Brandon and Amina, two dedicated Astralis fans from Michigan in the United States, recently embarked on a memorable journey, visiting the Astralis organization and the gaming hub, Astralis Nexus.
The couple, currently travelling through Europe, had set their sights on Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark and homeland of their favourite Counter-Strike team, Astralis.
A couple of years ago, in the weeks leading up to the anniversary of their first date, Brandon proactively contacted Benjamin, the marketing director at Astralis. He had a special surprise in mind for his girlfriend and was hopeful for something memorable.
However, little did he anticipate that the response from the Danish organization would exceed his wildest expectations.
- I was blown away, Brandon recalls, as Astralis went above and beyond to make their anniversary celebration remarkable.
The organization sent signed jerseys across the Atlantic, accompanied by a heartwarming video message from the main team.
In the video, the players greeted the couple, congratulated them, and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support.
To Brandon's astonishment, Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz, Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen, and the rest of the gang even referenced the story of their first date, which revolved around ice skating.
- I didn't expect such overwhelming hospitality and warmth from a worldwide organization like Astralis, Brandon admits, reflecting on their humble beginnings as fans from Michigan.
The cherished video, still saved on his phone, holds the surprising moment when he shared it with his girlfriend.
- It was so cool to see her reaction when I showed her the video message, Brandon shares.
- I could say, 'Hey, this is the team you love watching, and now they know who you are.' To receive something like that, as just a couple of fans from the U.S., was truly remarkable. I thought it was incredibly cool.
Brandon's love for Counter-Strike has always burned brightly, but it was in 2018 that his admiration for Astralis reached new heights.
During this time, the team Fnatic dominated the CS:GO scene, entering their peak era. As Brandon progressed through college and gained financial independence, he eagerly immersed himself in esports, fueling his passion for competitive gaming.
The turning point came when Brandon attended his first major event, IEM Chicago 2018, where Fnatic and Astralis clashed in a thrilling face-off that pushed the boundaries of excitement.
The third and decisive map, Inferno, was forced into overtime, leaving Brandon torn between which team to cheer for.
Reflecting on that unforgettable moment, Brandon exclaims:
- It was a blast!
At the time, he was even working at events for Fnatic, adding an extra layer of complexity to his allegiances.
As Brandon vividly recounts:
- It was in the semi-finals, Fnatic versus Astralis, and it went triple overtime on Inferno. I remember the entire arena erupting with sheer excitement as the teams battled back and forth. That was my first real taste of the intensity and thrill that esports events can deliver.
Ultimately, Astralis emerged victorious in a thrilling 2-1 series in the semi-finals, clinching the championship title in the Intel Extreme Masters 2018 in Chicago. Their triumphant journey culminated in a 3-0 victory against Team Liquid, securing a prize pool of $100,000.
The couple's first event was ESL One New York 2019, an occasion that left a lasting impression on Brandon and Amina.
The grand final featured Astralis pitted against Evil Geniuses, resulting in a hard-fought series that concluded with Astralis ultimately falling in a 3-1 defeat.
Despite the loss and the challenges of an unsupportive crowd, the conduct of the players from the main team deeply resonated with Amina.
- It was amazing to see how humble the Astralis players were, Amina recounts.
Despite the defeat, the players would graciously clap and show gratitude to the crowd, particularly Lukas "gla1ve" Rossander, leaving a lasting impact on her.
Before attending the event, Amina had limited exposure to Counter-Strike, primarily through observing Brandon's gameplay. However, her experience in New York ignited a newfound interest in the game.
- It was really fun to watch, Amina explains.
The electrifying atmosphere of the stadium, the cheers of passionate fans, and the excitement surrounding the matches all contributed to her enjoyment.
Amina's appreciation for Astralis deepened due to their exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
- Obviously, they're an excellent team, she says, acknowledging their skill and expertise.
She even purchased an Astralis jersey during the event in a show of support, solidifying her connection to the team.
The defining moment, however, came after the Grand Final, with Astralis facing off against Evil Geniuses.
Despite facing disappointment, the players from the main team exemplified exceptional sportsmanship and respect.
- They said they lost to a great team, Amina recalls.
- And I thought that was so nice because many people probably wouldn't handle losing like that, especially somewhere that's not their home territory.
For Brandon, witnessing Amina's immersion in the event and her growing admiration for Astralis was a unique experience.
He witnessed her genuine involvement and support for the team, which arose from the players' exemplary conduct on and off the server.
- Their composure, being the underdog in the States just because Evil Geniuses was playing, and everybody was rooting for the U.S. team, Brandon notes.
- To see how they reacted to the fans who were not necessarily hostile but booing and such was impressive.
The event in New York marked a significant turning point, as Amina fell in love with Astralis and the game itself.
- It was cool to watch her fall in love with a game I've played for so long, Brandon adds with pride.
The couple's visit to Astralis Nexus became even more remarkable, as they expressed their thoughts on the absence of a gaming hub like it in the United States.
- We don't have anything like Nexus in the U.S. at all, they both express, highlighting the unique and innovative nature of the facility.
Upon reflecting on their initial meeting with Benjamin, the marketing director of Astralis, the couple was struck by his open and welcoming demeanor.
- He was open to just giving his phone number to some random guy he had only communicated with through email, Brandon remarks, emphasizing the stark contrast to cultural norms in the United States.
Visiting the Astralis headquarters proved to be a delightful experience as well. Every person they encountered in the office greeted them warmly, appreciating their genuine interest and passion for the organization.
- They all seemed appreciative that we cared so much, Amina recalls.
Beyond their engagement with Astralis, the couple has also been savouring their time exploring the city of Copenhagen and gaining insights into Danish culture.
Their desire to potentially relocate to Europe had always included Denmark as a promising destination, given the positive recommendations they had received from others.
Their firsthand experience in the city has only solidified their admiration.
- Just to explore the city and experience everything, it has been absolutely amazing, they share, expressing the sense of awe and wonder they have encountered during their stay.
The couple shares their enthusiasm for the players who have been a part of the Astralis roster, particularly expressing their admiration for dev1ce, Kjaerbye and Magisk.
dev1ce, in particular, holds a special place in their hearts as one of their all-time favourites.
- I love watching dev1ce play, Amina states, exuding her happiness at seeing him return to the team.
His consistent performance and undeniable skill have made him a fan favourite.
Brandon agrees, mentioning Kjaerbye's contribution during the "old-school Kjaerbye days".
When discussing dev1ce's greatness, they highlight his persistent talent and remarkable comeback after a break. Amina notes:
- He's just always been so good, and even when he took that long break and came back, he was better than ever.
Upon his return, they both anticipated some rustiness in his gameplay, but dev1ce swiftly dispelled any doubts with his outstanding performance.
Reflecting on dev1ce's consistency as an AWPer in Counter-Strike, they assert:
- It's tough to argue that he hasn't been the most consistent AWPer that's played Counter-Strike.
They hold high hopes for dev1ce's future in the game, particularly with the anticipated release of CS2, hoping that he will continue to thrive and maintain his exemplary track record.
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