Team A announced the benching of HooXi and jabbi:
Sometimes you need to fully close one chapter to create space for something new. Astralis is one of the most successful brands in CS history, built by an iconic Danish lineup, leaving lifelong memories for all of our fans. This is a true legacy that we will always be proud of. However, it is time to turn the page. As a step toward a new direction, we have mutually decided that from today, Astralis' journey will continue without HooXi and jabbi, whose contracts expire at the end of the year. I want to express my sincere gratitude for their hard work and dedication in being part of the Astralis story, especially for recently helping us secure our first LAN title since 2019. The journey of esports has only just begun, and what shapes the future is not just legacy, but dynasties. Real Madrid won five European Cups in the 1950s, four Champions Leagues in the 2010s, and added two more in recent years. The Lakers had iconic glory in the 1950s, 2000s, and 2020, while the Yankees built legends in the 1930s, 1950s, and 1990s. Esports will undoubtedly endure just as long, and our roster and strategic adjustments stem from a desire for true longevity.
Astralis is still Astralis. We are here, right now, at the very center of esports, still holding a place at the top of CS, and doing everything we can to reclaim our position as contenders for the game's biggest trophies. Jans Grrdersen
HooXi: No longer part of Astralis' active roster, as we failed to reach an agreement on renewal terms. After fighting hard to qualify for the Major, not being able to compete is really tough. My contract expires at the end of the year, but I can also leave earlier as a free agent.
It's hard to put into words the disappointment I feel at missing the Major we've been working towards all season. I'm proud of the effort I put in at Astralis and the highlights we achieved. A big thank you to all the players and coaching staff.
ryu: Thank you for everything you have done, it has always been an honor, and it's a shame it has to end. You put the team before yourself, made everyone feel comfortable on the server, and gave your all for victory. All the best, and I hope to see you again soon.
phzy: Thank you for everything, Rasmus. I'm grateful for the time we spent together. Good luck, and I'm sure we'll see you on the server again soon.
jabbi: Astralis and I have mutually agreed to part ways when my contract expires in November to pursue different paths. It hurts not being able to see it through and play the Major we fought for with the boys, but I'm glad we ended on a high lifting the trophy in Barcelona. I'll be entering the offseason as a free agent and I'm really excited to start a new journey 🙏 Thanks to Astralis for the memories.
HooXi replies to jabbi: So grateful our paths cross again, you are one of my favorite players and friends to fight alongside. All the best, Jabber.
Aside from the players expressing their disappointment in a relatively mild manner, the hero who worked hard to lead the team to the Major was benched just before the Major began, leaving the players most likely to miss out on stickers. Fans at home and abroad expressed anger at Team A's heartless and baffling management, flooding the comment section of Team A's official Twitter with condemnation: