Martin “stavn” Lund Officially Leaves Astralis, Announces Return to Competition After Hiatus
Martin “stavn” Lund Officially Leaves Astralis, Announces Return to Competition After Hiatus
Martin “stavn” Lund has officially parted ways with Astralis, bringing to a close a chapter marked by both personal struggle and professional transition. The 23-year-old Danish Counter‑Strike 2 player, known for his high‑level skill and long presence among the sport’s elite, had stepped away from competitive play mid‑2025 for deeply personal reasons. After months away from the active competitive scene, he has now been released from his contract and signalled that he is ready to return to professional competition.
Stavn’s decision to leave Astralis comes after he took extended time off starting in August 2025. While Astralis initially listed his absence as due to “personal reasons,” Lund later elaborated in his own statement that the hiatus stemmed from the grief over the suicide of his eldest brother in December 2021. He explained that although he continued playing and achieving results in the years that followed, he now believes that the pace and pressures of competition came at the expense of his mental health.
“In a mix of trying to honour him and distancing myself from the pain, I crawled deeper into the server,” Lund wrote, reflecting on a period where his identity as a player overshadowed emotional recovery. He acknowledged that while he had success, such as strong performances and achievements earlier in his career, the personal cost was significant.
During his peak years, stavn consistently placed in HLTV.org’s Top 20 Players list, peaking at No. 9 in 2023. His time with HEROIC was highlighted by major accomplishments, including titles at BLAST Premier Spring and Fall, a runner‑up finish at the IEM Rio Major, and deep runs in high‑profile tournaments — accomplishments that helped establish him as one of Europe’s top CS players.
However, after his transfer to Astralis in late 2023, things did not click the same way. Statistically, his performance — while still solid — did not reach the heights of his HEROIC era. Stavn averaged a 1.06 rating over 285 maps with Astralis, and teams struggled at times to find the right roles and synergy within the roster. It was during this challenging period that personal struggles compounded the difficulties on stage.
Stavn has confirmed that he pursued professional therapy and took months to focus on recovery, and now feels prepared to seek a “fresh start” in competitive Counter‑Strike. Astralis agreed to release him from his contract so that he can pursue new opportunities without restrictions. He has not publicly named his next team but confirmed he will return to the competitive server “soon.”
Context: Astralis’ Broader Roster Shakeup
Stavn’s departure is part of a much larger period of change within Astralis. In the closing months of 2025, the Danish organization initiated a substantial rebuild that saw several high‑profile players exit:
• Emil “Magisk” Reif — The veteran rifler originally returned to Astralis in September 2025 to cover for stavn’s absence. Magisk’s second stint was productive, helping Astralis reach playoffs at events such as FISSURE Playground 2 and IEM Chengdu, and he featured at the Budapest Major. However, his contract expired at the end of 2025 and was not renewed, marking the end of his time with the team.
• Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz — One of the most legendary Danish CS players, dev1ce also left Astralis at the close of 2025, electing to pursue a new chapter after multiple stints with the organization and a storied career. His exit was widely viewed as both emotional and symbolic, representing the close of another link to Astralis’ most dominant era.
These moves signal Astralis’ intention to rebuild with an international focus in 2026, rather than maintaining a purely Danish roster. Astralis’ CEO spoke publicly about exploring international options, making clear that the team is searching for talent beyond its historic national core.
According to reports from Dust2.dk, it was already considered unlikely that stavn would re‑join the roster before these decisions were finalized, as Astralis prepared to reset its competitive identity.
A Personal and Competitive Turning Point
Stavn’s departure and readiness to return elsewhere marks a significant moment not just for the Astralis organization, but for his own career trajectory. Many in the competitive Counter‑Strike community have responded with empathy and support following his public explanation of the reasons behind his hiatus — acknowledging the challenges players face when balancing personal wellbeing with professional expectations.
As Astralis enters a new phase with fresh roster possibilities, stavn’s return to competition will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike. His combination of mechanical skill, past successes, and now renewed focus on personal health sets the stage for what could be an important next chapter in his esports journey.
Related News
