CS:GO: Xyp9x Reportedly Stepping Down From Astralis
| Tags: CS2
| Author Caroline Rutledge
Astralis search for a replacement as Xyp9x reportedly goes on leave.
Star support player Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth has left Astralis on leave, according to a report from DBLTAP. The reason for his departure is unknown, and it is unclear how long he will be off the team’s active roster. This change comes just shortly after in-game leader Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander also temporarily stepped down from the team.
Astralis is currently searching for a replacement for Xyp9x, as per the DBLTAP report. Coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen has filled the vacancy in practices, while the team has reached out to Ninjas in Pyjamas and Heroic to inquire about Jonas “Lekr0” Olofsson and Patrick “es3tag” Hansen, respectively. Astralis have been unable to reach an agreement with either organization. The team is expected to play without Xyp9x at least through DreamHack Masters Spring Europe.
Gla1ve, Now Xyp9x
Astralis made another roster move earlier this month, replacing Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander with Jakob “JUGi” Hansen, while Emil “Magisk” Reif took over the in-game leadership duties. JUGi had joined the Astralis lineup as a substitute alongside former teammate es3tag. Es3tag has not yet formally joined the team, preventing him from taking Xyp9x’s place on the active roster. Es3tag is set to take on the Astralis name in early July.
Xyp9x was a part of the original Astralis roster along with Nicolai “device” Reedtz and Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen. During his tenure under the Astralis banner, Xyp9x has won four CS:GO Majors, Intel Grand Slam Season 1, and countless other tournaments.
It is currently unclear who Astralis will field in their upcoming matches. The team next plays in the BLAST Premier Spring Showdown. Here, they will first face off against Ninjas in Pyjamas on June 1.
Caroline is an esports journalist focusing on CS:GO. Starting out as a casual CS:GO fan, her interest quickly turned into a passion as she spent years studying the game. She has put that knowledge to use as a journalist, now writing about professional CS:GO for multiple websites including TheGamer.