Astralis have officially confirmed major changes to their Counter-Strike 2 roster, announcing the departures of Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz and Emil “Magisk” Reif at the turn of the year. The move comes after a mixed 2025 season, highlighted by a Major qualification but followed by a Stage 2 exit, and signals what the organisation has described as a potential new, international outlook.

We’d also like to say a huge thank you to @MagiskCS for stepping in and helping us over the past three months. pic.twitter.com/Qlv8g5qosc

— Astralis Counter-Strike (@AstralisCS) December 28, 2025

The Danish organisation says the changes mark the beginning of a longer rebuild, with recruitment no longer limited to Denmark as Astralis looks ahead to 2026.

A Farewell to Two Astralis Legends

The announcement brings an emotional goodbye to two of the most recognisable names in Astralis history. dev1ce will leave the team following an agreed transfer, while Magisk departs after his contract expires on December 31.

Astralis CEO Jonas Gundersen confirmed the decisions were made following open and ongoing discussions with both players.

“Our agreement with Emil expires on December 31, and I would like to thank him for stepping in when we needed it,” Gundersen said. “At the same time, we have reached an agreement with Nicolai on a transfer at the turn of the year, which opens up new opportunities, both for him and for the team.”

He added that while the timing was difficult, it felt right for all parties involved, stressing that both players remain part of the Astralis family and would always be welcomed back.

dev1ce Ready for a New Chapter

For dev1ce, the move ends his second stint with Astralis, which began in late 2022 following his return from Ninjas in Pyjamas. During that period, the star AWPer played a key role in guiding the team to the grand finals of PGL Astana and FISSURE Playground 1, while also helping Astralis secure their first Major appearance in three years.

“Leaving Astralis once again has not been an easy decision,” Nicolai Reedtz said. “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.”

Reports suggest dev1ce is set to join 100 Thieves, where he would reunite with former Astralis captain Lukas Rossander, now serving as head coach of the project alongside rain.

Magisk’s Second Stint Comes to an End

Magisk also concludes a brief second spell with the team after rejoining in September, following Martin “stavn” Lund stepping back due to personal circumstances. Despite the short tenure, Emil Reif made an immediate impact, helping Astralis reach the playoffs at FISSURE Playground 2 and IEM Chengdu, and competing at the StarLadder Budapest Major.

Astralis praised Magisk for stepping in during a challenging period, describing his contribution as vital during a time of transition.

Astralis Open to International Recruitment

Alongside the roster changes, Astralis made it clear that the organisation is no longer restricting itself to a single market when searching for new players.

“We are not limiting ourselves to one region when recruiting new players,” the organisation stated. “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.”

While Astralis emphasised it will remain a Danish team at its core, the move represents a significant shift for an organisation historically known for fielding exclusively Danish lineups.

Current Astralis Roster Moving Forward

Following the departures, Astralis’ active roster currently stands as:

Victor “Staehr” Staehr
Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen
Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard

Casper “ruggah” Due remains as head coach, while Martin “stavn” Lund is still listed on the bench, with reports suggesting a return to the starting lineup is unlikely.

As one of Counter-Strike’s most decorated organisations, Astralis now faces a defining moment. With the exit of two iconic veterans, the challenge ahead will be finding a new identity, and potentially building a more international project capable of returning the Danes to the top of CS2.

The post dev1ce and Magisk leave Astralis as Team Signals New International Direction appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

100 Thieves have officially unveiled a major piece of their Counter-Strike comeback, announcing legendary Danish leader Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander as the head coach of their CS2 roster.

Target found. @gla1ve_cs pic.twitter.com/ow6mZSPQHy

— 100 Thieves Roobet Counter-Strike (@100T_CS) December 19, 2025

The reveal was teased on social media with a simple but pointed message, “Target found”, before being confirmed across multiple reports. It marks a significant step in the organisation’s return to Counter-Strike, following their exit from the scene back in 2020.

gla1ve Takes His First Step Into Coaching

For gla1ve, this appointment represents his first coaching role at any level, bringing an end to a decorated playing career that spanned more than 15 years. The four time Major winner officially retired last month after spending five months on the bench with ENCE.

