Astralis Sign phzy and ryu in Major International CS2 Roster Rebuild

Astralis Announces Major CS2 Roster Overhaul: phzy and ryu Signed as First International Additions

Danish esports powerhouse Astralis has officially completed a major rebuild of its Counter-Strike 2 roster by signing Love “phzy” Smidebrant and Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas, marking a significant shift in the team’s strategy ahead of the 2026 competitive season. 

These moves bring Astralis back up to full roster strength following a period of high-profile departures at the end of 2025 and represent the organization’s first international player signings in more than a decade. Communication within the team will now transition to English, ending one of the last traditional all-Danish lineups in tier-one Counter-Strike. 

Why the Change? Organizational Shift and Departures

Astralis has undergone a period of significant transition. Long-time stars Nicolai “device” Reedtz and Emil “Magisk” Reif exited the team following the 2025 season, leaving gaps in firepower and leadership. Device, in particular, has been linked to a move to 100 Thieves’ new roster, continuing his career outside of Astralis. 

Another core figure, Martin “stavn” Lund, also recently departed the organization by mutual agreement to focus on his well-being and return at his own pace after time away from competition. 

With these exits, Astralis shifted away from its hallmark Danish identity — a cornerstone of the brand since its rise to global dominance earlier in the 2010s — and began to pursue talent abroad to maintain competitiveness. 

Meet the New Players: phzy and ryu

Love “phzy” Smidebrant (Sweden) joins Astralis as the team’s primary AWPer. Phzy had a turbulent but productive 2025, competing under multiple banners including Wildcard and 9INE. Despite the instability of team environments, he put up solid numbers, maintaining an impressive 1.15 rating over more than 230 maps, which made him one of the more attractive free agents available. 

Prior to his 2025 campaign, phzy had stints with Ninjas in Pyjamas and Rare Atom, giving him a broad range of experience across different tactical systems and international competition levels. 

Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas (Lithuania) arrives from Monte, where he developed through the organization’s academy (Monte Gen) before earning a permanent spot on the main team. At just 21 years old, ryu has already proven himself as a high-potential rifler, finishing 2025 with a 1.13 rating and ranking inside the top 25 of the latest HLTV Prospect Report. 

Astralis sees ryu as a versatile core contributor capable of filling multiple roles, adding tactical flexibility to a roster in need of reliable rifling and energetic firepower. 

Roster Composition & Leadership

The new 2026 Astralis lineup consists of:

• Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen (Denmark) — IGL

• Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard (Denmark) — Rifler

• Victor “Staehr” Staehr (Denmark) — Rifle / Secondary AWP

• Love “phzy” Smidebrant (Sweden) — AWPer

• Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas (Lithuania) — Rifler

• Casper “ruggah” Due — Head Coach (Denmark)

This mix blends the existing Astralis core with fresh international talent under a unified English-speaking structure, a first in the organization’s modern history. 

Strategic Intent and Long-Term Vision

Astralis CEO Jonas Gundersen emphasized that phzy and ryu were selected not only for their individual skill but also for how well they fit the team’s evolving tactical identity. According to Gundersen, the new additions bring both energy and adaptability to the squad — qualities Astralis believes are essential for long-term competitiveness as Counter-Strike evolves under the CS2 era. 

This international pivot reflects a broader rebuild strategy that Astralis hinted at late last year, signaling a willingness to depart from national branding in pursuit of sustained performance — especially after a competitive 2025 that saw mixed results for the organization. 

What’s Next: First Test at BLAST Bounty

Astralis’s revamped roster will debut at BLAST Bounty Season 1, the first tier-one event of the year, starting on January 12, 2026. With limited preparation time together, this event will serve as an early benchmark for measuring how quickly their new lineup can gel against top global competition. 

Community Reaction and Broader Context

Fan discussion around the announcement has been mixed. Some observers view Astralis’s international shift as a bold modernization necessary to stay relevant, while others lament the loss of what was once one of the most iconic national rosters in Counter-Strike history. 

Regardless of sentiment, the organization’s direction is clear: Astralis is embracing an international identity for the first time in nearly ten years, a decision that defines its strategic path forward in the evolving landscape of competitive CS2.