Star AWPer Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz shared his thoughts after Astralis’ loss to Vitality at Intel Extreme Masters Chengdu 2025. In a conversation with HLTV, the Dane discussed the reasons behind the defeat, HooXi’s role in rebuilding the team, the uncertainty surrounding Magisk, his personal form, and expectations for the upcoming Major.

On the loss to Vitality

device believes Astralis played on par with their opponents but failed to capitalize on key moments.

I think a lot of things went wrong. On Inferno, we had a lot of good opportunities to win some rounds. They had a lot of individual class in the clutches and in the key kills. I think as a team, we matched them completely, and that's a good thing and a bad thing when you lose.

Nicolai "device" Reedtz

On Astralis’ form and tournament preparation

Despite the loss, device is satisfied with the team’s overall progress and believes their potential hasn’t been fully unlocked yet.

Yeah, I mean leading up to us going to Bucharest, we had really good practice, and Bucharest ended as it ended. We of course had confidence, I think a lot of the rounds and games we lost here we were not sharp. I think our level is kinda high if we are individually sharper and shooting better, and that goes for me as well.

We are closing more of these games and that's just a good thing, and going into the Major now, we just have to focus on [continuing to] build and believing that we can match some of the top teams.

Nicolai "device" Reedtz

On changes in the team’s playstyle

device praised HooXi’s work, noting how he helped the team eliminate long-standing issues, especially on Nuke.

There's been a lot of work from HooXi, especially on the T side of Nuke, where we've had the biggest uptick. More strats, more rounds where we put pressure on different sides of the map that are not just played in the first 30 seconds of the round, and then also having the pressure of doing a lot of the early strats as well.

That's the key element, and then not giving too many entries away, which is something I know all of the top teams are working on. You kinda lose games when you just die in entries every round.

Nicolai "device" Reedtz

On the team’s structure

According to device, HooXi’s leadership has brought more structure and stability to Astralis’ micro-play and map control.

I guess a little bit more structure. Just in the micros, asking for a flash, you play it a little bit more safe with the way you fight for map control, not taking too many chances all the time. It can net you some first kills, and it at least nets you the control you need to execute the round.

Nicolai "device" Reedtz

On the uncertainty surrounding Magisk

Since Magisk is currently on loan, device admitted that the situation creates uncertainty within the team.

It affects everyone. Nobody really knows what’s going to happen next. Right now, we’re just trying to stick together and do what we can.

Nicolai "device" Reedtz

On fatigue from constant tournaments

device admitted the season has been extremely exhausting due to constant travel and a tight schedule, which prevented him from reaching peak form.

This season has been one of the hardest for me. We’re always on the road, and that’s exactly what I tried to avoid after missing last year’s Major. It’s not my preferred way of competing, but given our ranking, we had to play more often. 

Nicolai "device" Reedtz

On personal form

Despite the difficulties, device said he is gradually regaining his level through hard work.

This season might be one of the worst in my career individually. I know that, but I’m working a lot. The general environment just hasn’t suited me much. I’m trying to control what I can, and HooXi is helping me a lot with that. We work well together and keep searching for the best solutions.

Nicolai "device" Reedtz

On preparation for the Major

Astralis will skip the Hong Kong tournament to have more time for bootcamp and preparation ahead of the biggest event of the year.

For me, it definitely has a positive effect. We also have time now because we're not going to Hong Kong, to a bootcamp and to focus even more on some stuff in-game.

Obviously all of the solutions we find are in-game, and I think we are one of the teams that are being proactive in that regard. It's just about playing alert, going into the Major, being individually sharp, and then just trusting that we have the map pool now to keep pushing all of the teams and maybe make a surprise.

Nicolai "device" Reedtz

Astralis finished Intel Extreme Masters Chengdu 2025 without a trophy but with a clear sense of progress, placing 5th–6th and earning $12,500. For device, this tournament was not only a challenge but also confirmation that the team is on the right path toward the Major.