Best known for leading Astralis through one of the most dominant eras in Counter-Strike history between 2016 and 2020, gla1ve is widely regarded as one of the greatest in game leaders the scene has ever seen. His move into coaching has been closely watched, and 100 Thieves have now given him his first opportunity to shape a team from behind the scenes.

Speaking to HLTV, gla1ve shared his excitement about the transition, saying he truly believes he has something extraordinary to offer in his new role.

Building the Core of a New 100 Thieves Lineup

gla1ve becomes the second confirmed member of 100 Thieves’ Counter-Strike project, joining Norwegian veteran Håvard “rain” Nygaard. rain was unveiled last month as the team’s in game leader, marking his return to competition after nearly a decade with FaZe Clan.

The pairing of rain and gla1ve brings together two of the most experienced names in Counter-Strike, combining championship level leadership with a proven tactical mind. The organisation has also strengthened its backend operations, appointing Graham “messioso” Pitt as Head of Counter-Strike and Sean “sgares” Gares as Head of FPS.

A Clear Statement of Intent for 2026

The decision to appoint gla1ve as head coach sends a strong message about 100 Thieves’ ambitions as they prepare to return to Counter-Strike in 2026. It will be the first time since 2020 that the organisation competes in Valve’s flagship shooter, this time backed by its partnership with Roobet.

With a championship proven leader now guiding the team, and more roster announcements expected in the coming weeks, 100 Thieves are positioning themselves as a serious contender rather than a nostalgia driven comeback.

For now, all eyes remain on who will join rain on the server, and how gla1ve’s vision will shape the next chapter of one of North America’s biggest esports brands.

The post 100 Thieves Appoint gla1ve as Head Coach for CS2 Return appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Difficult Start to December for Astralis

Astralis, one of Counter-Strike’s most recognised organisations, has confirmed that both players and staff did not receive their salaries at the beginning of December. The news arrives at a challenging moment for the Danish team, who are currently fighting to stay alive at the StarLadder Budapest Major.

CEO Jonas Gundersen acknowledged the delay in a written statement to Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet, saying the timing is “far from ideal” for everyone involved.

Payments Delayed by 14 Days

Employees and CS2 players were expecting their pay on 1 December, but salaries did not arrive. Instead, Astralis informed their workers on the same day that they would need to wait around 14 days for the payment to be processed, creating uncertainty during the holiday season.

To compensate for the delay, Gundersen confirmed that all employees and players will receive an additional ten percent on top of their salary once payment goes through.

Ownership Transition Behind the Issue

Astralis was acquired two months ago by Fusion Esports Group, led by co-founder Jakob Lund Kristensen and Gundersen. The takeover was positioned as a fresh start, with new energy and a new direction for the organisation.

Gundersen said the delayed salaries stem from “challenges” inherited during the acquisition, although he did not elaborate. Financial filings show that the holding company behind Astralis has 8.4 million Danish kroner in equity, yet wages remain outstanding.

Both Kristensen and Gundersen have declined further interviews during the Major due to tournament commitments.

Pressure Mounts During the Budapest Major

The timing is tough for Astralis’ CS2 squad, who finally returned to a Major after missing five consecutive events. Their qualification was boosted by the signing of Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen as IGL earlier this year, but their campaign in Budapest has been rocky.

As of now, Astralis are facing a must-win match against Turkish side Aurora. Superstar AWPer Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz is competing under significant pressure, playing while still awaiting his salary.

If Astralis exit early, they stand to earn only €10,000 in prize money, a small portion of the event’s multi-million euro pool.

The organisation is expected to receive financial support through sticker sales and participation revenue, but that won’t provide immediate relief to employees currently waiting to be paid.

Astralis to Discuss the Situation After the Event

Gundersen has stated that Astralis will address the situation more openly once the Budapest Major concludes. For now, the team remains focused on its decisive match, while staff and players wait for payment to finally land.

The post Astralis Players Haven’t Received Their Salaries as Budapest Major Intensifies appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Budapest Major 2025 is gearing up for a massive Stage 2 opener, with eight new teams joining the action after a packed Stage 1. Fans can expect a full day of back to back matches as the next round kicks off, and the matchups look anything but easy for some of the favourites.

Stage 1 Wraps Up, Pressure Rises in Stage 2

With Stage 1 now complete, eight teams advance to meet the eight organisations that qualified directly through the VRS. Despite their strong 3 0 runs, M80 and FlyQuest have been handed difficult openers. M80 will take on the ever threatening Aurora, while FlyQuest face NAVI, one of the highest ranked squads in the field.

