Astralis captain signs new deal

The in-game leader of Astralis, Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander, has signed a new three-year contract with the Danish organization, Astralis announced on Friday. His new deal will keep him with Astralis until the summer of 2024, which means the news puts an end to speculation over his future.

One of the greatest in-game leaders the game has ever seen, admitted that he had doubts about continuing his career at the Danish organization.

“I have achieved a great deal with Astralis and obviously I had a lot to consider before I started the contract negotiations. Was it about time I tried something new or do I see myself in Astralis for years to come?” the Danish captain said.

“I am Astralis by heart and no matter how I look at it I feel home here. It’s an organization that always strives to develop the game and the players. To me it’s all about being somewhere where I can see myself progress as a player while surrounded by people with great ambitions and professional colleagues. I’ve had a lot of talks with Kasper Hvidt about the future and development of myself and the team and I’m sure we’re going to leave marks on professional Counter-Strike for many years.”

“At the same time, I’m expecting a child with my girlfriend this Fall and when I look around there are just no other place I would feel like I could get the same safety and flexibility when it comes to that. It means a lot to me and I’m excited for the coming three years where we will be lifting a lot more trophies.”

The experienced captain has been a part of the Danish organization since joining back in 2016 from Heroic as a replacement for Finn “karrigan” Andersen. He has helped the team to win several international titles, including 4 Majors.

“When we look at our Counter-Strike team in a historic perspective, Lukas has always been instrumental for the way we develop the game and his thorough approach to preparing has been one of the key elements to the team’s success,” Astralis’ Sports Director, Kasper Hvidt said. “He is without a doubt the best at what he does and during our contract negotiations it really hit me how hungry he still is to compete.”

“We have come far with the team but in regards to how we work both in and outside the server, we still have a lot to improve on. Lukas thinks about Counter-Strike on a completely different level than most others and we will see a lot more of that soon. With the contract signed, Lukas can focus on his role as IGL, rest easy about his coming fatherhood and think about the long-term development of the strategy and team’s playbook. It is a great day indeed.”

The Danish squad will return to action in August for the ESL Pro League Season 14 event.