We caught up with Rasmus " HooXi " Nielsen following his impressive return to the pro scene. In an exclusive interview for Bo3.gg, he shared how he spent his time during inactivity, reflected on Astralis ' performance at PGL Astana 2025, and discussed the possibility of signing a full-time contract with the organization. Rasmus also spoke about the prospect of becoming a CS2 coach in the future and the goals he still hopes to achieve as a professional player.

Let’s start from the moment you were benched in G2. How did that happen exactly? If possible, tell us more about it.
I was made aware of the fact that they were looking for a replacement, but that nothing was final. My instant reaction was to talk 1on1 with every player and staff member close to the team, to get feedback on what I could improve. In any case, if I got to stay or not I just wanted to fix my flaws and move on.

What were you feeling at that moment?
First of all disappointment of course. After all the talks I felt more confident, because I didn’t really get any “harsh” feedback that would lead to being benched, which left me confused for a bit. I am still not 100 % sure what I could’ve done different, obviously there’s multiple areas in which I could improve and I have tried to do so afterwards.

It seemed like you would quickly find a new team, but that didn’t happen. What went wrong? Were the offers just not appealing enough?
Initially I didn’t get many offers because I got benched in the end of the break and all teams kinda figured out there future for the upcoming season already. Then throughout the next 6 months there was only really Astralis that could’ve picked me up, but they decided to go with cadiaN . Then the winter break came around and with that the new VRS rules. I think that played out very badly for me since everyone wanted a core and I was not a part of one.

I had a few offers, but nothing I could see myself succeed in.

Can you name the teams that sent you invites? At least a few?
No, I would rather keep that to myself for now.

Why did you choose Astralis specifically? What was the key factor in accepting their offer?
I had nothing to do besides playing FaceIt and they invited me as a standin for one tournament. It seems like a no-brainer.

Back in G2, you were often criticized for your individual stats. On top of that, you had a year of inactivity. But we saw a completely different HooXi on the server — one showing an incredible individual performance. What’s the secret behind your form? How did you prepare for your return?
There’s really no secret recipe. Just tried to stay in the loop in terms of pro play meta and worked a lot on getting a better routine that focuses on my individual level. That includes more time on DM and more faceit. I am of course happy that all the work I’ve put in payed off, but I still need to show that I can do it over a full season where I have to choose between the team’s needs and my own.

What did you feel before your first official match after coming back? And what about after it ended?
I actually felt a bit nervous, which I haven’t felt for a long time. I also felt like the game was moving a bit faster that normal, but it just took one map to get back in the groove. After I was super happy with the win and didn’t have time for a lot thoughts since we had a new game the next day.

There wasn’t much time to prepare for PGL Astana with Astralis . How did that preparation go?
It went as well as it could I would say. We just tried to make the most of the days we had. We kinda did an “online bootcamp”.

Did you make any changes to the team’s tactics? If so, what was the first thing you changed? Or did you mostly adapt to Astralis ’ style?
I would say we changed quite a bit. I think the main thing that I changed for a lot of maps and strats was that I would put myself in an entry role or “worse” role to make the others shine more.

From the outside, it looked like your arrival brought a healthier atmosphere to Astralis , something that was lacking before. What do you think about that?
I think it’s a mix of a lot of things. First of all, bringing a good mood was a weak point for me in G2 and something I spend a lot of time reflecting upon. Secondly I think the pressure was off from the get go, making a change to the lineup and going in without much time to prepare, the expectations were generally low from the public. Lastly a roster change is also a chance to “start over”, which usually brings the famous honeymoon.

Under your leadership, the team immediately made it to the finals, something that hadn’t happened in a long time. How do you evaluate Astralis ’ performance in Astana?
I think we should’ve been happy with the result but disappointed that we didn’t grab the chance to bring home the trophy when it was there. Overall I think this brings a lot of positives. For me it shows that what I have been doing in my time away from the scene paid off. For the guys on Astralis it shows that they still have what I takes, it’s just about making it all click.

What was missing in the grand final against Spirit ?
I think the issues we have against teams of Spirit caliber is a long term problem that would take a lot of time and work to fix. It came down to a lot of mid round situations that are impossible to replicate and is more of a fundamental issue.

Which win at the Astana tournament meant the most to you, and why? Probably the one over NAVI and Aleksib ?
It’s tough to pick, but yeah the win against NAVI felt really good. First stage match and NAVI has been a tough match up for us in G2 for a long time so yeah. Probably NAVI.

What was it like to play in an arena again? How did you like the crowd in Kazakhstan ? Many were cheering for you and chanting your nickname.
It was amazing and I was super surprised to get this much love from the crowd. I don’t know what else to say besides I am super grateful.

Is there already some clarity about your future with Astralis ? Have you discussed the possibility of a full-time contract? Would you personally like to stay?
No there’s not. I think I could do a lot more with this roster if I got more time, so it is definitely interesting but for now I am back to where I left off.

What’s your take on the “ HooXi Gigachad” meme?
It’s a bit of a love/hate relationship. I think it’s funny when things are going well, but I will always have in the back of my mind that it is made of irony and that people came up with it because they thought I sucked.

How would you rate the current level of competition in the professional CS2 scene? It seems higher than ever.
I don’t think the scene evolved too much while I was away. I think some teams tactically look very basic right now and there’s room for a lot of improvement in that regard. In terms of players individually, everyone’s getting better day by day and it gets harder and harder to keep up for the “older generation”.

During your time off, did you ever consider becoming a coach? Personally, I think you’d do great. Although, after your performance in Astana, I believe you still have a lot left to show on the server.
Not really no. I’ve always known that I would like to give coaching a shot after I’m done playing, but I don’t feel close to that point yet at all. I still have a lot to achieve as a player and a lot of hunger to reach my goals.

What goals are you referring to? Winning a Major?
A major would be the ultimate goal, but just winning more trophies in general. I don't have a specific goal, I just don't feel satisfied yet.

How long are you willing to continue playing CS as a pro? Maybe one day you’ll outlast old man karrigan ?
I have no clue. I think one day you just know that it’s time for something new. But until that feeling comes I won’t put too much thought into it.

Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
I’m just really happy to finally give you guys something to cheer for again and I hope I get to meet you all in person because that is the best part. I got to meet some of you in Astana and it felt really good to finally see some of you again. Besides that, I am just super grateful for all the support and hope you’ll continue supporting me wherever I end up.