Another standout matchup comes from Ninjas in Pyjamas versus Astralis. The pairing sets up a spicy reunion, as sjuush lines up against his former teammates and device faces his old organisation once again.

Elsewhere, a struggling FaZe Clan will attempt to steady the ship against Passion UA, and a classic Brazilian derby between MIBR and Imperial helps round out the schedule.

📢 The matchups are set for the opening round of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 pic.twitter.com/QpaLnw52sv

— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) November 27, 2025

Opening Matches for Stage 2

Saturday, 29 November 2025

Astralis vs Ninjas in Pyjamas

13:00 CEST
12:00 BST
07:00 ET
04:00 PT
01:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

3DMAX vs fnatic

13:00 CEST
12:00 BST
07:00 ET
04:00 PT
01:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

Passion UA vs FaZe Clan

14:00 CEST
13:00 BST
08:00 ET
05:00 PT
02:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

PARIVISION vs TYLOO

14:00 CEST
13:00 BST
08:00 ET
05:00 PT
02:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

Natus Vincere vs FlyQuest

15:00 CEST
14:00 BST
09:00 ET
06:00 PT
03:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

Aurora vs M80

15:00 CEST
14:00 BST
09:00 ET
06:00 PT
03:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

MIBR vs Imperial

16:00 CEST
15:00 BST
10:00 ET
07:00 PT
04:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

Team Liquid vs B8

16:00 CEST
15:00 BST
10:00 ET
07:00 PT
04:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

A Huge Day Ahead in Budapest

Sixteen BO1 matches will light up Stage 2’s opening day, making it one of the busiest moments of the entire Major. With high stakes, emotional reunions, and several top tier teams clashing earlier than expected, Budapest is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic Majors in recent memory.

Fans won’t want to miss a moment, and with the timezone conversions above, tuning in should be easier than ever.

The post Budapest Major Stage 2: Full Opening Match Schedule Confirmed appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

North America’s Premier CS2 Tournament Finds a New Home

ESL has officially announced that next year’s Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) event in North America will move from Dallas to Atlanta. Scheduled for May 11 to 17, 2026, the event will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center as part of the DreamHack Atlanta festival.

The announcement was made via ESL’s social media channels, confirming that #IEMAtlanta2026 will replace the usual Dallas stop in the Counter-Strike circuit. Ticket sales are already live, with a limited flash sale offering early buyers the lowest prices.

Tickets to #IEM Atlanta 2026 are LIVE!

Get them at the lowest possible price in the FLASH SALE! 👇https://t.co/LrKYJuWSwg

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) November 2, 2025

Why the Move from Dallas to Atlanta?

The decision to relocate follows the ongoing renovation of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, which is expected to be completed in 2029. The venue had hosted several successful IEM Dallas editions, but with construction underway, ESL needed a new North American home for 2026.

Atlanta was a natural choice. The city recently hosted DreamHack Knockout 2025, where M80 earned their spot in the ESL Pro League, proving its ability to attract passionate fans and deliver top-tier esports experiences.

A Return to a Legendary CS City

Atlanta isn’t new to the Counter-Strike scene. The city famously hosted multiple ELEAGUE events, including the 2017 Major, where Astralis claimed the first of their four Major titles. With that history, it’s fitting that the city will once again take centre stage for one of CS2’s biggest annual events.

This time, the action will unfold as part of DreamHack Atlanta, blending Counter-Strike with a weekend packed full of gaming culture, cosplay, and other esports showcases, including a Call of Duty Major running alongside IEM.

$1,000,000 on the Line

IEM Atlanta 2026 will feature a $1 million prize pool, following ESL’s familiar structure of two 8-team groups feeding into a 6-team playoff bracket. Eleven of the participating teams will receive direct invitations based on the global Valve Regional Standings (VRS) as of February 2, while the remaining five slots will go to teams from North America, South America, and open qualifiers.

Although the full team list has not yet been revealed, fans can expect to see some of the biggest names in Counter-Strike 2 competing for both prestige and a major share of the prize.

