World-class CS:GO team Astralis might skip next month’s ESL Pro League finals if they are unable to field their desired roster.
Star AWPer Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz’s medical leave will continue through the EPL Finals in December, as Astralis supposedly appealed to the league’s governing body, WESA, to use a stand-in, according to an HLTV report. If WESA were to deny Astralis’ appeal, Astralis will opt to skip the $750,000 event altogether.
Related: Dev1ce to miss ECS and Blast Pro matches
The Danish lineup asked WESA to use GODSENT’s Dennis Edman as a stand-in for the ESL-hosted event. Dennis, who played for Astralis last weekend at the BLAST Pro Series, is currently listed under GODSENT’s roster in the League. But Astralis has no available substitutes available, and coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen would be the only available stand-in, since he’s the only other person listed on the team’s League roster besides the core five.
Astralis’ situation is comparable to Team Liquid, who are using coach Wilton “zews” Prado in place of Lucas “steel” Lopes at the EPL Finals. WESA prevented the North American squad from using steel, possibly because he already played for Immortals throughout the entire North American season.
If Astralis were to pull out of the League Finals, which will take place from Dec. 5 to 10, it could open up a slot in Group A for defending champion G2 Esports. The French side failed to qualify for the Finals because of a seventh place finish in the online League.
Roster lock rules are the focus of much criticism from players and pundits alike at the moment. SK Gaming will be playing with João “felps” Vasconcellos at the upcoming ELEAGUE Major: Boston, despite looking to drop the player in favour of Ricardo “boltz” Prass.
