Counter-Strike legend, four-time Major champion, and former Astralis “Clutch Minister,” Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth, continues his journey in the discipline in a new role. Since March 2024, he has been the assistant coach of MOUZ, working alongside Dennis “sycrone” Nielsen. At the BLAST.tv Austin Major, the Dane gave a candid interview to HLTV, in which he spoke about the transition to coaching, working with players, and his vision of modern Counter-Strike.
From “Clutch Minister” to assistant coach
Just a few years ago, Xyp9x was the symbol of Astralis — the man who saved teams in hopeless clutches and set the standard for discipline and composure. His name is firmly written into CS:GO history thanks to his unique ability to remain calm under pressure.
Now, however, he has to work on a different front — not pulling the trigger in clutches, but helping young talents keep confidence in their own abilities. This is a new challenge for the 29-year-old veteran, who, after ending his playing career, decided not to leave the scene but to pass on his years of experience to the next generation.
“It’s okay to be nervous”
One of the key areas Xyp9x emphasized was the mental side of the game. He admits that many young players are afraid to show their true emotions, often hiding their nervousness:
I try to create an easy atmosphere and show the guys that it’s okay to be nervous. I was nervous too when I played. It’s not something you can fix in a single day. It’s a path each person has to go through themselves.
In his view, there are no universal tips. Every player is different, and instead of saying, “back in my days I did this,” he tries to be attentive to individual states and provide support only when the player is ready to listen.
Working side by side with sycrone
Within the MOUZ staff, Xyp9x is responsible for balancing preparation with psychological stability. He admits he is still learning, integrating into team processes, and trying to avoid extremes:
For me, it’s important not to overcook the team. Some lineups spend too much time on theory and end up exhausting their players. I want preparation to be balanced and not drain their energy.
His experience at the very top of Counter-Strike allows him to recognize risks that less experienced coaches might miss: burnout, lack of communication, or a shortage of confidence in young leaders.
Brollan as captain and the challenges of a young roster
Xyp9x also addressed the topic of Ludvig “Brollan” Brolin’s transition to in-game leader. At first, he had doubts about the decision, but over time acknowledged that the Swede managed to adapt quickly to his new role:
Of course, I had doubts when I heard Brollan would become IGL. But he’s working hard and making big steps forward. My job is to help him avoid burning out, to find the balance between his individual play and team responsibilities.
This challenge is another example of how MOUZ are searching for their own unique path among European giants, building a roster around potential stars instead of simply bringing in already established superstars.
Looking back and forward
Despite being fully immersed in his new role, Xyp9x doesn’t avoid questions about his past. He commented on Astralis’ decline, gave his own view on the criticism aimed at zonic in Falcons, and shared his thoughts on how modern Counter-Strike has changed — becoming far more individually oriented than in the days of Astralis’ dominance.
Still, his main goal today is not to analyze others’ mistakes, but to build his own future together with MOUZ.
A new chapter for a legend
Xyp9x admits he has yet to unlock his full potential as a coach. His journey is just beginning, and he doesn’t hide his ambition to continue growing with the team:
I’m still developing. For me, it’s important to learn and to find new ways to help the team. This is just the beginning.
For a community used to seeing him as Astralis’ savior in crucial clutches, this new role might seem unusual. But in reality, it’s here that Xyp9x can influence even more games — not with clutches, but with words and the right approach to those representing the new generation.
