Confirmed: Magisk to Depart Astralis After Stand-In Stint

Confirmed: Magisk to Depart Astralis After Stand-In Stint

According to multiple reliable sources including HLTV.org and Dust2.dk, Emil “Magisk” Reif will not be part of Astralis’ active roster in 2026. His short-term return to the Danish organization is coming to an end as his contract expires and the team has opted not to extend his deal beyond the current season. 

Magisk’s final appearance with Astralis came during the ongoing StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, where he played under the Astralis tag as a stand-in. The 27-year-old rifler, a four-time Major champion, rejoined Astralis in September 2025 after Martin “stavn” Lund stepped down from the lineup due to personal reasons. 

This marks the end of a brief second tenure with Astralis for Magisk. The veteran was brought in mid-season to help stabilize the roster, and various reports note that during this stint Astralis reached playoff stages at events such as FISSURE Playground 2 and IEM Chengdu. 

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What Led to the Stand-In Role

Magisk’s return to Astralis this year stemmed from a series of roster changes in 2025:

• Earlier in the year, Magisk had been benched by Team Falcons, the organization he joined after leaving Team Vitality. Falcons supplanted him in June with rising talent Maxim “kyousuke” Lukin, signaling a shift in their roster direction. 

• Shortly thereafter, Astralis entered into negotiations to bring Magisk back, a move that was confirmed in early September 2025 following stavn’s break.

Despite fan optimism surrounding the reunion, especially given his history with the team, Astralis ultimately decided not to keep Magisk under contract for the next season. 

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Magisk’s Impact and Legacy

Magisk is widely regarded as one of Counter-Strike’s most accomplished players. During his first spell with Astralis (2018–2021), he helped the team secure three CS:GO Major titles and played a central role in what is considered one of the game’s most dominant eras. 

Throughout his career, Magisk has achieved:

• 4× Major champion, including three with Astralis. 

• Recognition as one of HLTV’s top players in multiple years. 

His return this year was widely covered as a “homecoming” story, rekindling memories of Astralis’ historic dominance. 

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Astralis’ Roster Situation Going Forward

Magisk’s departure leaves two open roster spots on Astralis heading into 2026. One of these vacancies is tied to the reported impending transfer of Nicolai “device” Reedtz to 100 Thieves, another major shift in the Danish side’s lineup. 

Astralis will also need to replace their AWPer role in the wake of these changes, with the club actively scouting replacements. 

Rumors have swirled about Astralis’ broader rebuilding plans throughout 2025, and it appears the organization is bracing for a significant offseason reshuffle as teams across the CS2 ecosystem engage in what’s being described as a year of rostermania. 

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Magisk’s Comments & Future Prospects

While Astralis and external outlets have reported on the contract situation, Magisk himself has indicated that he remains a free agent for 2026. According to recent statements, he has not yet committed to any team beyond his current stint and hinted fans will “see what happens next year.” 

His future in CS2 is still open — top teams may pursue him during the busy transfer market ahead of IEM Cologne and other major events.

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Context: CS2 Transfer Landscape

The broader Counter-Strike 2 scene has seen extensive roster movement throughout 2025, with multiple veteran players changing teams, stepping down, or retiring. This includes movements affecting other Astralis alumni and rival rosters alike. 

Meanwhile, Astralis has historically been one of the most iconic organizations in Counter-Strike, known for its strategic depth and Major successes. The current year has seen that legacy both celebrated and tested as the club navigates a period of transition. 

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Summary:

• Magisk will not remain with Astralis for 2026. 

• His second stint was a stand-in role following stavn’s leave. 

• The team now has multiple roster vacancies to address. 

• Magisk is a free agent and has yet to announce his next destination.