"I have no uncertainty": Buzz on suffering the same fate as Bubzkji, Lucky and Farlig
We have spoken with the new Astralis rifler before his debut season with the Danish super team.
Ever since the breakup of their legendary and multiple Major-winning roster back in 2021, Astralis has had a hard time finding a liable and competitive lineup.
Promising Danish talents such as Lucas "Bubzkji" Andersen, Philip "Lucky" Ewald and Asger “Farlig” Jensen have all been thrown in the fire, without any of the three surviving the massive pressure of joining the biggest organization in the world.
Now it’s Christian “Buzz” Andersen’s turn to show what he’s made of following his transfer to Astralis last month. We have had the chance to speak with the 19-year-old rifler about the pressure of joining Astralis, his role on the team and much more.
Pley: What were your first thoughts when Astralis came calling?
Buzz: - Ever since I started playing, I have looked up to Astralis, so when I was told that they wanted to talk to me, it was a bit surreal. I was excited to say the least, but also aware that talking is not the same as signing a contract. We've had some good talks since then, and it is obvious that they do their homework when they talk to players. It has been a very good experience.
How do you think you will handle the pressure of joining such a big organisation as Astralis but also top-tier CS:GO?
- The day I was announced, I really felt how much Astralis means to so many people. In that way, it is a great feeling to know you have the fans supporting you, but honestly, I haven't really thought a lot about all the other stuff since. We have worked hard to get everything in place, and all our focus has been on building this team right. My teammates and the organization make everything feel easy for me, and it is about doing my best and contributing to the team.
There have been quite a lot of changes in Astralis in the last couple of years with younger players like Bubzkji, Lucky and Farlig all coming in and out of the team – Do you feel some kind of extra pressure on your shoulders to perform from day one to not suffer the same destiny as these three?
- I don't know about each individual player, but I don't think you can compare. The way I have been integrated into the team leaves me with no uncertainty like that. Everybody does everything for each player to be a part of it all, and it is up to the players to take advantage of what we are given.
Astralis' roster for 2023
Can you try to put some words on your specific role and what you will bring to the team?
- First of all, I know the role and I know how to play it. I will hopefully bring consistency and give the other players some comfort, so we get the most out of everybody and myself. And then I will make sure to do my best and keep evolving as a teammate and player.
How big of a part have you been in the talks surrounding roles and positions? Can you explain this process?
- We are building everything from the bottom up and making sure that I'm not taking over somebody else's role but getting the most out of me. It has been a big eye-opener to be a part of the whole thing from the beginning. Everybody on and around the team is a part of it all. We have been very methodical and I must say that I have already learned a lot about performance and mental preparation from Kasper Hvidt, BS Christiansen and Jan Ø Jørgensen. In game, we have an extremely strong team with casle and Hunden, who complement each other well, but also listen to the players.
Looking at your team history it looks a bit chaotic with that many teams in such a short period of time – How will you describe your journey from the start to now joining arguably the biggest CS:GO organization in the world?
- I can't say how it looks from the outside, but I have never tried anything else than my own career, and I haven't felt any chaos. I have felt a constant and fast progress, I don't think I am anywhere near my top level yet, but time will tell. I am really happy about where I am and I hope to stay on this team for a long time.
Tough debut coming up
Buzz is set to get his debut for Astralis this week when he and the team will clash against Vitality at BLAST Premier Spring Groups. The event kicks off on Thursday and will run until the 29th of January.