A Busy Year for ESL and IEM

IEM Atlanta is just one of several major Counter-Strike 2 events planned for 2026. ESL will also host tournaments in Krakow, Brazil, and China, alongside flagship competitions such as the Cologne Major and the Esports World Cup.

With so many international events on the calendar, IEM Atlanta will stand as the main North American battleground of the year, keeping the region firmly in the global Counter-Strike spotlight.

What to Expect Next

More details about the team invites, schedule, and broadcast talent will be shared closer to the event. For now, ESL is encouraging fans to secure their tickets early through DreamHack’s website and prepare for what promises to be one of 2026’s biggest esports weekends.

The post ESL Brings IEM Counter-Strike to Atlanta in 2026 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A High-Stakes Start in Bucharest

The stage is set for PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, with the tournament’s opening matches officially confirmed. Running from October 26 to November 1, the $1,250,000 Counter-Strike 2 event will be hosted at the PGL Studios in Bucharest, Romania, featuring 16 teams battling it out in a Swiss format before heading into the eight-team playoffs and a best-of-five grand final.

The tournament serves as one of the final Tier 1 events before the upcoming Budapest Major, giving teams a crucial chance to refine their form and build confidence.

Legacy vs Liquid Headlines Opening Day

Fresh off their victory at the CS Asia Championship 2025, Legacy enter Bucharest riding a wave of momentum and will open the tournament against Team Liquid in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling rematch.

Legacy have quickly become one of South America’s rising forces after their win in Shanghai, and this match against a resurgent Liquid, now led by Jonathan “ELiGE” Jablonowski, will test whether their recent success can translate onto European soil.

For Liquid, this is another opportunity to prove that their rebuilt roster can hang with the best. Fans are already hyped for the clash, which kicks off on October 26 at 8AM UTC.

Opening Day Lineup: Big Names, Big Battles

The opening round will feature a packed schedule of matches, with global representation from Brazil, Europe, and Oceania. Here’s the full list of opening-day fixtures:

October 26, 2025 (Saturday)

• 08:00 UTC – Legacy vs Team Liquid
• 08:00 UTC – paiN Gaming vs Gentle Mates
• 11:00 UTC – GamerLegion vs FlyQuest
• 11:00 UTC – HEROIC vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
• 14:00 UTC – 3DMAX vs SAW
• 14:00 UTC – BetBoom vs MIBR

October 27, 2025 (Sunday)

• 17:00 UTC – Aurora Gaming vs Fnatic
• 17:00 UTC – Astralis vs B8

🇷🇴 The Day 1 schedule of PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 is here! 🗓️

📅 October 26 – November 1
💰 $1,250,000 in winnings
🎮 16 teams
📍 PGL Studios#PGLMasters pic.twitter.com/mcwjAcJph6

— PGL (@pglesports) October 20, 2025

Fan Reactions: Time Zones and Sleep Schedules

While excitement for PGL Masters Bucharest is high, the global CS2 community had plenty to say about the match timings.
Brazilian fans were quick to note that both Legacy and paiN Gaming will be playing at 5AM local time, making it tough for South American viewers to tune in live.

“I’d love to watch these matches, but I’m not waking up at 5AM on a Sunday for a Tier 2 tournament,” one fan wrote on HLTV, sparking a lighthearted debate about dedication versus practicality.

Others, however, were quick to defend the schedule, pointing out that the matches are aligned with local Romanian time zones. As one commenter put it, “You do realise that match times are according to the location of the tournament, right? Before blaming PGL?”

Fans in Europe and Oceania, meanwhile, were much happier with the timing, with one Australian user joking, “7PM for me – good time to eat dinner and watch from 8PM.”

Aurora and GamerLegion Seek Redemption

Among the most anticipated storylines are Aurora Gaming and GamerLegion, both looking to bounce back after inconsistent results.

Aurora enter Bucharest as the highest-ranked team in attendance, but their recent form has been shaky, placing mid-table at events like ESL Pro League and the Thunderpick World Championship. Their first challenge will be Fnatic, the current Fragadelphia Blocktober champions, in what promises to be a fiery match.

Meanwhile, GamerLegion face FlyQuest, a rising team from the Asia-Pacific region. Despite once being a top European contender, GamerLegion’s recent struggles could make this a surprisingly tight series.

