NiP and Astralis reportedly agree on price for Device

Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz, the Danish CS:GO legend, is set to make a comeback and make a return to his old team Astralis, after news of the price being agreed with Ninjas In Pyjamas (NIP) was revealed by a source close to the situation.

Rumors had started flowing about after Jaxon.gg revealed that this transfer was set to take place soon once Device returns to CS:GO esports. There were issues between the two sides involved with regard to the transfer fee but that looks settled now, with a  fee €600,000 agreed upon and settling the deal.

© HLTV

Device was on leave due to burnout

The Dane last represented NIP back in December 2021 before taking leave and citing mental fatigue and burnout as reasons for the same. Mental health awareness has become a feature of most industries and the same goes for the esports industry. Device looks in better health now and it’s been widely circulated around esport news outlets that he’s been preparing for his big comeback after practicing games on FACEIT. From the data available on FACEIT, it can be confirmed that Device has played nearly 100 games last month.

Device is considered by many CS:GO esports fans and experts as the greatest CS:GO player of all time. He’s one of the faces of this industry, having won four majors, 19 MVPs and two Majors MVPs. There aren’t many, if any, CS:GO players who can say that for themselves. He was in the top-20 rankings according to HLTV for eight years before his leave.

Some might argue that he’s never been at the very top of the rankings but he’s been second on those rankings for a long time and been part of a highly dominant Astralis side in the mid and late 2010s. He was certainly their best player during their best years. He is known for his versatility as well, capable of playing as a rifler and AWPer. He was also great for NIP before taking leave. He’s also got longevity on his side, which is always a factor in Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) debates.

The emotional return might have to wait even after the fee’s agreed

For most CS:GO esports fans and Device fans, the debate around the greatest CS:GO player won’t matter as much right. Most fans will just be glad that he’s making a return. However, they might have to wait a while because Astralis might qualify for a Major soon and there is a rule that doesn’t allow a team to adjust their roster between the RMR and the Major.

The announcement might be made after the Major but nothing’s confirmed as of now. There’ll be a lot of sentiment in the air when the day comes. The last few months has allowed fans to reflect on Device’s career and what a great servant he’s been to esports industry.

NIP and Astralis will actually be meeting one another in the first match of the EU RMR Group A soon. The news around this transfer will surely heat up on the day but the two teams have refused to confirm the news of his transfer. It only seems like a matter of time before the world knows of Device’s return.

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