The Astralis organization has made a statement denouncing “harassment and abuse our players are currently facing online” after their elimination at Stage 2 of the IEM Cologne 2026 Counter-Strike Major.
Astralis responds to online attacks on players and staff
Following a disappointing elimination in Stage 2 of the Major, Astralis’ first Major since turning to an international lineup. Exiting with only one win, a best of 1 against GamerLegion, Astralis slumped out of the competition 0-2 against paiN to condemn them to a 1-3 exit.
The result has seemingly sparked online abuse of Astralis’ players, following what Astralis IGL Rasmus ‘HooXi’ Nielsen described as an “embarrassing way to go out.”
The Danish organization shared, “The harassment and abuse our players are currently facing online in unacceptable. This kind of language has no place anywhere. We win together and we lose together.
“No player or staff member should ever be subjected to hate, harassment or personal attacks for giving everything they have for the team.”
HooXi later announced on Instagram that he was taking a step away from social media for the time being.
The statement echoed remarks from the CEO of Fusion Esports Group, the ownership group of Astralis shared shortly before the statement on social media.
Fusion Esports Group CEO Jonas Gundersen called for greater regulation of social media, stating, “The way people abuse our players on socials after yesterday is something I’ll never understand and will always condemn. I wish for a huge push in social media regulation and the ability to pursue legal action on online abuse, or this spins out of control in the future.”
The CEO called for fans taking part in abuse to reevaluate their actions, saying, “Disappointment is something we all feel, especially them, but please stop this insanity, and show respect for others, and if you partake in online harassment, seriously re-evaluate your life. No matter the results, we are all just humans trying our best.”
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Darragh is an Esports Journalist for Insider Gaming specialising in Counter-Strike. He loves to explore how esports teams work, or why they very often do not.
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