Staehr Embraces His Role as a Star Performer with Astralis

Staehr Embraces His Role as a Star Performer with Astralis

Victor "Staehr" Staehr, the 21-year-old Danish rifler for Astralis, recently shared his thoughts on transitioning into a more prominent role within the team. In a candid interview with HLTV, he expressed that accepting star responsibilities—and the pressure that comes with them—has been refreshing.

“Sometimes anchors get the benefit of the doubt,” Staehr said, contrasting his previous position with his new one. “Now I actually have to perform, and that’s kind of nice.” 

Rising Expectations — Not Just to Qualify, But to Compete

Astralis has surged in the VRS (Virtual Rankings System), climbing from outside the top 10 to sixth place, driven by strong showings at PGL Astana and FISSURE Playground 1. Staehr reflects this shift in mindset:

"It's not just about getting to the Major anymore; it's about doing good at the Major."
"I don't think we'll settle for just qualifying, even though we didn't do it for the last four years."

HooXi’s Impact as IGL

The team's turnaround began when Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen joined as an in-game leader (IGL)—first as a stand‑in in May, then permanently in June. Staehr praised HooXi's leadership:

"He enables every single one of us, all of the players, to play better, and that's what an IGL should do.” 

From Anchor to Star

Previously, Staehr often filled anchor roles—positions that sometimes come with lower expectations. On his new responsibilities, he stated:

“Before I was just taking whatever roles were left, and that was the anchor positions. Now I think I have a lot more responsibility, which means I have to perform by being vocal and, of course, individually.” 

He's enjoying the shift:

"There's a little pressure, but I don't mind that... I'm the most aggressive guy if needed."

Team Dynamics and Confidence

Staehr noted that fellow player Jakob "jabbi" Nygaard has also adapted well to anchor roles:

“jabbi has done insanely well in those anchor positions, even though he was not a fan of it at the start, but I think he really owns it right now.”

Reflecting on his growth, Staehr said:

“I’ve played every single role or position in my career on every map except IGL and AWP... I want to stay in these positions now because I think that's what fits me the best.” 

Additional Context from Recent HLTV Coverage

HooXi’s Leadership and the Team’s Revival

In an earlier interview, Staehr praised HooXi’s influence on Astralis’s morale and performance, particularly following their win against Natus Vincere:

“Every player responds well to this playstyle, and has the joy and energy to play.” 
“He enables every single one of us… that’s what an IGL should do.” 

jabbi on Role Changes

In a related HLTV piece, jabbi discussed the adjustments after freeing Staehr from anchor duties:

“Staehr is the most aggressive guy… it shouldn’t be him anchoring.” 
He also reflected on his own role shift:

“It’s weird that you have to be a little bit more quiet when we are playing on the CT sides sometimes, but overall it’s been going good.”