Danish esports organization, Astralis, has announced the promotion of Kristoffer “kristou” Aamand to their main CS:GO roster.
This move has been in preparation for the upcoming Elisa Masters tournament in Finland. Astralis fans have been disappointed that renowned esports star, Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz will not participate in this preliminary tournament.
However, the move does seem to indicate that the team is serious about developing rising stars from their Talent team. Significantly, kristou will join former Talent team standout Mikkel “MistR” Thomsen. Since his promotion, MistR has performed very well for the main squad.
The Astralis-roster for Elisa Masters:
- Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander
- Benjamin “blameF” Bremer
- Andreas ”Xyp9x” Højsleth
- Mikkel ”MistR” Thomsen
- Kristoffer ”kristou” Aamand
Kasper Hvidt, Astralis’ Director of Sports commented, “It is a true pleasure to have a group of players on our Talent-team, who are ready to step on the main roster when called upon. We have all seen how Mikkel “MistR” stepped in with close to zero time to prepare. I am sure Kristoffer “kristou” will be able to do the same.
“Kristoffer is a very talented player who, despite his young age, has brought in a lot of experience to our talent roster,” Hvidt continued. “Since his arrival, he has continuously performed on a high level, and the chance to play for the main team is well deserved.”
Elisa Masters at Espoo, Finland
Elisa Esports has partnered with tournament organizer ESL to create the Elisa Masters. In addition to the $200,000 prize pool, the winning team will receive a slot in the Play-In Stage of the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Katowice 2023.
The Espoo Metro Arena, in the vibrant city of Espoo will host the tournament. Interestingly, Espoo is the first city in Finland to employ an esports coordinator for the city itself. The City of Espoo recognizes the importance and potential of esports as an essential piece of the community. It sees esports as a factor that can drive the city’s development and its constituents forward.
Mervi Heinaro, Espoo Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Sports and Culture commented, “Esports and gaming is a large international phenomenon which provides a path for young people to grow into highly skilled individuals both in personal and work life. Espoo wants to be in the forefront of growing digital culture and business.”
More on Astralis kristou and dev1ce
“When Astralis Signed dev1ce, the team announced that he might not participate in the first tournament. Of course, I started thinking that it could be possible,” kristou remarked. “Now I’m going to Finland to play with the main team, and honesty I am completely hyped. I know it is one tournament only. However, we’ve all seen how Mikkel has grabbed the chance and played his butt off.
“I will do everything I can to help the team the same way,” he said. “I can’t wait to go on Stage in Helsinki, representing Astralis on the big stage,”
Kasper Hvidt concluded, “With regards to Nicolai “dev1ce”, I am very pleased to see how he has immediately become a central part of the team, contributing with everything we hoped for. His game sense, skills and pure personality has been very obvious from day one, but even though we’re all eager for him to play his first tournament, as we mentioned when we signed him, we have time to do things right without forcing anything. It is all about creating room for the best version of “dev1ce” we have seen.
