Image source: Astralis (cropped)
Astralis have announced on social media that they have prolonged the contract of mid laner Carl Felix "MagiFelix" Boström to the end of 2021, and that they have parted ways with Erlend "Nukeduck" Holm after the latter left the team for personal reasons mid-split.
The move consolidates Astralis's roster as, with MagiFelix in tow, the team scored a 5:6 record and won against playoff teams Schalke 04 Esports, SK Gaming, and MAD Lions (albeit the latter experimented in their matchup). Although they finished the season with a 6:12 overall record, they did so ahead of Team Vitality's 5:12 line.
The team gelled around the mid laner, a player who is as mechanically proficient as he is flexible as he ranked in the top five in European solo queue on all roles, using different accounts to achieve the feat.
"As we did not have time to do the normal vetting, we agreed to a short-term contract to make sure it was a good fit for both parties," Director of Sports Kasper Hvidt said on Astralis's press release. "Since day one, he has shown much of what we are looking for in an Astralis player on and off the server, and I am glad we have now agreed to continue the relationship for the remainder of 2021."
MagiFelix's signing allows Astralis to approach the summer split with the same core that contended with mid-table teams and to build upon the foundation they laid starting Week 4 of the spring split. However, the move also ends Nukeduck's tenure within the organization, as the two sides mutually parted ways.
"It was his and our wish to find a solution, giving him the time and possibility to make the right decision regarding his next move, and I am glad we have come to an agreement, letting Erlend do exactly that under optimal conditions," Hvidt said.
