"I could have made the difference in a lot of rounds" — device reflects after Astralis exit

"I could have made the difference in a lot of rounds" — device reflects after Astralis exit

August 20, 2025 — Following a tight 1–2 defeat to TYLOO at the Esports World Cup 2025, Astralis’s legendary AWPer Nicolai “device” Reedtz candidly admitted that his performance was far below expectations. He wrapped the series with a modest rating of 0.93, placing him at the bottom of the scoreboard for his team—an outcome he termed “just really sad or frustrated.” 

Self-Reflection After a Tough Series

In his post-match conversation with HLTV, device confessed, “I think that I could have made the difference in a lot of rounds.” His regret was particularly acute over key missed opportunities with the AWP and critical late-round lapses—in one highlighted instance, he failed to convert a trade kill in a pivotal 2v1 on Train, which could have shifted the match’s momentum. 

He continued, “Individually I felt really bad and that’s what is right in front of me right now.” These words underline how personally he internalized the elimination, feeling directly let down by his own execution under the spotlight. 

Where Things Went Wrong

Device methodically broke down the team's shortcomings: On Overpass, Astralis’s static setups—often “three A two B or three B two A”—struggled to adapt mid-round, an issue that rarely surfaced in practice but sapped their offense in-game. 

On Train, despite early control, Astralis stumbled after a pivotal force-buy won by TYLOO. Poor communication and delayed rotations cost them the round—and arguably the map. Device lamented how quickly the game slipped away after that, especially given his own missed shots with the AWP. 

TYLOO’s Resilient Challenge

Device also praised TYLOO’s resilience and adaptability. He noted that the Chinese side “don’t give up” even when Astralis held control. Despite missing a key player like JamYoung on the final map, TYLOO found a way to strike back—testament to their mental fortitude and counter-strategic consistency. Device admitted they forced Astralis out of rhythm and kept them from playing at their full potential. 

Symbolic Turn in a Storied Career

Device’s performance marked a painful low in his otherwise celebrated career. Evening after match, he took to X to write, “Worst game by me with this roster, lost because of me.” 

Astralis, once a dominant force in CS:GO, now faces tough questions about their trajectory in CS2. Device’s admission of falling short in crucial moments underscores a collective stutter in form—and might signal deeper issues in confidence, communication, and clutch performance.

What It Means Going Forward

• For device: A rare moment of self-reproach that flows from his deep competitive integrity. It may serve as a spark for recalibrated focus and renewed discipline moving forward.

• For Astralis: A call to overhaul mid-round reaction schemes and mental resilience under pressure—two areas that proved costly against a steadfast opponent like TYLOO.

• For the broader scene: This outcome is a vivid illustration of EWC 2025's brutal single-elimination format—one off-day can alter legacies for even the most experienced players.