Astralis Officially Part Ways With Dev1ce and Magisk Ahead of 2026 Season
Astralis Officially Part Ways With Dev1ce and Magisk Ahead of 2026 Season
Legendary Danish organisation Astralis have confirmed the departures of Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz and Emil “Magisk” Reif as part of a major roster shakeup ahead of the 2026 Counter-Strike 2 season. The club’s announcement, made on December 28, 2025, signals both a closing chapter for two of the game’s most experienced stars and the beginning of a new, more internationally oriented rebuild.
Astralis stated in an official release that they will explore international options when recruiting replacement players. “We are not limiting ourselves to a single market when recruiting new players,” the organisation wrote. “We are in a phase where we will continue to build throughout 2026, and our primary focus will be on quality and the overall direction of new additions.”
dev1ce’s Departure: A Second Farewell
Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz, widely known as one of Counter-Strike’s most decorated players, will be leaving Astralis once again. This marks his second departure from the organisation — he originally left in 2021, played for Ninjas in Pyjamas, and then returned to Astralis in late 2022.
During his second stint with Astralis, dev1ce played a pivotal role in stabilising the lineup. He helped guide the team to grand final appearances at events like PGL Astana and FISSURE Playground 1, and was instrumental in securing Astralis’ first Major qualification in three years at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.
Dev1ce’s decision to leave was described in official statements as difficult. “Leaving Astralis once again has not been an easy decision,” he said. “For some time now, I have been hungry to try something new, and I am very much looking forward to starting the next chapter. I am leaving Astralis on good terms, just like last time, and I wish the guys all the best.”
Older reports had already linked dev1ce with a move to 100 Thieves, where he would reportedly reunite with Håvard “rain” Nygaard and former Astralis teammate Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander, now head coach of the 100 Thieves project. While Astralis did not confirm his destination in the announcement, earlier HLTV sources pointed to this transfer.
Dev1ce is widely recognised as one of the greatest players in Counter-Strike history, having previously won four Majors, earned multiple HLTV Top 20 placements, and been a key part of the dominant Astralis dynasty in the CS:GO era.
Magisk Exit: Contract Expiry After Stand-In Stint
Alongside dev1ce, Emil “Magisk” Reif will also be leaving Astralis. Magisk’s contract with the organisation expired at the end of 2025 and will not be renewed, ending a second short stint with the Danish side.
Magisk had returned to the squad in September 2025 after former all-star Martin “stavn” Lund stepped away from the team for personal reasons. His comeback was confirmed earlier in the year and saw him filling a key rifling role during a transitional period for Astralis.
During his time back with the team, Magisk contributed to playoffs runs at FISSURE Playground 2 and IEM Chengdu, and played at the StarLadder Budapest Major. Although his second tenure was brief, the experienced rifler was publicly thanked by the organisation for his contributions during a period of competitive flux.
Magisk is no stranger to Astralis. Earlier in his career, he was part of the legendary lineup that captured three consecutive CS:GO Majors and helped solidify the organisation’s reputation as a global powerhouse. However, this latest departure closes a distinct chapter in his journey as part of a rebuilding Astralis squad.
Astralis’ Rebuild: A Shift in Strategy
With two roster spots now open, Astralis faces crucial offseason decisions. The organisation has indicated a willingness to look outside Denmark to fill these roles, a notable shift for a team historically anchored in Danish talent.
Astralis currently stands outside the very top tier of global Counter-Strike 2 teams and has had sporadic results throughout the 2025 season. While they did qualify for the StarLadder Budapest Major — the first Major appearance in years — the team has struggled to consistently break into the upper echelons of international competition.
Although it remains unclear who Astralis will target as replacements, reports suggest that former player Martin “stavn” Lund is unlikely to return to the active roster. This means Astralis might need to pursue fresh talent entirely.
The departures also echo a broader trend in CS2 called “Winter Rostermania,” where teams across the scene make sweeping lineup changes in anticipation of the new year. Analysts believe the choices made in this period could define competitive structures for months to come.
Community and Legacy Perspectives
The news has prompted significant reactions across the Counter-Strike community. Dev1ce’s exit, in particular, drew nostalgia from fans recalling his past successes with Astralis during its dominant years in CS:GO, and many have expressed appreciation for his influence on the organisation’s legacy. Magisk’s departure, while less headline-grabbing, was also met with gratitude for his role during a transitional phase.
Astralis has long been one of Counter-Strike’s most storied brands, with a record four Major titles and a historic 406-day run as the world’s top team in the CS:GO era. As the squad pivots toward a new competitive identity in CS2, fan discussions reflect both a sense of loss and cautious optimism for what the future holds.
Looking Ahead
As of now, dev1ce and Magisk are set to begin new chapters in their careers outside Astralis, while the organisation enters a major rebuild phase. Astralis’ next competitive outings in early 2026 will reveal how the new roster direction takes shape — especially whether international signings can reignite the team’s strategic edge.
Fans will be watching closely as Astralis prepares to announce its new lineup and define its competitive approach for the year ahead.
Related News
