Astralis are reportedly exploring an immediate double roster change involving in-game leader Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen and rifler Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard, according to multiple sources cited by HLTV. The report arrives at an unusually sharp moment: the Danish organization has just won Stake Ranked Episode 4 in Barcelona and ended a nearly seven-year wait for a LAN trophy.
The search is not yet an official roster announcement. Astralis have not confirmed either player’s departure, and the organization had not responded to HLTV’s request for comment when the report was published. The known contract timeline, however, gives the reported activity a clear backdrop: negotiations have stalled while key agreements approach their end dates.
HLTV’s report says Astralis are looking for immediate replacements for both HooXi and jabbi. HooXi’s deal runs until the end of 2026, while jabbi’s expires at the end of November. Victor “Staehr” Staehr also has a contract nearing its end, but he signed an extension through 2027 in March 2025, separating his situation from the two players named in the search.
The timing is striking. Barcelona proves Astralis can win a LAN, but it does not settle contract length, roles or the club’s plans for the next cycle.
Why a trophy does not settle the contract questions
The Barcelona victory was Astralis’ first LAN title since 2019, making the reported search especially surprising. A tournament win confirms the lineup can produce a high-level result, but does not resolve contract length, role disagreements or the organization’s next-cycle plans.
HLTV reports that Astralis are taking steps to avoid losing their core players for nothing as contracts near expiry. That is a familiar organizational concern, although the specific negotiations remain private. The report says talks with the players have hit a wall; it does not establish that a transfer is complete or that either player has already been removed from the active roster.
Three parts of the situation should be kept distinct:
- Astralis have won Stake Ranked Episode 4, ending a long LAN title drought.
- Multiple sources say the club is searching for replacements for HooXi and jabbi.
- jabbi’s reported contract runs through November, while HooXi’s runs through year-end.
- Staehr’s extension through 2027 gives him a separate contract position.
- The organization has not confirmed a change or commented publicly on the report.
One name on the reported shortlist is Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek, a former MOUZ in-game leader who recently left Liquid after spending time on the bench. His inclusion is significant because replacing HooXi would mean changing the person responsible for calls, preparation and the team’s mid-round identity, not simply exchanging one rifler for another.
A captain change would also affect jabbi’s role and the structure around Staehr, Love “phzy” Smidebrant and Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas. Astralis would need to decide whether they want a familiar tactical model under a new caller or a broader reset. The available reporting identifies a search and one candidate; it does not describe a finalized plan for the remaining positions.
The result in Barcelona improves Astralis’ immediate competitive outlook. They returned to the global VRS top ten after the title, and HLTV’s projection had them close to securing a Singapore Major place. Any roster decision therefore carries a short-term cost: a new lineup must preserve ranking momentum while learning its responsibilities under event pressure.
The next evidence will be official, not speculative
Supporters should watch for confirmation from Astralis or the players before treating the reported departures as settled. Contract expiry dates can create leverage for negotiations, but they do not prove that an agreement has ended early. Likewise, a shortlist suggests planning activity rather than a completed signing.
The organization has competing incentives. Keeping a winning group protects momentum; changing before contracts expire could preserve transfer value and let the club choose its caller. The decision depends on private negotiations.
The reported facts and their limits can be summarized clearly.
| Question | Reported information | What remains unknown |
|---|---|---|
| HooXi | Contract runs to year-end; replacement search reported | Whether he will leave or renew |
| jabbi | Deal expires at the end of November | Whether a transfer is agreed |
| Staehr | Extension signed through 2027 | Whether other roles change |
| siuhy | Named among shortlist options | Whether talks have advanced |
| Astralis | No immediate comment to HLTV | Official confirmation and timing |
Astralis’ title and the reported roster search describe two different realities: the team can win together now, while the organization still faces contract uncertainty and strategic choices. The Barcelona trophy makes the timing surprising, but the available report ties the search to stalled negotiations and expiring agreements rather than to a confirmed public decision.
For now, the responsible conclusion is that Astralis are reportedly preparing options around HooXi and jabbi, with siuhy among the names considered. Until the club or players confirm the next step, the lineup remains a developing story rather than a completed double change.
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