ASTRA has announced his withdrawal from the CS2 project and will become a VALORANT player.

French female legend Merlene-Julie Champrio (ID: ASTRA) announced on Saturday that she will be switching from CS2 to VALORANT starting immediately.

The 25-year-old ASTRA plays as a captain and sniper. During her professional career, she has played for several CS teams, including Bifrost Blue, GODSENT Female, LIVS, NIP Impact, Let Her Cook, NAVI Javelins, Prototype Blaze, Zerance, and BIG EQUIPA. She also led BIG EQUIPA to the ESL Women's League Season 8 championship in November 2025, earning her the HLTV Female Player of the Year award.

Since BIG EQUIPA shelved its women's team project in April, ASTRA has been unemployed. Regarding her departure from the CS2 scene, she released a statement on the X platform explaining:

"With the recent decline of the women's CS scene and the lack of subsequent events, I found myself missing the feeling of training and competing. Therefore, I decided to switch to Valorant and focus my energy on a thriving scene."

"My goal remains the same as it was in CS2: to reach the top level, to perform at my best for myself and my teammates, and to create wonderful memories along the way. Making this decision wasn't easy, but I'm very happy now. I'm always passionate about the goals I've decided to pursue and I'm fully committed to them. This is the challenge I've been eager to take on."

"I am full of anticipation for this new chapter in my life and can't wait to embark on this new journey!"

ASTRA added, "It should be noted that I haven't been playing this game for very long, and I'm aware that I lack a lot of relevant knowledge and practical experience. However, much of the experience I've gained in CS tournaments can be applied to VALORANT."

"I am hardworking enough and determined to learn quickly by making the most of the available resources in a short period of time."

Image source: Internet/HLTV