Dev1ce leaves Astralis as part of Counter-Strike 2 restructure

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 29/12/2025

Astralis has confirmed plans to restructure its Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) roster, which will see the exit of Nicolai ‘Dev1ce’ Reedtz.

Astralis announces Counter-Strike 2 changes

The Danish esports organisation has announced that it will part ways with Dev1ce and Emil “Magisk” Reif at the end of the year, with Astralis set to shift towards a new “international direction”.

CEO Jonas Gundersen confirmed that Magisk’s contract will expire on December 31st, 2025, while dev1ce has agreed to a transfer ahead of the 2026 season.

“We have long known that Emil would be moving on,” Gundersen said. “We have also been prepared for Nicolai’s transition, having maintained a good and open dialogue with him about future possibilities.”

Dev1ce departs Astralis for the second time in his career. He joined the organisation in 2016 and left to join Ninjas in Pyjamas in 2021, before returning to Astralis one year later.

During his initial stint, dev1ce was part of one of the most successful eras in Counter-Strike history, winning four Major titles: ELEAGUE Major Atlanta 2017, FACEIT Major: London 2018, IEM Katowice Major 2019 and the StarLadder Berlin Major 2019.

Magisk joined Astralis in September after he was previously benched by Team Falcons.

 What did Dev1ce say about leaving Astralis?

Speaking on the official website of Astralis, Dev1ce said: “Leaving Astralis once again has not been an easy decision.

“For some time now, I have been hungry to try something new, and I am very much looking forward to starting the next chapter. I am leaving Astralis on good terms, just like last time, and I wish the guys all the best in the new year.”

“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the fans who have followed the journey since it all began back in 2016. And to everyone in the organisation – you all hold a very special place in my heart.”

Astralis in 2026

Astralis’ changes come after placing 19th out of 32 teams at the 2025 StarLadder Budapest Major.

While Astralis has continued to compete at top-level events throughout 2025, it has struggled to convert appearances into consistent high finishes.

Notable results this year include a third-place finish at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 in February and a second-place finish at PGL Astana 2025 to Team Spirit.

Gunderson in Astralis’ statement spoke of plans to revitalise the team.

He said: “We have big ambitions for Astralis, and we need to revitalise the team. Astralis is Danish – with a Danish core and a clear identity. The support we experience all across the country means an incredible amount to us, and we will continue to be the team that brings Danes together.”

He added: “We are not limiting ourselves to a single market when recruiting new players. We are in a phase where we will continue to build throughout 2026, and our primary focus will be on quality and the overall direction of new additions. This is a new and exciting time for Astralis, and something we will share much more about later. Right now, however, it is about saying a proper goodbye – and hopefully, see you again.”

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.

All Posts By Kieran Lynch