Dev1ce to likely miss the Shanghai Major due to Health Issues

In an unexpected turn of events, Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz has been excluded from the main Astralis lineup due to health issues.

With a somber tone, the four-time major champ addressed his fans and community in a post on X where here announced the unfortunate news of missing the European RMR and potentially the Perfect World Shanghai Major.

“I’m deeply saddened to share that I won’t be able to participate in the Shanghai Major 2024 due to a recurrence of stress-related health challenges.  This has been a difficult decision to make, but after discussions with a medical team, I know that stepping back to focus on my health is the right choice.”

– dev1ce on X

According to the Danish AWPer, there was a recurrence of stress-related health problems which initially started when he was traveling to Singapore for the BLAST Premier World Final. During his time in Asia, the player suffered from sleeping issues before the symptoms worsened by having cramps, heart palpitations and extreme fatigue.

“I hoped and expected these symptoms would get better as soon as I got home, but I have to face the reality that I’m still not at a point where it’s realistic for me to compete.”

– dev1ce on X

This was a result of not prioritizing his health and well-being, according to the player. However, since he experienced a similar occurrence a couple of years ago, device is aware of what it takes to get back on track, despite the process wearing down his mind.

Rolling back the NiP tape

Initially in late 2021, while representing Ninjas in Pyjamas, the Danish AWPer withdrew from IEM Rio ahead of the semi-finals and missed the BLAST Premier World Final due to health concerns. On social media platform X, he disclosed that his mental health had suffered significantly that year, impacted by personal issues and stress. He returned to competitive play in October 2022, following a transfer back to Astralis.

“This season has been tough, and I have not been prioritizing myself enough. Honestly, I can’t tell if I feel better or worse having faced a similar situation before. I know what it takes to get back and how amazing it feels on the other side. On the other hand, I know how hard this process is and how much it wears on my mind.”

– dev1ce on X

“Most of all this hurts the most knowing I’m letting down the team and our fans in the most important part of the season. These are the people that are fueling my passion to return and having to disappoint them is heartbreaking for me.”

– dev1ce on X

The br0-Astralis saga continues

Alexander "br0" Bro will replace device, who recently stepped down to make way for Casper "cadiaN" Møller. This situation is particularly awkward, as br0 had initially been removed from the starting lineup to make room for cadiaN. Astralis registered cadiaN for the BLAST Premier Fall Final past the roster submission deadline, citing br0's unfitness to compete in the Danish event.

Dev1ce will be returning to competition in the new season, starting next year as now it is time for him to rest before making his big return yet again.

"I expect to return at the beginning of the new season next year. For now, it is time to rest before planning a sustainable return."

– dev1ce on X

Astralis’s lineup heading to the Shanghai RMR is:

• Martin "⁠stavn⁠" Lund
• Jakob "⁠jabbi⁠" Nygaard
• Victor "⁠Staehr⁠" Staehr 
• Casper "⁠cadiaN⁠" Møller
• Alexander "⁠br0⁠" Bro
• Casper "⁠ruggah⁠" Due - coach

Featured Image source: BLAST

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