Magisk rejoins Astralis CS2 roster after he was benched by Falcons

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 01/09/2025

Astralis has announced that Counter-Strike icon Emil ‘Magisk’ Reif has rejoined its CS2 roster after he was benched by the Falcons.

Magisk previously competed for Astralis between 2018 and 2021, winning three Major titles and an array of other Tier 1 tournaments during the game’s Global Offensive era.

His return to Astralis follows Martin ‘stavn’ Lund’s decision to step back from the starting lineup due to personal circumstances.

Astralis confirmed the news on the social media platform X on Monday morning.

Magisk said: “Astralis means a lot to me, so of course I’m happy to be able to help. It’ll be fun to pull the jersey, with the star over my head again.

“I am extremely motivated to contribute to the team together with the guys. And lastly, my thoughts are with Martin – I hope he gets the time he needs.”

How did CS2 player Magisk do at Falcons?

Magisk achieved some notable successes during his time on the Falcons roster.

They achieved some notable placements, including second-place finishes at PJL-Club Napoca 2025, IEM Melbourne 2025 and BLAST Rivals Spring 2025.

His biggest success with the Falcons came with their first-place finish at PGL Bucharest 2025.

In a move that was scrutinised by fans in June, Magisk was benched by Falcons following the signing of Maksim ‘kyousuke’ Lukin from Team Spirit Academy.

In their benching announcement, the Falcons acknowledged these successes. However, they state that they will “seek a new path” moving forward.

However, after the news that he has rejoined Astralis, Falcons ‘bid farewell to a legend of the game’.

In their own social media post confirming the news, they said he had a legacy that was ‘etched in four majors’ and thanked Magisk for his contributions.

His exit comes at a time where Falcons are on the rise with improved Counter-Strike betting odds for Fissure Playground 2, which they will compete in from November 12th to 21st.

Why has stavn left Astralis?

Magisk returns to Astralis as a replacement for stavn who has decided to take a step back from CS2 action.

Stavn revealed that he told Astralis that ‘health comes first’ and that he had to take some time to deal with some ‘personal things’.

In a post on Monday morning, he wrote: “I have expressed to the team and Astralis that I need a break.

“Health comes first, and this is a decision I need to make. I will take some time off to deal with some personal things. I will be cheering on the boys while I have my focus on getting back when the time is right.”

What has been the reaction to Magisk returning to Astralia CS2?

There has been a mostly positive reaction from the CS2 community following the return of Magisk to Astralis.

One person commented: “Astralis is on the come-up and I believe the Magisk signing will make them a better team.”

Another reply said: “Lets go Emil. One of the best ever riflers (and awper too) to touch the game, and four-time major winner. A dream for many.”

Another person tweeted on X: “You are a legend, what a great move.”

However, there was some who held some doubts over the decision, with one person commenting: “The downfall of Astralis starts here.”

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Kieran Lynch is an esports journalist who writes about several games including EA Sports FC 25, Call of Duty, Rainbox Six Siege, and more. He previously worked as a sports journalist for MailOnline.

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