What’s at Stake

With a massive $625,000 first-place prize on the line, every match at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 counts. The event also serves as a critical momentum builder heading into November’s Budapest Major, where many of these same teams will compete again.

Given their recent form and hunger for a Tier 1 breakthrough, Legacy may well be the team to watch once again. Their fans would love nothing more than to see back-to-back trophies added to their cabinet before year’s end.

The post PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 Opening Matches Revealed With Legacy to Clash with Liquid in Early Rematch appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

PGL has officially revealed the full line-up for the upcoming PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, with 16 teams set to battle it out in Romania’s capital from 26 October to 1 November for a share of the $1.25 million USD prize pool.

The event has already stirred debate in the CS2 community. Only two of the top ten squads in Valve’s Regional Standings (VRS), Aurora Gaming and Astralis, have accepted invites to compete. Powerhouses like Vitality, G2 Esports, Team Spirit and Team Falcons have all opted out, most likely due to the clash with IEM Chengdu 2025, which kicks off just days after the Bucharest event.

Originally, PGL Masters Bucharest was scheduled to finish on 2 November, just 24 hours before IEM Chengdu began. PGL shifted the finals forward by one day to create a two-day buffer, but only Astralis, HEROIC, 3DMAX and PaiN Gaming committed to playing in both tournaments.

Full Team List

Here’s the confirmed roster of teams for PGL Masters Bucharest 2025:

• Aurora Gaming
• Astralis
• 3DMAX
• PaiN Gaming
• HEROIC
• Team Liquid
• Fnatic
• Ninjas in Pyjamas
• MIBR
• Legacy
• GamerLegion
• SAW
• BetBoom
• Gentle Mates
• FlyQuest
• B8

While some of the biggest names are absent, the mix of Tier 1 and underdog squads could make for a wide-open and unpredictable competition.

🇷🇴 Welcome to PGL Masters Bucharest 2025!🔥

The best CS2 action returns to PGL Studios in about one month:
📅 October 26 – November 1
💰 Total winnings: $1,250,000
🎯 16 teams invited via VRS
#PGLMasters pic.twitter.com/PC2Rxkcrmp

— PGL (@pglesports) September 29, 2025

Format and Schedule

The tournament begins with a best-of-three Swiss Stage, with the top eight advancing to the playoffs. From there, a single-elimination bracket will determine the finalists. The Grand Final will be played as a best-of-five, and fans will also get a third-place decider match.

The event runs from Sunday, 26 October, and concludes on Saturday, 1 November.

Storylines to Watch

One of the biggest talking points heading into Bucharest is Team Liquid’s reunion with Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski. After stints with Complexity and FaZe Clan, EliGE returns to the organisation where he spent eight years and achieved the peak of his career. Liquid will be hoping his return sparks a revival, especially after recent struggles that included a surprise upset at BLAST Premier Rising.

Meanwhile, Astralis and HEROIC will carry the Danish flag as the most established names in the field, while teams like Aurora Gaming and 3DMAX will look to prove they can capitalise on the absence of giants like Vitality and G2.

With StarLadder Budapest Major invites just around the corner in October, and with the event feeding into the road to IEM Cologne Major 2026, the stakes at Bucharest couldn’t be higher.

The post PGL Masters Bucharest 2025: Full Line-up Confirmed and $1.25m Prize Pool on the Line appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Astralis has confirmed the return of Emil “Magisk” Reif to its Counter-Strike 2 roster, with Martin “stavn” Lund stepping back due to personal circumstances. The move not only brings back a familiar face but also marks a major roster shift for both Astralis and Falcons.

“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 and I’m extremely motivated to contribute to the team together with the guys.

And lastly, my thoughts are with Martin – I hope he gets the he needs.

Welcome back, @MagiskCS ! ⭐️” pic.twitter.com/8USRmW4ya9

— Astralis Counter-Strike (@AstralisCS) September 1, 2025

Stavn Takes a Break

On social media, stavn shared that he needs time away from the server to prioritise his health. “Health comes first, and this is a decision I need to make,” he posted. Astralis responded with full support, stating they look forward to seeing him back when he’s ready to compete again.

