The legendary in-game leader Lukas "gla1ve" Rossander, renowned for changing the game as well as shaping Astralis' Counter-Strike success with his four Major wins, is a focal point in the first episode of the "Behind The Stars" documentary, which will be released on November 20th on YouTube.
During filming in the spring of 2023, the 28-year-old team captain struggled to regain his top form in the game. He faced an ultimatum from the then Sports Director, Kasper Hvidt: improve his performance or risk losing his role as IGL and his place on the roster.
Simultaneously, gla1ve and his teammates were constantly observed by a camera crew filming this new documentary. The team was on the brink, striving to secure a spot in the upcoming Paris Major in May. However, qualifying for this prestigious LAN event appeared more challenging than expected.
Since then, gla1ve has taken time to reflect on the intense and hectic period of his career in Counter-Strike and as the leader of the Astralis roster, which at that time included new faces in contrast to the original quintet that shared so many grand memories.
"The pressure of a camera following you everywhere you go is nothing compared to the pressure experienced while playing in big qualifiers for prestigious events. I have participated in some documentaries before, and even though it's never comfortable watching yourself under that kind of pressure, I also know that they provide unique and insightful perspectives on how players in the professional Counter-Strike scene manage themselves mentally and physically. In that sense, it's not too difficult to be a part of, as long as you can set some boundaries."
What was your most challenging experience while filming for this documentary?
"When we missed the Major in Paris, and I got benched later. That certainly wasn't nice at all, but I still think it's important to show what goes on behind the scenes. There are always so many stories and rumors circulating, and in that sense, I'm glad both parts are shown in the documentary.
Mark your calendars for Monday, November 20th, as the gripping first season of the new Astralis documentary "Behind the Stars" will premiere on our YouTube channel in just one week.
The documentary offers a raw and in-depth look behind the scenes of the Danish esports organization and its Counter-Strike main team, providing an exclusive glimpse into Astralis' eventful journey during the spring and summer of 2023.
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