Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander is one of the most influential in-game leaders in the history of Counter-Strike. Known for his strategic approach and tactical depth, the Danish player has played a crucial role in shaping the competitive Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) scenes. Over the years, gla1ve has led multiple teams, most notably Astralis, to significant victories, including multiple Major championships. His leadership and ability to adapt to changing game dynamics have cemented his reputation as one of the best in-game leaders of all time.

Personal Information

• Full Name: Lukas Egholm Rossander
• Date of Birth: June 7, 1995
• Nationality: Danish
• Role: In-Game Leader (IGL)

Career Overview

Early Career and Transition to CS:GO

Gla1ve began his career in Counter-Strike: Source, competing with organizations like Reason Gaming and Epsilon Esports. Though he experienced modest success, his transition to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) marked the beginning of his rise to prominence.

In CS:GO, gla1ve joined Anexis eSports, playing alongside players such as Mathias “MSL” Lauridsen and Nicolaj “Nico” Jensen. His leadership qualities became more evident with Western Wolves, where the team finished second at Copenhagen Games 2013 and third at Mad Catz Invitational: Birmingham. These early successes set the stage for his later achievements.

Breakthrough with Astralis

Gla1ve’s career-defining moment came when he joined Astralis in October 2016. Under his in-game leadership, Astralis became one of the most dominant teams in CS:GO history. His strategic mind and ability to adapt to different playstyles helped Astralis secure multiple championships.

Notable Achievements with Astralis

Major Victories

Gla1ve played a crucial role in guiding Astralis to four CS:GO Major championships, a record only a few players have achieved:

• ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017 – Astralis defeated Virtus.pro in the grand final, securing their first Major victory.
• FACEIT Major: London 2018 – A dominant tournament run saw Astralis outplay NAVI in the final.
• IEM Katowice Major 2019 – Astralis continued their dominance with an impressive win over ENCE.
• StarLadder Berlin Major 2019 – Another strong showing resulted in victory against AVANGAR.

Intel Grand Slam Victory

Astralis also secured the Intel Grand Slam Season 1, earning a $1 million prize by winning four ESL/DreamHack-organized tournaments within a ten-event window. This achievement further solidified their dominance.

Most Notable Tournament Wins

• 🏆 StarLadder Berlin Major 2019 – $500,000
• 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XIII – Katowice Major 2019 – $500,000
• 🏆 FACEIT Major: London 2018 – $500,000
• 🏆 ELEAGUE Premier 2018 – $500,000
• 🏆 ELEAGUE Major Atlanta 2017 – $500,000
• 🏆 BLAST Pro Series: Global Final 2019 – $350,000
• 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 8 – Finals – $250,000
• 🏆 Esports Championship Series Season 6 – Finals – $250,000
• 🏆 Esports Championship Series Season 5 – Finals – $250,000
• 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 7 – Finals – $250,000
• 🏆 Esports Championship Series Season 2 – Finals – $250,000
• 🏆 Esports Championship Series Season 8 – Finals – $225,000
• 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XV – Global Challenge – $200,000

Individual Recognition

Despite being an in-game leader, a role which typically does not prioritize individual performance, gla1ve was recognized for his exceptional contributions. In 2019, HLTV ranked him as #8 in their Top 20 Players of the Year, an impressive feat for an IGL. He also have one HLTV MVP medal under his belt (IEM Beijing 2019).

Team History

Current Team

• ENCE (November 27, 2023 – Present)

Former Teams

• Astralis (October 24, 2016 – November 22, 2023)
• Heroic (August 26, 2016 – October 24, 2016)
• Team X (June 30, 2016 – August 26, 2016)
• Copenhagen Wolves (Multiple stints: 2012, 2014, 2016)
• Western Wolves (March 2013 – August 2013)
• Anexis eSports (October 2012 – February 2013)

Trivia

• Gla1ve was featured in a documentary series called “Behind the Stars”, which explored the challenges of being a professional player.
• He is widely regarded as one of the most tactical CS leaders of all time.
• Despite his leadership role, he has consistently maintained strong individual performances during key matches.

FAQ – Gla1ve

What team does gla1ve currently play for?

As of November 2023, gla1ve is playing for ENCE, having left Astralis after a seven-year tenure.

How many Major titles has gla1ve won?

Gla1ve has won a total of four CS:GO Majors, all with Astralis.

Why is gla1ve considered one of the best in-game leaders?

His tactical knowledge, adaptability, and ability to consistently lead his teams to victory set him apart from other IGLs.

Has gla1ve ever been ranked in HLTV’s Top 20?

Yes, in 2019, he was ranked #8 in HLTV’s Top 20 players list.

What is the Intel Grand Slam, and has gla1ve won it?

The Intel Grand Slam is a $1 million prize awarded to the first team to win four ESL/DreamHack events in a ten-event span. Gla1ve won it with Astralis.

Did gla1ve play Counter-Strike: Source?

Yes, before transitioning to CS:GO, gla1ve played Counter-Strike: Source with Reason Gaming and Epsilon Esports.

Has gla1ve ever suffered from health issues?

Yes, he faced multiple lung collapses in early 2016, which affected his ability to compete.

What was gla1ve’s first professional CS:GO team?

His first notable team in CS:GO was Anexis eSports.

Has gla1ve switched to coaching?

As of now, gla1ve is still an active player and has not transitioned to coaching.