On 30 June, Astralis announced the organisation's coming Sports Director, Kasper Straube, originally intended to start on October 1. As he has since ended his relationship with his now former employer, he will take over his new position with immediate effect.

Kasper Straube brings in-depth knowledge of esports and Counter-Strike and previously held the role of Head of Performance in the Norwegian esports organisation, Heroic.

Anders Hørsholt, CEO of Astralis:

- I am of course happy that everything has fallen into place, so that with immediate effect, Kasper Straube can take up the role of Sports Director in our organization. Kasper brings a lot of experience from his time at Heroic, where he has held several roles, most recently as Head of Performance for the Counter-Strike team. The work he has contributed to in Heroic has been impressive and I am looking forward to working with him.

- He knows the role, the areas of responsibility and the mutual expectations and even though he needs to get used to a different workplace, I expect him to slide right into the collaboration with coaches, players, and the rest of the organisation. I am delighted that a very important role is now occupied by a profile with both experience, knowledge and humility towards the task, as well as an obvious ability to elevate performance and results.

Kasper Straube, future sports director:

- I'm just getting started, so I’ll wait to say too much, but do want to emphasize that I'm really looking forward to becoming part of the Astralis organization and starting the work that lies ahead of us all.

- After all, I primarily know the organization from the outside, but what the people here have created in terms of results, recognition of esports in Denmark as well as commercially, is truly impressive. It's a bigger organization than I'm used to, and it's an exciting challenge to work in a place, where I can concentrate even more on my core area of responsibility around the teams.  

- I come with some clear thoughts about building and running a healthy performance culture, but I also have great respect for the context I step into and the footsteps I have to fill.

- At the same time, I would like to emphasize that I have had a fantastic time at Heroic, and I hope for all the best for players, coaches and now former colleagues, Astralis' new sports director comments.

Kasper Straube’s first day under the red star is today.