Astralis bench HooXi and jabbi despite recent LAN title

Astralis bench HooXi and jabbi despite recent LAN title

Astralis have officially moved Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen and Jakob "jabbi" Nygaard to the bench with immediate effect as the organization prepares to rebuild its Counter-Strike 2 roster ahead of the PGL Major Singapore.

The announcement confirms earlier reports that Astralis were exploring replacements for both players amid stalled contract negotiations.

Astralis close another roster chapter

The organization announced that its future plans would no longer include HooXi and jabbi, whose contracts are approaching expiration.

Jonas Gundersen, founder and CEO of parent company Fusion Esports, described the decision as part of Astralis ' move in a new direction.

The changes come at an unusual moment for the Danish organization.

Astralis had won Stake Ranked Episode 4 only days earlier, ending a prolonged drought without a proper LAN tournament title.

Major preparations continue

The benchings leave Astralis needing to finalize two starting-lineup positions.

HLTV previously reported that the organization was exploring the possible arrival of Ukrainian player cmtry on loan from FUT Esports , potentially in a rifling role.

No replacement signings were officially confirmed alongside the benching announcement.

Astralis must now rebuild while attempting to preserve their competitive momentum and Valve Regional Standings position ahead of the Singapore Major.