- HUNDEN is currently serving a two-year ban from coaching
- However, rumors say he is still working with Astralis
- The organization dispelled any of these rumors, saying HUNDEN is simply working as a contractor for Aim Labs
Recent reports suggest that the Danish inactive coach HUNDEN, currently developing Aim Lab products for Astralis, might be hired by the esports organization after his ban expires.
Rumors Suggested HUNDEN Illegally Coaches Players
Often, the world of esports has a short supply of professionals – be they top players, good coaches, or both. This problem is not alleviated when they get banned for this or that reason. Despite this, professionals are still in high demand and they often find new employment after their bans are lifted.
This might also be the case with currently inactive Danish coach and former pro player Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen, as Astralis might be offering him an analyst position soon. The 31-year-old coach is currently serving a two-year coaching ban for leaking confidential tactics. However, according to Dexerto’s sources, Astralis has continued working relationships with the Danish coach despite the ban.
Additional rumors were saying HUNDEN has already been working with the organization and its players in what is “believed to be a coaching or analytical capacity.” However, such work would be prohibited by the conditions of HUNDEN’s two-year coaching ban from ESIC.
HUNDEN Is Just Developing Products for Astralis
Another of Dexerto’s sources linked HUNDEN’s alleged work with Aim Labs. He was creating tutorials and video lessons for the organization in partnership with Aim Lab. Astralis later confirmed this to be the case, however, it explained that he was working just as a temporary contractor, and denied HUNDEN is currently performing any coaching or analytical duties.
Despite not being in an active coaching position, Astralis confirmed HUNDEN had been working with players, but only because it’s part of his job with Aim Lab. The product he is developing is aimed at the players, so it necessitates communication with them. With the project finalizing at the end of the month, so too will HUNDEN’s contract. However, Astralis is still leaving the door open for him to re-join the organization in a more direct, competitive capacity after his ban expires in August 2023.
“We would like to comment in general, though, that once Mr. Petersen’s ban has expired, should we have the need, we would not have any second thoughts about offering him a position as an analyst or the like,” Astralis told Dexerto. “Nor should any other esports organization. He should not be treated any different than any other coach or player who has received a temporary ban. Not during the ban and not after the ban has expired.”
