Stavn and Jabbi Address Heroic-Astralis Transfer Controversy

Martin “Stavn” Lund and Jakob “Jabbi” Nygaard have presented their perspective on the transfer saga that diverges significantly from what Heroic had communicated nearly two months prior.

Following a public statement by Heroic on October 25, which indicated that Stavn and Jabbi declined contract extensions due to internal team dynamics and a push to remove Casper “cadiaN” Møller, the duo has now clarified their stance. Contrary to Heroic’s claims, they maintain that the desire to part ways with cadiaN was a collective decision involving all players and coaching staff.

Stavn and Jabbi Address Transfer Controversy with Astralis in Fresh Statement

A particular segment of their statement refutes Heroic’s assertions, stating, “Our intent was not singularly focused on replacing cadiaN, nor were we outliers when such discussions arose within the team.”

With this statement, we (stavn and jabbi) want to address a number of rumors and accusations made in connection with our move from Heroic to Astralis. We have made it a joint statement and we will therefore refer to ourselves in third person. pic.twitter.com/7DEfegADc0

— Martin Lund (@stavnCS) December 21, 2023

Detailing the events of September, the duo elucidated that amid growing discontent within Heroic regarding team leadership and cadiaN’s expanding responsibilities, Stavn had proposed stepping down “in response to the evolving circumstances.” Following a team meeting on September 14, where unanimous sentiments regarding team morale and leadership emerged, a consensus was reached four days later to release cadiaN and onboard a new team member.

Addressing rumors of potential shifts, the duo clarified that while initially committed to staying with Heroic, concerns arose upon learning of potential restructuring around cadiaN. This uncertainty led to re-evaluating their options, emphasizing that they were only in preliminary discussions about renewing contracts and had no pre-existing commitments with Astralis. “Our association with Astralis materialized just before the BLAST Fall Final,” they clarified, “following the completion of a transfer agreement between Astralis and Heroic.”

Dismissing any ill intentions towards Heroic or cadiaN, the narrative pivots to September 29, when they were presented with an enticing proposition by Astralis under the caption “A New Endeavor.” They expressed the allure of joining a prestigious organization like Astralis and reuniting with their former Performance Coach, Kasper Straube.

Upon finalizing their decision, they formally communicated their desire to transition to Astralis on September 30. Subsequent discussions between the two organizations to facilitate the transfer remained outside their purview, they asserted.

Concluding their statement in a conciliatory tone towards their erstwhile team, the overarching sentiment emphasized their genuine intent. They asserted, “There was no premeditated effort to oust cadiaN from Heroic or inflict harm on the organization, cadiaN, or any associated parties.” Instead, they underscored that unforeseen circumstances dictated their path, guided by genuine sentiments and aspirations.