL Pro League Season 7 and 8 Finals and BLAST Pro Series events.
Is Astralis still competitive in CS2?
Astralis is actively competing in CS2 and is fostering new talent through their Astralis Talent roster.
What made Astralis’ gameplay unique in CS:GO?
Astralis was known for their innovative use of utility, tactical depth, and disciplined team play.
Where can I follow Astralis updates?
You can follow Astralis on their official website, social media platforms, and tournament broadcasts for the latest updates.
