Lucky Steps Away from Competitive Counter-Strike to Focus on Studies

On January 2, 2026, Danish AWPer Philip “Lucky” Ewald officially announced that he would be stepping away from competitive Counter-Strike after choosing not to extend his contract with Sashi Esports. Rather than pursuing another professional contract, the 23-year-old has decided to focus on his academic studies and take a break from the rigors of the professional scene. 

Lucky has been a familiar name on the Danish and broader European Counter-Strike circuit for several years. He first gained significant attention when he signed with Astralis, one of the most historic organizations in Counter-Strike history. While with Astralis, Lucky competed at top-level events, including playing at the PGL Major Stockholm 2021, the most prestigious tournament format in the game’s competitive calendar.

Although Lucky never captured major trophies during his professional tenure, his performances were solid enough to keep him active at international events and in high-profile leagues. According to his HLTV profile, he has played over 8 LAN events and participated in numerous online competitions — accruing experience against many of the game’s elite players. 

Tenure at Sashi Esports

Lucky joined Sashi Esports in April 2024, joining a roster that was striving to establish itself in both regional and global Counter-Strike 2 competitions. During nearly nine months with the organization, he posted a respectable 1.11 overall rating across 341 maps played — an indication that he was a reliable performer statistically. 

With Sashi, Lucky competed at events such as YaLLa Compass 2024 and the Esports World Cup 2024. Perhaps his most notable run came during the Regional Major Rankings (RMR) for the Shanghai Major, where the team finished with a 2-3 record. While this result was not enough to qualify for the Major itself, it illustrated that Sashi, with Lucky in the lineup, could challenge established teams and push for meaningful results. 

Decision to Step Back

In both his own announcement and Sashi’s official communication, the central reason for Lucky’s departure was his decision to prioritize his academic goals over competitive gaming. After a long period that demanded constant practice, travel, and competition, he opted for a path outside of esports — at least for now. 

This shift is not unprecedented in Counter-Strike’s evolving ecosystem, where many players struggle to balance long years of professional play with life goals outside of gaming. While some players transition into coaching, org roles, or streaming, Lucky’s current plan is to focus on studies, and there has been no public indication yet of when or if he might return to competition.

Impact on Sashi Esports

Lucky’s departure leaves Sashi with a four-man roster, creating an immediate need to fill their AWPing role — a specialized and highly impactful position in Counter-Strike where a player primarily uses the powerful sniper rifle to influence rounds. Sashi currently holds a world ranking around No. 56 on VRS rankings, and replacing a starting AWPer mid-season can be challenging. 

The remaining Sashi lineup consists of:

• Casper “Cabbi” Jensen

• Rasmus “Zyphon” Nordfoss

• Mikkel “MistR” Thomsen

• Lukas “Beccie” Bauder Balcells

• Coach: Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen

These players now must adapt to the loss of their sniper specialist, either by promoting an internal talent to the AWP or signing a free agent capable of filling the role. How the team adjusts could shape their performance in upcoming qualifiers and regional tournaments throughout 2026. 

Legacy and Community Reaction

The broader Counter-Strike community has responded with a mix of respect and reflection. While Lucky may not have achieved the fame or trophy count of some veteran pros, many fans appreciated his consistent presence and growth over time. His choice to pursue education has been met with encouragement from peers who acknowledge the difficulty of maintaining long-term careers in esports. 

As players like Lucky step back and the next generation rises, the scene continues evolving — balancing competitive ambition with personal growth and life-after-gaming considerations.