After securing the CCT title, the Astralis main team travelled across the Atlantic to participate in the prestigious IEM Dallas 2023 tournament. On May 30th, 2023, they faced off against Team Liquid (#8) in the upper bracket quarter-final match.
In a fiercely contested opening match of the group stage, Astralis emerged victorious with a narrow 19-17 win against Team Liquid on the map Overpass. The young talent, Alexander "Altekz" Givskov, demonstrated his worth as a current member of the main team, showcasing his skills as a rifler.
This is a team with a big T, and you feel that as a "new" player - Altekz on his LAN debut with Astralis main team.
The 19-year-old prodigy delivered an excellent performance, securing 29 frags and an impressive 1.30 rating, earning him the match MVP title in his main team LAN debut.
Before proceeding to the upper semi-finals against Cloud9 (#5), Altekz took a moment to reflect on his journey to the United States and how he has prepared himself for his inaugural LAN tournament alongside gla1ve and the rest of the team.
The 19-year-old Alexander "Altekz" Givskov on going to IEM Dallas 2023:
- Up to this point, it has been a great experience! The setup around the main team is well-structured and highly professional on all levels, and it is a pleasure to be a part of this team. Despite the long trip across the Atlantic - my first time travelling outside of Europe - being pretty exhausting, we have settled here in grand fashion. I am thrilled and ready to give my all in this tournament.
How would you describe your current surroundings?
- The surroundings here are different. Everything is on a larger scale than what I'm used to, which makes it a new experience on all levels. The impressive practice rooms offer a fantastic view, enabling an excellent working atmosphere.
What are you most looking forward to in Dallas?
- I look forward to playing in the tournament and even more now, where we've had a great start. That's why we're here, and I want to perform and enjoy my first LAN tournament with the team.
How might you handle it if you guys qualify for the playoffs, where thousands of fans will be in the arena?
- One step at a time. Fortunately, we're starting in a smaller studio, which provides a more gentle introduction. If we qualify for the arena, I will focus on playing my usual game and executing the plays I always do. But that's for later.
Have the more experienced players given you any advice for playing before a large crowd?
- Absolutely, they have been invaluable in assisting me, not only with practical matters but also with the mental aspects, considering the importance of the tournament. This is truly a team with a big T, and you feel that as a "new" player. The advice and support from the team have provided that extra 10% boost we need to perform exceptionally well at the event.
Remember, you can always tune in to the live stream on the Astralis website to get all the action. Our skilled caster will provide professional commentary and analysis throughout the matches.
Watch the live stream at Astralis Watch.
- Next up: The team will face off against Cloud9 in the Upper Semi-finals on May 31st, 01:00 CEST.
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