Nicolai “device” Reedtz is one of the most decorated and widely recognized players in the history of Counter-Strike. Known for his consistency, strategic gameplay, and exceptional skill with the AWP, device has been a staple in the professional Counter-Strike scene for over a decade. Throughout his career, he has played for some of the most prestigious organizations, most notably Astralis and Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP), securing multiple major tournament victories and cementing his status as one of the game’s greatest competitors.
Early Life and Introduction to Counter-Strike
Born on September 8, 1995, in Denmark, Nicolai Reedtz developed an early interest in competitive gaming. His journey in esports began long before he gained recognition in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). Initially playing Counter-Strike: Source, device transitioned to CS:GO at a young age when professional opportunities began to emerge.
At the age of 16, he joined Copenhagen Wolves, marking the start of his professional career. It was during this early period that he began forming strong in-game partnerships with future teammates, particularly with Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth and Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen. The synergy developed among these players would later become the foundation of one of the most dominant teams in Counter-Strike history.
Professional Career – Team History
Copenhagen Wolves and Dignitas
Device’s professional journey gained traction when he joined Copenhagen Wolves in 2011. The team quickly rose to prominence, competing in numerous European tournaments and gaining a reputation for fielding some of Denmark’s best young talent.
Following a promising stint with Copenhagen Wolves, the roster transitioned to Team Dignitas. During his time with Dignitas, device and his teammates consistently reached the playoffs in several high-profile tournaments. However, despite strong performances, the team struggled to secure major championships.
Team SoloMid and Questionmark
Seeking better opportunities and improved structure, device and his core teammates moved to Team SoloMid (TSM) in 2015. The move proved beneficial as the team started winning significant international events, including multiple ESL ESEA Pro League Finals and tournaments like FACEIT League.
However, internal disputes and organizational concerns led the roster to briefly rebrand as Team Questionmark (TQM) before ultimately forming Astralis in early 2016.
Astralis Era – Dominance in CS:GO
The formation of Astralis marked the beginning of one of the most dominant periods in CS:GO history. Device was an instrumental part of the team, playing a crucial role in their tactical and structured playing style. Under the organization’s backing, Astralis would go on to revolutionize how CS:GO was played at the highest level.
Between 2017 and 2019, device helped Astralis secure four Major championships:
- ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017
- FACEIT Major: London 2018
- IEM Katowice Major 2019
- StarLadder Major: Berlin 2019
The team’s tactical approach, coupled with device’s consistency, enabled Astralis to dominate the global CS:GO scene for several years. He was often recognized for his ability to perform under pressure, particularly in Major finals, where he contributed heavily to Astralis’ success.
Transition to Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP)
In 2021, device made a surprising move, transferring from Astralis to Ninjas in Pyjamas. The transfer was one of the most high-profile moves in CS:GO history, as device sought a new challenge with the Swedish organization.
Joining NiP marked a new chapter in his career, though success at a similar level to his Astralis years proved difficult. NiP showcased strong performances in various tournaments, but replicating the dominance device had experienced with Astralis remained a significant challenge.
Notable Achievements and Legacy
Major Championships
- 4-time Major winner with Astralis
- Crucial player in Astralis’ record-breaking tournament runs
HLTV’s Top Player Rankings
- Consistently ranked in HLTV’s Top 5 players for five consecutive years
- Recognized for his impact on professional Counter-Strike’s history
Individual MVP Awards
- 🎖️ BLAST Pro Series Istanbul 2018
- 🎖️ FACEIT Major 2018
- 🎖️ ELEAGUE CS:GO Premier 2018
- 🎖️ ECS Season 5 Finals
- 🎖️ ECS Season 2 Finals
- 🎖️ PGL Season 1 Finals
- 🎖️ FACEIT League 2015 Stage 2 Finals at DreamHack Valencia
- 🎖️ Fragbite Masters Season 4 Finals
- 🎖️ CCS Kick-off Season Finals
- 🎖️ IEM Fall 2021 Europe
- 🎖️ IEM Global Challenge 2020
- 🎖️ DreamHack Masters Winter 2020 Europe
- 🎖️ ESL One: Road to Rio – Europe
- 🎖️ ECS Season 8 Finals
- 🎖️ StarLadder Major Berlin 2019
- 🎖️ BLAST Pro Series São Paulo 2019
- 🎖️ ESL Pro League Season 8 Finals
- 🎖️ ECS Season 6 Finals
- 🎖️ IEM Chicago 2018
Notable Matches
FACEIT Major: London 2018 – Grand Final
Astralis dominated Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) 2-0, securing a flawless victory. Device was a key player in this final, consistently shutting down Na’Vi’s aggressive plays with his precise AWP shots.
IEM Katowice 2019 – Grand Final
Considered one of the most one-sided Major finals, Astralis dismantled ENCE in a 2-0 series to secure their third Major title. Device had a standout performance, proving why he was one of the best AWPers of all time.
StarLadder Major Berlin 2019 – Grand Final
Astralis secured yet another Major with a commanding victory over AVANGAR. Device’s tactical awareness and consistent fragging placed Astralis at the top of Counter-Strike esports.
Biggest Tournament Wins
- 🏆 StarLadder Berlin Major 2019 – 1st place, $500,000
- 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XIII – Katowice Major 2019 – 1st place, $500,000
- 🏆 FACEIT Major: London 2018 – 1st place, $500,000
- 🏆 ELEAGUE Premier 2018 – 1st place, $500,000
- 🏆 ELEAGUE Major Atlanta 2017 – 1st place, $500,000
- 🏆 BLAST Pro Series: Global Final 2019 – 1st place, $350,000
- 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 8 – Finals – 1st place, $250,000
- 🏆 Esports Championship Series Season 6 – Finals – 1st place, $250,000
- 🏆 Esports Championship Series Season 5 – Finals – 1st place, $250,000
- 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 7 – Finals – 1st place, $250,000
- 🏆 Esports Championship Series Season 2 – Finals – 1st place, $250,000
- 🏆 Esports Championship Series Season 8 – Finals – 1st place, $225,000
- 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XV – Global Challenge – 1st place, $200,000
Trivia and Fun Facts
- Device was originally a rifler before transitioning to an AWPer, a move that later defined his career.
- He is one of the highest-earning CS:GO players in prize money earned.
- Despite being Danish, he resides in Sweden.
FAQ – Device’s Professional Career
What teams has device played for?
Device has played for Copenhagen Wolves, Team Dignitas, Team SoloMid (TSM), Team Questionmark (TQM), Astralis, and Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP).
How many Major championships has device won?
Device has won a total of four CS:GO Major Championships with Astralis.
Why did device leave Astralis?
Device left Astralis in 2021 to join Ninjas in Pyjamas in search of a new challenge in his professional career.
What is device known for in CS:GO?
Device is known for his exceptional consistency, tactical playstyle, and elite AWPing skills.
Did device always play as an AWPer?
No, device started as a rifler before transitioning to an AWPer, which became his defining role.
Which was device’s most dominant Major performance?
Many consider IEM Katowice 2019 to be device’s most dominant Major performance due to Astralis’ overwhelming tournament run.
How long was device in Astralis?
Device played for Astralis from 2016 to 2021, contributing to the team’s iconic Major-winning legacy.
What is device’s nationality?
Device is Danish but has resided in Sweden during various periods of his career.
Is device one of the greatest CS:GO players of all time?
Many analysts and fans consider device one of the greatest CS:GO players due to his consistency, achievements, and impact on the game’s history.
