Astralis announce launch of female CS:GO team

Danish esports organisation Astralis have announced the launch of their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive women’s team. 

The team consist of Yoana “?Joanana?” Vlaykova, Selin “?spike?” Sinem Alak, Héjja “?kezziwow?” Kászandrá, Rachel “?RacheLL?” Kujawa and Aurora “?aurora?” Lyngdal.

Joanana, spike and kezziwow are former members of the Ambush team that won the ESL Impact Spring Cash Cup 1 Europe earlier this year, while RacheLL comes from the SUL team and aurora was previously a member of the LGB team. Rafael ”FeldmaN” Rodriquez has been announced as the coach of the team.

The team will make their debut at the ESL Impact Season 2, which kicks off from September 8, 2022.

Anders Hørsholt, CEO of Astralis, commented:

“We have long worked with the idea of a women’s team in Counter-Strike, and we have been in dialogue with ESL from the very beginning to support the creation of the best possible international women’s league.

“It is only natural for Astralis to be an active part of this development, which we want to push even further with our new team. Our values are grounded in performing at our best and always developing, but also in embracing gaming at all levels, regardless of traditional distinctions. We see the difference our female Brazilian FIFA player, Stephanie “Teca” makes in her home country as an ambassador for women in esports, and it is very much about representation to push for a positive change. Now we go all in with our name and brand in Counter-Strike as well.

“Through our investment in the team and messaging, we can help make a positive difference. Together with the new league and other organisations, we can make women’s CS even more interesting for both fans and brands, and thus also make it a good business. This, in itself, will create an even healthier ecosystem, which ultimately benefits everyone.“

Aurora Lyngdal, team spokesperson, added:

“Becoming part of Astralis is a dream we almost still don’t quite believe is reality. It is a huge organisation known for being professional and visionary, but it is so much more. We have spent a week with virtually everyone at the head office, and you really feel how everybody goes into this with both heart and professionalism, to make a difference.

“We have assembled a team that will be able to compete at the very top of all tournaments, with players who all want to be the best in the world. As a woman in Counter-Strike, you fight both for results and for respect, and with the Astralis star on our chest and the organisation behind us, we believe we can make a change and win both battles. We will fight with everything we have both on the server and in everyday life.“

The Astralis men’s CS:GO team is one of the sports’ greatest teams, with four Major wins.