Astralis Moves blameF To The Bench

Following the massive failure of Astralis’ Copenhagen Major run, Danish in-game leader blameF is the first to take the hit. He has been shifted to the inactive roster after a little over two years in the team. 

Failure Ensues In The Astralis Camp

One of the highest-rated in-game leaders, blameF, is known to be one of the sharper aimers while taking the helm of leadership. Such individual prowess has landed him positions in HLTV’s top 20 players since 2020, making him an invaluable asset to Astralis and his previous team, Complexity.

Despite having such a big name like blameF to bear the Astralis jersey, the Danish organization has not achieved any results since his arrival. A 17th – 19th place finish at PGL Antwerp 2022, followed by failures to qualify for the next two Majors, the IEM Rio Major and the BLAST.tv Paris Major. While failing to play on Counter-Strike’s biggest stages, Astralis did not win other third-party LAN tournaments either.

The championship-winning organization wanted to ensure they wouldn’t miss the most important Major, the first one held on home soil, the PGL Copenhagen Major. With dreams and sights set, Astralis invested millions in acquiring stavn and jabbi to make the scariest Danish roster since gla1ve’s four-time Major winning crew.

We all knew how that went. Astralis went 2-3 in their RMR group and lost 0-2 to 9 Pandas in the Last Chance Qualifier, who ended up taking the final European spot at Counter-Strike 2’s first Major.

BlameF’s Benching And Criticism

Kasper Straube, Astralis Director of Sports, mentioned on the team’s website:

“We have to acknowledge that we haven’t succeeded with him in the role of IGL as there is a mismatch in profiles and roles that everyone has been working to resolve. Unfortunately, we have never achieved the stability required to compete at the highest level, and after thorough analysis and discussions with all involved parties, the conclusion is clear.”

Throughout his period on Astralis, Bremer has never been loved by every fan. He had always received criticism for failing as an in-game leader and should let someone else take the role and focus on fragging.

“I probably saw it coming, as we haven’t succeeded, even though it felt like we were on the right track. I play with four incredibly talented players, but we just haven’t functioned as a team in the matches that really matter, and you know that something new needs to happen,” the Dane realized.

Not only in-game, but the Counter-Strike fans also noticed a failure in leadership from blameF after 19-year-old Staehr was sent to do the loser’s interview after being eliminated from the Major. Personalities criticized blameF <and dev1ce> for not stepping up as the team’s leader or more experienced player.

It doesn’t even matter whose decision this was, even if Staehr agreed to bite the bullet.

If blameF wants to be a leader, these situations are when he needs to step up too. https://t.co/WRait1sZnc

— Milan Švejda (@StrikerHLTVorg) February 23, 2024

What’s Next?

The journey doesn’t end here for 26-year-old, as he announced he is not done yet.

“Right now, I am mostly looking forward to new opportunities because I still have the burning desire to prove that I can compete among the world’s best. I’ll be looking to continue playing ASAP but as a rifle (non IGL),” said blameF.

Benched in Astralis.
I’ll be looking to continue playing asap but as a riffle (non IGL) so if any organisations are interested in talking with me, you can reach me through my DM.

I wish the Astralis boys good luck and thank the whole organisation for my time there ♥️

— Benjamin Vang Bremer (@blameFFFFF) February 28, 2024

Though many fans despised the idea of blameF taking the in-game leader role, nobody is doubting his skills as a rifler. 

With blameF’s departure, the Astralis roster is now:

• Nicolai “⁠device⁠” Reedtz
• Victor “⁠Staehr⁠” Staehr
• Martin “⁠stavn⁠” Lund
• Jakob “⁠jabbi⁠” Nygaard

The organization hinted that blameF’s replacement will be announced shortly. 

Header: Astralis Twitter