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Replacing a legacy player requires immediate results. Love Smidebrant, known as phzy, stepped into the primary sniper role for Ninjas in Pyjamas twice. His aggressive playstyle contrasts sharply with the passive angle-holding of older veterans. Frequent wide swings characterise his approach to opening duels. Surviving chaotic rosters across multiple regions allowed him to secure a permanent position on a tier-one roster.

The 23-year-old Swedish player currently operates as the primary AWPer for Astralis. He joined the Danish organisation in early 2026 after they transitioned to an international, English-speaking roster. Analysts consider his addition an upgrade following the team’s turbulent 2025 season. The sniper secured a top-seven rating among all AWPers facing top-twenty opposition last year. He now competes under the leadership of Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen.

Personal Information

phzy - Pley.gg
Real NameDate of Birth (Age)NationalityTeamRoleMouse DPISensitivityeDPIResolution
Love SmidebrantSeptember 24, 2002 (23)🇸🇪 SwedenAstralisAWPer8001.2510001280×960

His career began in the lower tiers of the Swedish scene. Early stints included local teams like Team Divine and Team Down2Earth before he secured a spot on Young Ninjas. A sudden promotion occurred when the main Ninjas in Pyjamas roster required a substitute. This roster move placed him directly into tier-one competition at IEM Katowice 2022. Operating in a high-pressure environment accelerated his development and led to international opportunities in Asia and North America.

Current and Former Teams

  • 9INE (2019 – 2020)
  • Team Divine (2020)
  • Team Down2Earth (2020)
  • Young Ninjas (2021)
  • Ninjas in Pyjamas (Stand-in) (2021 – 2022)
  • Young Ninjas (2022)
  • Sangal Esports (2022 – 2023)
  • Rare Atom (2023 – 2024)
  • Wildcard (2024 – 2025)
  • 9INE (Stand-in) (2025)
  • Wildcard (2025)
  • 9INE (2025 – 2026)
  • Astralis (2026 – Present)

The International Route

Smidebrant pursued opportunities across three different continents to advance his career. He departed the Swedish scene after his initial NIP stint concluded. A transfer to Sangal Esports in Europe marked his first international move. The sniper then joined Rare Atom in China to test his adaptability in a new region. Competing in North America with Wildcard resulted in dominant statistical performances. These geographical shifts developed a highly adaptable competitor.

phzy - Pley.gg
phzy proved his worth in 2025 for Wildcard – Image: PGL

2025: Statistical Consistency

The 2025 season featured significant roster instability alongside high individual output. He anchored Wildcard through difficult periods, securing a 1.13 rating over 167 maps. Unexpected benchings and a cancelled loan deal with 9INE disrupted his schedule. Despite these setbacks, the Swedish player maintained high performance metrics against European teams. Astralis purchased his contract in late December based on these consistent results.

Biggest Tournament Wins

DateTournamentPlacementAward
Dec 12, 2021IEM Winter 20212ndN/A
Jul 13, 2025Exort The Proving Grounds S21stN/A
Dec 5, 2020Svenska Elitserien Fall 20201stN/A

The Katowice Baptism

Competing at IEM Katowice 2022 established his viability in tier-one events. He assumed the primary sniper role for a high-profile organisation under significant public scrutiny. Operating effectively in this high-stakes environment demonstrated his capacity to handle pressure. The young player performed his duties and proved his mechanical capability on a major stage.

Individual Achievements

  • Secured a top-seven rating among AWPers facing top-20 opposition in 2025.
  • Maintained a 1.13 rating over 167 maps with Wildcard.
  • Replaced dev1ce successfully across two separate major organisations.

Personality & Routine

Industry reputation describes a dedicated player who tolerates difficult team situations. Peers report a strong work ethic despite encountering poor management decisions. Competing across multiple continents requires significant mental fortitude. He maintains focus on game performance and delivers consistent statistical impact.

Team Members in Astralis