Astralis lost 1–2 to TYLOO in the opening round of the Esports World Cup 2025 playoffs and finished the tournament in 9th–16th place. After the match, MN spoke with Rasmus HooXi Nielsen about the team’s recent results, the best teammate of his career, Denmark’s young prospects, and the problems facing the national scene.

After the runner-up finishes at PGL Astana and FISSURE Playground, it seemed that Astralis were enjoying a honeymoon period. The team then suffered early exits at three consecutive tournaments. What can you say about its current form?

But we were also eliminated at the first two tournaments.
So, honestly, I do not really understand the question.

— HooXi

Who is the best teammate you have had in your career?

Probably NiKo.

— HooXi

Name the three best young Danish players outside tier one.

I do not know. I do not follow the scene that closely anymore, so I do not think my list would be particularly useful.
I think sirah from ECSTATIC is a good talent.
He is the only player I can mention off the top of my head right now.

— HooXi

Many people say that the Danish scene is currently dying. Why do you think it has ended up in this position?

I think the Counter-Strike scene in general is moving toward international teams because they give you a much larger player pool to choose from.
You can find the player who fits your team better.
The Danish community has traditionally been quite tactical. Right now, the game is much more about mechanical skill and simply grinding.
I do not think that fits traditional Danish Counter-Strike particularly well.