"Complete bullshit": BLAST decision on Astralis substitution draws ire of pros
Ahead of the BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024, the actual Counter-Strike matches have taken a backseat to the controversy surrounding Astralis’ emergency substitution of new signing Casper "cadiaN" Møller for Alexander "br0" Bro.
Several of the game’s most prominent in-game leaders including Russel "Twistzz" Van Dulken, Dan "apEX" Madesclaire, and original Astralis shotcaller Finn "karrigan" Andersen, did not attend the Fall Final media obligations. But many players outside of just the IGLs are upset about both Astralis’ alleged "exploitation of health issues" and BLAST’s statement permitting it.
Håvard "rain" Nygaard, who did attend media day, told HLTV that BLAST’s statement was “complete bullshit.” Rain added, “I think BLAST isn't making a good picture of themselves for next year when teams have to choose events, and I think they're shooting themselves in the foot by doing this.” Former Astralis player Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen also spoke to HLTV, saying "if true, it is a poor decision, especially when we had players taking medical leave in Astralis due to stress and burnout."
The official account for Heroic replied to BLAST’s statement on X, asking “did you see this tweet” and quote tweeting the post from br0's agent, Fabian Broich, which says that "Alex is fully healthy and ready to perform.” Into the Breach’s Owen "smooya" Butterfield replied to BLAST’s statement, saying “the game has gone.”
In addition to his protest of the BLAST media day, karrigan stated on X that BLAST’s decision “can eventually set a really bad precedent for the future with roster changes.” Several former pros such as Christopher "GeT_RiGhT" Alesund and Andreas "Xyp9x" Højsleth responded positively to the IGLs statement and decision to boycott media day.
Per HLTV, only Spirit and Astralis showed up with their full lineup and IGLs.
