Astralis’ iconic AWPer Nicolai “device” Reedtz has announced his withdrawal from the Shanghai Major 2024 and the remainder of the CS2 season. The decision comes after the recurrence of stress-related health issues that have plagued the player in the past. In a heartfelt message on X, device opened up about his symptoms and his need to prioritize recovery over competition.
Device’s health complications resurfaced during his participation in the BLAST Premier World Finals in Singapore. The prolonged travel and intense schedule took a toll, leading to a series of distressing symptoms. Despite his efforts to recuperate upon returning home, his condition has not improved enough to allow him to compete at the highest level. This isn’t the first time device has stepped back from the competitive scene due to health concerns. In 2017, a similar bout of stress-related issues forced him to take a break, with teammate Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen temporarily filling his role as the team’s AWPer. Again in 2021, during his tenure with Ninjas in Pyjamas, device had to step away for an extended period. Despite the emotional weight of his decision, device expressed optimism about returning to professional play in early 2025.
With device sidelined, Astralis has turned to Alexander “br0” Bro to fill the gap for the upcoming RMR. The decision marks br0’s return to the active roster after a controversial benching to accommodate Casper “cadiaN” Møller. Should Astralis secure qualification at the RMR, br0 will continue as part of the lineup for the Shanghai Major. The roster shake-up adds another layer of complexity to Astralis’ campaign, but the team has rallied around device, supporting his choice to step back and focus on his well-being.
Device’s absence from the Shanghai Major extends his streak of missed appearances at CS Majors. His last outing at a Major came in 2021 with Ninjas in Pyjamas, a run highlighted by a dominant 16-1 victory over Astralis and a top-eight finish. Since then, recurring health problems have kept the legendary Danish player from competing on Counter-Strike’s biggest stages.
Teammates and fans alike have sent their well-wishes for the device’s recovery, hoping to see him reinvigorated to the scene. With a packed schedule ahead in 2025, device’s priority remains to regain his health to meet the challenges of the demanding CS2 circuit.
