Astralis continues its triumphant path at PGL Astana 2025, defeating NAVI 2-1 in the quarterfinals. The team won Nuke (16:13), lost on Mirage (8:13), but snatched the victory on the decisive Ancient (13:8), thanks to the well-coordinated play and brilliant decisions of the new captain HooXi .
staehr became the MVP of the match - the young Dane scored 64 frags in three maps, became the engine of Astralis ' attack on Nuke and a real wall on Ancient . The player himself admits that this result is not an accident, but a consequence of good team chemistry.
Feels amazing. It's the first time dealing with HooXi , and I think we showed how good we can be. We practiced for one week, and we had this kind of level ready, so I'm insanely happy.
Victor " staehr " staehr
HooXi 's arrival at Astralis was a catalyst for change. The team gained not just a new leader, but a game brain that was able to combine the classic Astralis style with its own vision of the game.
I think HooXi really knows what he wants, how he wants to play. Every caller has a different playstyle... I think we kind of play our old style, but then we got some HooXi style as well, and I think that's the perfect combo.
Victor " staehr " staehr
On the decisive map, Ancient Astralis read their opponent like an open book. The moment in Round 17 was especially striking, when the team anticipated NAVI's plans and flawlessly implemented the defense.
I think we were just good at talking together and putting the full picture together. Everyone had their role, but I think HooXi had the final say in the end... It was just perfect, and that's a HooXi masterclass.
Victor " staehr " staehr
After the match, the Danes received loud support from the audience in Astana, and chants of HooXi 's name filled the arena.
Thank you for the support. I love the chanting-the HooXi chanting is amazing. Keep going, guys. Very good energy. I love it.
Victor " staehr " staehr
Astralis advance to the semifinals, where they will play against aurora , the team that previously knocked out The MongolZ . At the same time, NAVI finish the tournament, sharing the 5th-8th place and leaving many questions about the future of the roster.
PGL Astana 2025 takes place from May 10 to 18 in Astana, Kazakhstan , at the Barys Arena. Sixteen teams from around the world are competing for a prize pool of $625,000, with the winner receiving $200,000.
