Astralis are searching for immediate replacements for Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen and Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard, multiple sources told HLTV. The news comes right after the Danish team won Stake Ranked Episode 4 in Barcelona.
The timing makes this story stand out. Astralis finally ended a long wait for a LAN trophy, yet the roster behind that win may already be breaking apart. As a result, fans now have to ask whether this title run marks a new start or the end of the current core.
A Long Wait Ends in Barcelona
Astralis won Stake Ranked Episode 4 in Barcelona on Saturday. That victory ended a trophyless period on LAN that lasted nearly seven years.
The result also lifted the team in the rankings. Astralis cracked the top 10 in the global VRS after their title-winning run. In addition, HLTV’s latest projections show that the team has all but secured a spot at PGL Major Singapore.
Contract Talks Reach a Dead End
According to HLTV, Astralis are taking steps to avoid losing their core for free. The contracts of HooXi, jabbi and Victor “Staehr” Staehr are all nearing their end. However, the situation is not the same for each player.
Jabbi’s deal expires at the end of November, while HooXi’s contract runs until the end of the year. Staehr signed a contract extension with Astralis “until 2027” back in March 2025. Meanwhile, sources said that negotiations between the Danish organization and the players have hit a wall.
Siuhy on the Shortlist
One of the players on Astralis’ shortlist is Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek. He recently left Liquid after three months on the bench. The former MOUZ in-game leader is looking for a new challenge to rekindle his career after an indifferent spell with the Americas side.
HLTV added that Astralis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Conclusion
According to HLTV, Astralis are preparing for life without HooXi and jabbi at a moment when the team is enjoying its best results in years. The facts are clear. Jabbi’s contract ends in November, HooXi’s runs until the end of the year, and talks with the players have stalled.
Therefore, the next few weeks will show how Astralis handle this transition. The team sits in the top 10 of the VRS and is close to securing a place at PGL Major Singapore. Finally, a move for siuhy or another player would show how the organization plans to protect its recent success before the Major.