We fully support “stavn” and his decision to take a break and prioritize his health. We look forward to seeing him back on the server when he’s fit and ready to compete again ❤ https://t.co/sgJW5pOI7o

— Astralis Counter-Strike (@AstralisCS) September 1, 2025

Since joining in late 2023 alongside jabbi in a high-profile transfer from Heroic, stavn has struggled to live up to expectations. Despite being a four-time HLTV Top 20 player, his rating dipped to 1.06 and he often went missing in key playoff matches. Under Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen’s leadership, roles were reshuffled, and stavn’s impact was reduced. With recent poor finishes at IEM Cologne and the Esports World Cup, his step back comes at a time when Astralis is searching for stability.

Falcons Say Goodbye to Magisk

The change also closes a chapter for Falcons, who officially released Magisk from his contract. The Danish rifler had joined the Saudi organisation in late 2023 during a major rebuild that also brought in Snappi, Maden, and SunPayus. Later, the team added NiKo, TeSeS, and m0NESY, turning Falcons into one of the most star-studded lineups in Counter-Strike.

Magisk played a key role in helping Falcons lift their first trophy at PGL Bucharest and make deep runs at IEM Melbourne and BLAST Rivals Spring. However, with the signing of 17-year-old prodigy kyousuke, the organisation opted to bench Magisk in June. Falcons paid tribute to him on social media, calling him a legend and thanking him for a legacy that included four Major titles.

A legacy etched in four majors. 🐐

Today we bid farewell to a legend of the game — thank you, @MagiskCS 💚#FalconsAreHere pic.twitter.com/NfRPV8jMfs

— Falcons Esports (@FalconsEsport) September 1, 2025

Magisk Back in Red

For Magisk, the move back to Astralis is a return to familiar ground. Between 2018 and 2021, he was part of the Astralis dynasty that dominated Counter-Strike, winning three Major titles and several other trophies. “It’ll be fun to pull the jersey with the star over my head again and I’m extremely motivated to contribute to the team together with the guys,” Magisk said after the announcement. He also wished stavn well, saying he hopes his teammate gets the time he needs.

His last outing for Falcons came at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, where the team crashed out in the second stage. Now, Astralis fans will see him back in action at FISSURE Playground 2 in Serbia from September 12 to 21. Ranked 9th in the Valve Regional Standings, Astralis need a strong showing to secure their spot among the top 32.

Image Credit: brcho_ and HLTV.org

Astralis’ Next Chapter

This roster change comes at a complicated time for Astralis. Reports earlier this year suggested the organisation was exploring a sale, with financial statements confirming ongoing struggles. Despite heavy investment, missing five consecutive Majors had left Astralis in a tough position.

However, things have improved somewhat under HooXi, with second-place finishes at PGL Astana and FISSURE Playground 1 boosting their Major qualification chances. Bringing Magisk back could be the spark Astralis need to find consistency.

Astralis’ current roster:

• Nicolai “device” Reedtz
• Victor “Staehr” Staehr
• Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard
• Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen
• Emil “Magisk” Reif
• Casper “ruggah” Due (coach)

Benched: Martin “stavn” Lund, Casper “cadiaN” Møller

With stavn on the sidelines and Magisk returning after leaving Falcons, Astralis now face another turning point. Fans will be eager to see whether this reunion can bring the Danish powerhouse back to winning ways.

The post Magisk Returns to Astralis After Leaving Falcons as Stavn Steps Away appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The stage is set for the final Intel Extreme Masters event of the year as IEM Chengdu 2025 locks in its full line-up. ESL has confirmed all 16 teams invited to the tournament, which will run in China from 3–9 November 2025, featuring a $1,000,000 prize pool and a double-elimination group stage leading into playoffs.

This Chengdu event will close out a huge year for IEM after stops in Katowice, Melbourne, Dallas, and Cologne. Fans are keen to see whether Team Spirit can keep their winning momentum from Cologne, or if Team Vitality, MOUZ, or another rising squad can take the crown in Chengdu.

