Astralis brings back jabbi to protect Major invitation

Astralis will use Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard as a stand-in for the remainder of its Stake Ranked Episode 5 campaign in Barcelona. He will replace Nikita “cmtry” Samolotov.

Jabbi is scheduled to return on Wednesday, Oct. 28, when Astralis faces magic in the lower bracket at 11 a.m. local time. Astralis lost its opening match to fnatic and must win to remain in the tournament.

The change follows Astralis’ decision on Oct. 13 to replace Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen and jabbi with Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek and cmtry. Jabbi’s return prevents cmtry from playing a fifth match for Astralis.

Cmtry remains listed on FUT’s VRS roster. FUT used Álvaro “SunPayus” García in all three matches of its 3-0 run at PGL Masters Bucharest, leaving cmtry eligible to remain on FUT’s roster. If FUT loses its quarterfinal and cmtry plays another match for Astralis, he could be listed on two eligible rosters. That could put Astralis’ Major invitation at risk. The effect on FUT’s invitation would depend on which team is deemed eligible.

Jabbi traveled directly from the airport to join Astralis in Barcelona. “Jabbi is back in the lineup tomorrow for the rest of our Stake Ranked run in Barcelona, coming straight from the airport at very little notice,” Astralis wrote in its announcement. “There is never a dull moment in esports, and jabbi stepping up to help at this pivotal moment shows exactly the kind of professional he is. Nothing but respect.”

Astralis’ lineup for the rest of the tournament is Love “phzy” Smidebrant, Victor “Staehr” Staehr, Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas, siuhy and jabbi. Filip “NEO” Kubski remains the team’s coach.

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