Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen reacted to leaving the active Astralis roster, saying that missing PGL Singapore Major 2026 after helping the team qualify is a major disappointment.
Astralis officially moved HooXi and Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard out of the starting lineup after deciding to continue in a new direction. Both contracts expire at the end of the year.
HooXi says contract extension could not be agreed
Shortly after the announcement, HooXi confirmed that he is no longer part of the active lineup because the sides could not agree on terms for a contract extension.
Hurts to not be playing the major after working hard to qualify.
HooXi added that his contract expires at the end of the year, but he can leave as a free agent earlier if another opportunity appears.
No longer part of the active roster of Astralis, as we couldn’t agree on terms for an extension.
Hurts to not be playing the major, after working hard to qualify.
My contract is running out end of year, but can leave as a free agent earlier also.
Contact @dvorborg https://t.co/TgCHxrvXLA— Rasmus🐢Pallisgaard🐢Nielsen (@HooXiCSGO) October 9, 2026
The former captain also described the disappointment of missing the tournament after spending the season working toward qualification.
“It is hard to find words to describe the disappointment I feel, not being able to play the Major that we worked so hard for all season.”
He thanked the players and coaching staff and said he remains proud of the work completed during his time with the team.
Astralis confirm new direction
CEO Jonas Gundersen explained the decision in an official statement, saying the organization had mutually agreed to continue without HooXi and jabbi as both contracts approach expiration.
The statement also thanked both players for their contribution, including helping secure the first LAN title for Astralis since 2019.
Sometimes you need to fully close a chapter in order to create space for something new to grow.
Gundersen described the move as part of a longer-term attempt to rebuild Astralis into a consistent title contender.
jabbi also disappointed to miss the Major
jabbi also addressed the decision and said missing the Singapore Major after helping secure qualification was difficult to accept.
It definitely hurts that I won’t get the opportunity to finish it all and play the Major that I fought for together with the boys.
At the same time, jabbi highlighted the recent LAN victory in Barcelona as a positive ending to his period in the active lineup.
He will enter the offseason as a free agent and said he is looking forward to starting a new chapter.
Astralis prepare another roster rebuild
The active lineup currently includes Victor “Staehr” Staehr, Love “phzy” Smidebrant and Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas, with Filip “NEO” Kubski remaining as coach.
Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek and Nikita “cmtry” Samolotov have been linked with the two open positions.
The changes come shortly before PGL Singapore Major 2026, meaning the new lineup will have limited time to prepare before the season-ending event.
