Danish esports organization Astralis has officially announced the return of Nikolaj “dev1ce” Reedtz to the team’s main roster. This moment was a real treat for fans of both the player himself and the team, which has long been searching for its best form. One of the most important names in the history of Counter-Strike is ready to fight for trophies again, opening a new chapter of his career in 2025.
In December 2021, the world of professional CS:GO was shocked by the news that dev1ce was leaving the Astralis roster. The reason was health problems caused by severe stress. Nikolai spoke openly about his condition: insomnia, physical fatigue, and emotional exhaustion did not allow him to continue his career at the same level.
“The last year has been incredibly difficult for me. It was a period when I had to put my health first. I am grateful to Astralis for their support and understanding during this difficult period,” dev1ce wrote on his Twitter in November 2024.
This break was a necessary step for him. Having stepped away from the competitive scene, Nikolai focused on recovery and working on himself. He noted that this was a difficult but vital stage that allowed him to return with renewed vigor.
The return of dev1ce in 2025 is not just a player’s return, but a chance for the entire team to start from scratch. Astralis remains the most decorated team in CS:GO history, with four major victories under their belt. But the last few years have been a real test for them, showing how important Nikolai’s contribution is to the overall dynamics of the team. As part of Astralis, dev1ce was a key figure in the team’s dominance on the world stage. His incredible sniping skills, tactical thinking, and calm under pressure made him an irreplaceable player. With his return, fans are hoping to see the same Astralis that rewrote the history of Counter-Strike a few years ago.
According to Nikolai himself, he has dedicated the last few months to hard training and preparation for the new season. In addition to technical work, dev1ce has paid great attention to his psychological state, collaborating with professional coaches and specialists. This helped him not only to regain his strength, but also to prepare for future challenges.
“I feel better than ever. My goal is to return Astralis to the top of the world stage and prove that we can still win,” Nikolay noted in a recent interview for the team’s official website.
The return of dev1ce is not only a powerful boost for the team itself, but also a chance for the entire organization to once again become one of the leaders of the esports scene. Astralis’ success has always been built on team cohesion and the ability to achieve results in the most difficult conditions. With the return of dev1ce, the team gets both an experienced sniper and an emotional leader who can inspire his teammates to new achievements. 2025 promises to be one of the most eventful seasons in the history of Counter-Strike. With a renewed roster and ambitious goals, Astralis is preparing to regain its status as one of the best teams in the world. Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the first matches to see if the legendary team can once again confirm its greatness.