Astralis’ First LAN Title Since 2019 Precedes Roster Shake-Up

Astralis have moved Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen and Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard to the bench with immediate effect, days after the team secured its first LAN trophy since 2019.

The change is confirmed, but the next roster is not: reports identify former Liquid captain Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek and Ukrainian rifler Nikita “cmtry” Samolotov as possible additions, with neither move officially confirmed. Sport.ua reported the benching and said both players’ contracts are nearing completion.

A trophy before the roster change

The timing follows Astralis’ victory at Stake Ranked Episode 4 in Barcelona, the organisation’s first LAN title since December 2019. HooXi led the team to that win, as well as grand-final appearances at PGL Astana 2025, FISSURE Playground 1 and PGL Bucharest 2026.

HooXi joined Astralis permanently in June 2025 after serving as a stand-in, replacing Casper “cadiaN” Møller. jabbi arrived from HEROIC in November 2023 alongside Martin “stavn” Lund. Astralis had reportedly been seeking replacements for the pair two days before the benching, according to Sport.ua.

The reported interest in siuhy also comes amid movement in the CS2 in-game-leader market. His availability after his Liquid stint has featured in recent CS2 roster changes, while established leaders have continued to move between teams during active roster cycles.

What comes next for Astralis?

The listed active lineup comprises Love “phzy” Smidebrant, Victor “Staehr” Staehr and Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas, with Filip “NEO” Kubski as coach. HooXi and jabbi are listed as benched; Staehr is the only Danish player among the three active players, alongside Sweden’s phzy and Lithuania’s ryu.

Astralis’ next listed event is Stake Pulse Beat III, scheduled to begin on October 12, 2026. Sport.ua reported that cmtry could switch from the AWP to a rifling role if he joins, but the organisation has yet to confirm either potential signing.