The 16 Teams Invited to IEM Chengdu 2025

Here’s the full team list announced by ESL:

• Team Vitality
• Team Spirit
• FURIA Esports
• paiN Gaming
• The MongolZ
• TYLOO
• MOUZ
• Natus Vincere
• Team Falcons
• FaZe Clan
• Astralis
• G2 Esports
• 3DMAX
• Lynn Vision
• Virtus.pro
• HEROIC

ALL 16 TEAMS INVITED TO #IEM CHENGDU 2025 🇨🇳@TeamVitalityCS @Team__Spirit @FURIA @paiNGamingBR @1mongolz @tyloogaming @mousesports @natusvincere @FalconsEsport @FaZeEsports @AstralisCS @G2esports @3DMAXGaming @Lynnvision_ @virtuspro @heroicgg pic.twitter.com/aXOBJpFIwG

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) August 26, 2025

Originally, both Aurora Gaming and GamerLegion were in line for invitations, but they declined their spots. That opened the door for Virtus.pro and HEROIC, who joined the list via the Global Valve Regional Standings (VRS).

Format and What’s at Stake

The 16 teams will be split into two groups of eight, playing through a double-elimination, best-of-three format. The top three from each group will move on to the live playoff stage in Chengdu starting on 7 November.

With $1,000,000 on the line, IEM Chengdu also plays a big role in the ongoing ESL Pro Tour and the coveted Intel Grand Slam race. The event’s roster submission deadline is set for 20 October 2025, with squads required to keep a majority of their line-up from the original invite date.

IEM 2025 Season So Far

IEM Chengdu will be the fifth and final stop of the 2025 circuit. Here’s a look back at the year so far:

• IEM Katowice (29 Jan – 9 Feb) – Winner: Team Vitality | Runner-up: Team Spirit
• IEM Melbourne (21 – 27 Apr) – Winner: Team Vitality | Runner-up: Team Falcons
• IEM Dallas (19 – 25 May) – Winner: Team Vitality | Runner-up: MOUZ
• IEM Cologne (23 Jul – 3 Aug) – Winner: Team Spirit | Runner-up: MOUZ
• IEM Chengdu (3 – 9 Nov) – Winner: TBD | Runner-up: TBD

The big question is simple: can Team Spirit build on their Cologne victory, or will Vitality, FaZe, or another contender step up in Chengdu?

Final Thoughts

With the full IEM Chengdu 2025 team list confirmed, all eyes now turn to China for what promises to be an explosive end to the IEM calendar. From heavyweights like FaZe, Na’Vi, and Vitality to underdogs like Lynn Vision and The MongolZ, the competition is stacked.

The big question is simple: can anyone stop Vitality’s run, or will Team Spirit continue to spoil the party? Chengdu will have the answers.

The post IEM Chengdu 2025: All 16 Invited Teams Revealed appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The quarter-final bracket for BLAST Bounty Fall 2025 is locked in, with some of Counter-Strike 2’s biggest names ready to battle from August 14–17 at the BLAST Arena Studios in Malta. For the first time, BLAST will welcome fans into the Malta studio to watch the matches live.

Eight teams from Europe, Asia, and North America will compete in a single-elimination format for a share of the US$480,000 prize pool, plus extra rewards from the bounty system. Teams that take down opponents with higher bounties will earn bonus cash, which could lead to some bold and aggressive plays.

Here’s how the quarter-finals shape up:

• MOUZ vs Astralis – August 14, 4:00 p.m. CEST
• The MongolZ vs Aurora – August 14, 7:00 p.m. CEST
• Vitality vs Liquid – August 15, 4:00 p.m. CEST
• Spirit vs Virtus.pro – August 15, 7:00 p.m. CEST

Our Quarter-Final matchups are set for the Bounty ✅💰

Catch us live tomorrow from 15:30 CEST as we welcome fans to our Malta studio for the first time! #BLASTPremier pic.twitter.com/7RDNlUYX4b

— BLAST Premier 💥 (@BLASTPremier) August 13, 2025

MOUZ head in as favourites, but Astralis’ revamped Danish lineup under HooXi has been building momentum this summer. The MongolZ and Aurora are both seen as underdogs, yet they’ve shown they can take down bigger names.

Vitality are expected to handle Liquid, but if the North Americans play it smart, an upset isn’t impossible. The final match sees Spirit take on Virtus.pro in a high-stakes all-Russian clash, and both sides are known for thriving in knockout situations.

With big money, world ranking points, and bragging rights on the line, the BLAST Bounty Fall 2025 quarter-finals promise high-intensity CS2 action from the very first round.

The post BLAST Bounty Fall 2025 Quarter Final Bracket Revealed – MOUZ vs Astralis to Kick Things Off appeared first on Shane the Gamer.