This marks a significant shift for both blameF and Fnatic, signalling a renewed ambition for the team to climb back to the top of competitive Counter-Strike.
Exciting times
https://t.co/0sVZ6FGPdP
— Benjamin Vang Bremer (@blameFFFFF) May 14, 2024
BlameF has been on the sidelines since February, following his benching from Astralis after the team’s failure to qualify for the PGL Major Copenhagen through the Europe RMR.
Acknowledging the inevitability of his benching due to the team’s lack of success, blameF expressed his desire to continue playing as a rifler rather than an in-game leader (IGL).
This move to Fnatic reunites blameF with Jamie “?keita?” Hall, his former coach from Complexity (2019-2021), and marks his return to an international roster after spending two-and-a-half years with Astralis.
The four-time top-20 player in the world joins Fnatic in a more active and star position, differing from kyuubii’s previous roles as a lurker and anchor.
Fnatic’s CS Team Director, Andreas Samuelsson, confirmed on the organization’s community Discord that blameF will retain his preferred roles, stating, “blameF will play the star positions as a second voice, bodyy will call, and KRIMZ will play the anchor roles.”
Kyuubii, who joined Fnatic in November 2023 alongside Mat��? “?MATYS?” ?imko and Alexandre “?bodyy?” Pianaro, was the only one on a trial basis.
Despite high expectations, the team struggled, failing to qualify for the Copenhagen Major and facing early exits in the ESL Pro League and other events.
Ross Rooney, Esports Analysis & Strategy Manager at Fnatic, highlighted the significance of this acquisition: ��Bringing Benjamin into Fnatic is a significant move that indicates our ambition to return to the top echelons of competitive Counter-Strike.
“Benjamin is a franchise-level player whose impact goes beyond just his in-game ability.
“This acquisition marks a significant shift from our approach over the last few years, emphasizing our commitment to not only participate but return to meaningful competition.��
BlameF will make his debut in the black-and-orange jersey at the CCT Global Finals, where Fnatic is grouped with ENCE, Gaimin Gladiators, and GamerLegion.
This will be blameF’s first time not being the primary shotcaller after lengthy stints as an IGL with Complexity and Astralis.
Both blameF and Fnatic aim to end their respective trophy droughts, with blameF’s last major victory being the BLAST Spring 2020 European finals and Fnatic’s last major trophy in 2020 at ESL Pro League EU Season 11.
Astralis, now without blameF, continues to progress with Nicolai ��dev1ce�� Reedtz as the IGL.
Under dev1ce’s leadership, Astralis reached the semi-finals at both IEM Chengdu and ESL Pro League Season 19.
Both teams are set to compete in the CCT Season One Global Finals starting May 16, marking a crucial moment for their revamped rosters.
]]>This time, the spotlight falls on Benjamin “blameF” Bremer, the team’s former in-game leader, who has been benched with a potential sale in mind.
This announcement comes amid a broader restructuring effort within the organization, including changes in coaching staff.
Kasper Straube, Astralis’ Director of Sports, cited a mismatch in player profiles and roles as the primary reason behind the decision to bench blameF.
Today we announce a change in the lineup, with in-game leader Benjamin "blameF" Bremer being benched with a potential sale in mind.
We want to thank Benjamin for his time, loyalty and dedication. We've seen him grow on and off the server and proudly watched his hard work. It's�� pic.twitter.com/Dfa40ZvF3o
— Astralis (@Astralisgg) February 28, 2024
This move reflects Astralis’ commitment to redefining roles within the team to optimize performance.
A new in-game leader is expected to be announced soon as part of this strategic overhaul.
The decision to bench blameF follows a disappointing performance at the PGL Major Copenhagen European RMR B event, where Astralis finished with a 2-3 record and suffered a critical loss to 9Pandas in the decider bracket.
This setback adds to a string of disappointments for Astralis, including failed attempts to advance in recent Major tournaments.
Astralis’ struggles mark a significant departure from its illustrious past, where they were renowned for their dominance in the CS scene, clinching three consecutive Major titles.
However, since 2021, the team has faced challenges, including roster changes and declining results on the Major stage.
In addition to in-game struggles, Astralis has faced public scrutiny for controversial moves, such as signing formerly banned coach Nicolai ��Hunden�� Petersen and acquiring players from rival teams like Martin “?stavn?” Lund and Jakob “?jabbi?” Nygaard.
Despite these challenges, Astralis remains determined to reclaim its former glory.
The organization’s decision to bench blameF and revamp its coaching staff signals a renewed commitment to excellence and a strategic effort to address underlying issues within the team.
As Astralis embarks on this new chapter, fans eagerly anticipate the team’s next moves and hope for a resurgence that will once again establish them as a dominant force in the world of Counter-Strike.
Meanwhile, blameF has confirmed his commitment to CS2 and is happy to move to another team, but he won’t be taking on the in-game leader role.
Benched in Astralis.
I'll be looking to continue playing asap but as a riffle (non IGL) so if any organisations are interested in talking with me, you can reach me through my DM.I wish the Astralis boys good luck and thank the whole organisation for my time there
— Benjamin Vang Bremer (@blameFFFFF) February 28, 2024
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