At IEM Chengdu 2025, Astralis reminded everyone why they are still considered the symbol of discipline. After a period of uncertainty, roster changes, and internal struggle, HooXi’s team rediscovered their structure and confidence, defeating The MongolZ (2–0) and NaVi (2–1) before putting up a strong fight against Vitality (1–2) in the quarter-finals. Despite the loss, device admitted — this tournament marked Astralis’ turning point.
From pressure to stability — Astralis are back in the game
Following several underwhelming results at PGL Masters Bucharest and a string of online tournaments, Astralis found themselves on the edge — both in rankings and in morale. The team that once defined Counter-Strike’s tactical era had become a shadow of its former self. That’s why Chengdu became a moment of truth: breakthrough or another collapse.
The start was promising. Astralis 2–1 Natus Vincere — a series that showed resilience and adaptation. Then came a confident win over the aggressive The MongolZ (2–0), where the Danes displayed excellent use of tactical pauses and round control.
In the Group A upper final, however, they met Falcons, who, led by an inspired m0NESY, sent them down to the lower bracket (0–2). Nevertheless, Astralis reached the playoffs — where the world champions Vitality awaited.
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Vitality stopped them, but didn’t break them
The match against Vitality was one of the most exciting of the entire tournament. Astralis entered the server with clear intent — to prove they could once again challenge the elite. On Inferno, they came close to a comeback several times, but key clutches by ZywOo and flameZ decided the outcome.
I think we completely matched them in terms of level — and that’s both a good and a bad thing when you lose. We had so many chances, but their individual brilliance made the difference, — admitted device after the match.
He added that Astralis finally feel like a team capable of competing consistently at the top:
We’ve been a team of highs and lows for too long. Now we understand our strengths and can build our game around them.
HooXi and the new structure
One of the most crucial factors in Astralis’ revival has been HooXi’s leadership. The in-game leader, who joined after the summer rebuild, gradually shifted Astralis’ style from chaotic to disciplined. The change is especially visible on Nuke, where the team’s T-sides have improved significantly.
HooXi has done a lot of work, especially on T-side Nuke. We’ve added more variation, more pressure on different areas of the map, learned better timing. Most importantly — we stopped giving up early duels, — explained device.
This micro-structural discipline brought the team the stability in mid-rounds they had been missing for months.
Magisk — the uncertainty factor
Still, as device noted, one major uncertainty remains — the future of Emil “Magisk” Reif. Currently playing on loan, his status keeps the team’s long-term stability in question.
It affects everyone. Nobody knows what’s going to happen. We’re just trying to stay together and give our best. Once things are clear, we’ll be even stronger.
Psychological stability is as important to Astralis as tactical discipline. Magisk’s situation could ultimately determine whether the team maintains their positive momentum.
Device on fatigue, form, and professional burnout
A central theme of device’s interview was his openness about physical and mental exhaustion.
This season has been one of the toughest for me. We barely had any breaks between tournaments — constant travel, time zone changes. It’s not a style of participation that fits me, — he admitted.
After missing Majors in 2023 to prioritize stability, device entered 2025 with renewed motivation — but the year turned into a marathon of back-to-back events.
Even so, he remains optimistic:
Yes, individually this is probably one of my worst seasons. But I’ve been working really hard. I try to control what I can, and HooXi is helping a lot. We’re creating the right in-game situations — and I can see progress.
Focus on the Major — skipping Hong Kong
Astralis have already announced they won’t attend BLAST Rivals Hong Kong 2025, choosing instead to dedicate time for a bootcamp before StarLadder Major Budapest 2025.
We have time to focus on the details, refine our map pool, and prepare. If we stay composed, we can surprise many, — concluded device.
The team finally has structural stability, improving individual form, and, as device said himself, “belief that they can once again fight for big titles.”
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Conclusion: from controlled chaos to regained identity
Astralis leave Chengdu not as champions, but as a team that finally found direction again.
Their Counter-Strike has regained its identity — disciplined, tempo-controlled, and united — the same formula that once made them legendary.
We’ve shown we can fight with the best. Now it’s time to prove it at the Major, — said device.
From Chengdu begins a new chapter in Astralis’ story — not as a memory of past greatness, but as a genuine attempt to rise to the top once more.
