device: A fresh start away from Astralis helped me reset

device: A fresh start away from Astralis helped me reset

Danish Counter-Strike veteran Nicolai “device” Reedtz says stepping away from the intense pressure of tier-one competition has been beneficial for his mindset as he begins a new chapter with 100 Thieves.

After a difficult final period with Astralis, the four-time Major champion explained that moving to a new environment and competing in smaller events has allowed him to regain both confidence and motivation. According to device, the change has been an important opportunity to “reset” after a challenging 2025 season and a turbulent end to his time with the Danish organization. 

The new 100 Thieves lineup has already begun its climb through the rankings, reaching 36th in the Valve Regional Standings after a quarter-final finish at Roman Imperium Cup V and a runner-up placement at DraculaN Season 5. These early results may not carry the prestige of tier-one tournaments, but for device they represent a valuable step in rebuilding both team chemistry and personal form. 

Leaving behind a difficult Astralis period

Device admitted that the atmosphere during the latter stages of his Astralis tenure made it increasingly difficult for players to stay motivated. He revealed that he had already decided by the summer that 2025 would likely be his final season with the organization.

The veteran AWPer suggested that the environment within Astralis had changed compared to the team’s dominant era. According to him, several talented players struggled to reach their usual level while playing for the organization, which made maintaining confidence and motivation particularly challenging. 

Astralis had experienced a steady decline in results throughout the year. The team’s instability—both competitively and organizationally—had already been discussed in previous interviews. Device himself described the season as one of the toughest of his career, citing the demanding schedule and the constant travel between events as factors that affected his performance and overall wellbeing. 

The difficult campaign was also reflected statistically. In 2025, device recorded one of his lowest yearly ratings in years, around 1.07, a significant drop compared to the numbers he posted during Astralis’ peak era. 

Rebuilding step by step with 100 Thieves

Instead of immediately competing at the highest level again, device now finds himself grinding through smaller tournaments with a completely new roster. The lineup features several young players, including William “sirah” Kjærsgaard, André “Ag1l” Gil, and Alex “poiii” Nyholm Sundgren.

Although the team includes experienced names such as Håvard “rain” Nygaard, the project is still in its early stages. Device emphasized that the players are learning how to work together and that the focus is currently on long-term improvement rather than short-term results. 

The Danish AWPer explained that playing in lower-tier competitions offers a different dynamic compared to the high-pressure environment of tier-one tournaments. With Astralis or other elite teams, early matchups often pit squads against the world’s best opponents immediately, leaving little room to build confidence after losses.

In contrast, the new lineup has the opportunity to develop gradually while gaining valuable LAN experience. Device believes this slower progression helps restore energy, hunger, and motivation within the team.

A focus on progress rather than results

Despite the promising start, device stressed that expectations for the roster must remain realistic. With a new in-game leader, a new coach, and five players who have never played together before, building a cohesive system will take time.

For that reason, the team’s priority is tracking improvements in communication, tactical execution, and overall teamwork. According to device, internal progress is currently more important than immediate tournament victories.

“If things click like they do in practice, we can be very good,” he said, but added that there are no strict short-term goals for the team yet. 

Looking toward a new stage of his career

At 30 years old, device remains one of the most accomplished players in Counter-Strike history. Over his career he has won four Major championships and earned numerous MVP awards while competing for legendary teams such as Astralis and Ninjas in Pyjamas. 

Now, with a fresh start in a developing roster, he hopes the reset will help him rediscover the level that once made him one of the most consistent AWPers in the world.

For device, the road back to the top will take time—but the new environment has already given him something he felt was missing at the end of his Astralis stint: renewed motivation and a chance to rebuild from the ground up.