The Danes of Astralis have become the best CS:GO team in the world, primarily off the back of a roster change, a deep map pool, the individual prowess of the team members and how well they fit together as a unit.
Leader switch key to rise
Astralis first began their ascension to number one after the introduction of new in-game leader gla1ve, who replaced karrigan back in October 2016. Astralis had lost faith in their longtime leader to the point that players at times ignored his directions, believing their way was best. The impact of gla1ve’s addition was fairly swift, with the team looking revitalized during a 3rd/4th place finish at IEM Oakland in November.
Gla1ve has added more to the team than originally thought, as not only are his tactics world class, but his ability to hold his own in terms of kills has been a pleasant surprise too. Many teams sacrifice firepower for a tactically gifted in-game leader, but gla1ve’s ability to hold his own consistently gives Astralis five threats to carry a match. Gla1ve’s impact outside the game can also not be understated as his leadership qualities have been essential in keeping the team at the top of their game.
Deep map pool advantage
One of the more underrated aspects to Astralis’ play is their incredibly deep map pool. Astralis (and the Poles of Virtus.pro) are the only teams willing to play any map in the game, something critical to both of their successes. Astralis will always have the edge going into a map selection as the flexibility of playing every map allows them to remove their opponent’s top choice immediately. While having stand out maps such as Overpass and Nuke, the innate willingness to play any map makes it difficult for an opponent to predict how the map veto process will play out. Once again gla1ve’s influence is felt here, with his strategy of playing all seven maps paying off consistently for Astralis.
Complimentary skills
Astralis have not only amassed a line-up full of skill, but also a squad of complimentary players that allow each other to perform at their best. Dev1ce has long been the superstar of Astralis with an incredible ability to perform at the highest level on both the AWP and rifle. This is the basis through which Astralis function, using his outstanding play as a foundation for the rest of the team.
The second superstar is the player who has undergone the greatest change since the removal of karrigan; Kjaerbye. When originally traded, Kjaerbye was seen as the missing piece Astralis needed to put them over the top. However, he struggled to find his way until the arrival of gla1ve, when almost overnight he became the top tier player Astralis had originally hoped for. Gla1ve’s ability to lead tactically on all seven maps while also consistently contributing kills is one of Astralis’ largest advantages over other top teams and Kjaerbye has relished playing alongside him.
Constant depth and quality of play
While perhaps not receiving the accolades and recognition of the other members, both Xyp9x and dupreeh are essential pieces in the success of Astralis.
Xyp9x is one of the brightest minds in CS:GO, with an incredible ability to win crucial late round situations, particularly when at a disadvantage. Xyp9x is a game changer for Astralis as he consistently finds himself in the correct situation to assist his team.
While Xyp9x’s ability is shown towards the end of rounds, dupreeh makes his impact felt towards the beginning and middle. As the entry fragger, dupreeh follows gla1ve’s calls and puts them into motion as he creates space for the rest of his team to function. Without dupreeh’s play the other members of Astralis would not be able to function at the highest level.
All in all the phrase the whole is greater than the sum of its parts comes to mind when looking at Astralis and yet those parts, the individual players, are pretty spectacular in themselves. It’s a combination that makes Astralis the clear top team in the world.
