Danish AWPer Lucky Steps Away from Competitive Counter Strike

The competitive Counter-Strike scene bids farewell to a recognizable Danish talent today. Philip “Lucky” Ewald, the 23-year-old AWPer known for his stints with Sashi Esports and Astralis, has officially announced he is stepping away from professional play.

After declining to extend his contract with Sashi, Lucky revealed that his decision was motivated by a desire to focus entirely on his academic studies.

A Shift in Priorities

Lucky joined Sashi Esports in April 2024, becoming a key part of their roster for nearly nine months. During his tenure, he posted a solid 1.11 rating across 341 maps, proving he still had the mechanical skill to compete at a high level.

Despite his individual performance, the young Dane has chosen a different path for his immediate future. Sashi Esports released an official statement confirming his departure:

This move marks a significant pivot for the player, who has been a fixture in the Danish sub-top and tier-one scenes for several years.

Looking Back at Lucky’s Career

Lucky first burst onto the international radar as a highly touted prospect. His most high-profile opportunity came when he signed with the legendary organization Astralis.

During his time with Astralis, Lucky competed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including the PGL Major Stockholm 2021. While his tenure there was met with mixed results and immense pressure filling the shoes of Nicolai “device” Reedtz, it cemented his name in the history books of Danish Counter-Strike.

After Astralis, Lucky continued to grind in the competitive circuit, eventually finding a home with Sashi. His time there included notable appearances at YaLLa Compass 2024 and the Esports World Cup 2024. The team also came heartbreakingly close to qualifying for the Shanghai Major, finishing with a 2-3 record at the RMR.

What This Means for Sashi Esports

With Lucky’s departure, Sashi Esports is left with a four-man roster and a gap to fill in the AWPing department. The organization is currently ranked No. 56 in the world and will need to find a replacement to continue their climb.

Current Sashi Roster:

• Casper “Cabbi” Jensen
• Rasmus “Zyphon” Nordfoss
• Mikkel “MistR” Thomsen
• Lukas “Beccie” Bauder Balcells
• Coach: Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen

As Lucky trades headshots for textbooks, fans and former teammates will surely wish him the best in his academic endeavors. Whether this is a permanent retirement or a temporary hiatus remains to be seen, but for now, the server will be one Dane quieter.