Ninjas in Pyjamas Unveils New Look CS2 Roster

A New Era for NiP

Ninjas in Pyjamas, one of the most iconic esports organizations, has officially announced a significant overhaul of their Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) roster for 2025. This move marks a fresh start for the team, which has been struggling to regain its former glory in recent years.

Reasons for the Roster Changes

Since their triumphant win at IEM Oakland 2017, NiP has not secured a single S-level tournament victory. In 2024, the team missed both major tournaments and ended the season outside the top 30 in global rankings. These setbacks have prompted the organization to rebuild and revitalize their lineup.

The New Lineup

The new roster features a mix of experienced players and young talents. Here are the key additions:

Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer

Snappi, a 34-year-old Danish captain, will lead the new project. Known for his leadership skills, he previously guided ENCE to significant heights and spent the last year with the Falcons.

Rasmus “sjuush” Beck

sjuush joins NiP from Heroic, a team that was recently disbanded. His addition is seen as a strategic move, given NiP’s past rivalry with Heroic.

Michel “ewjerkz” Magalhães and Rafael “arrozdoce” Wing

This Portuguese duo, formerly of SAW, has made a name for themselves with an impressive run to the semifinals of IEM Cologne 2024. They bring a fresh dynamic and competitive edge to the team.

Artem “r1nkle” Moroz

The only player retained from the previous roster, r1nkle has been a standout performer for NiP. He will continue as the team’s main sniper and is expected to be a key player in the new lineup.

Coaching Staff

Richard “Xizt” Landström will continue as the coach, aiming to restore NiP to its former glory. He is joined by assistant coach Daniel “sprayxd” Kogan, who has gained recognition for his work with the Young Ninjas crew.

Upcoming Matches and Events

NiP will debut their new roster as the Wildcard team at the CCT EU Play-In #16, facing off against AMKAL on January 16, 2025. For this match, they will have a slightly different team composition, with JACKZ, known for his time at G2 and Vitality, joining the team temporarily.

Community Engagement

To build excitement and engage with fans, NiP is hosting an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on their Discord channel. The session, hosted by f0rest, will feature Snappi, Xizt, and THREAT, providing fans with an opportunity to get their questions answered live.

Merchandise and Branding

Along with the new roster announcement, NiP has also unveiled new merchandise, including a NIPxFILA Zipper Hoodie. This move is part of their broader strategy to revamp their brand and appeal to both old and new fans.

Historical Context

Founded in 2000, Ninjas in Pyjamas has a rich history in competitive Counter-Strike. The team returned to the scene in 2012 with a highly successful CS:GO roster, achieving a record-breaking 87-0 map win streak. Despite recent struggles, the organization remains committed to regaining its status as a top-tier team.

Future Outlook

With this new lineup, NiP is starting from scratch in terms of Valve ratings but is poised to make a significant impact in the CS2 scene. The combination of experienced leadership, young talent, and a strong coaching staff sets the stage for an exciting and competitive 2025 season.

As NiP gears up for their debut match, fans are eagerly anticipating the team’s performance and the potential for a resurgence in the competitive CS2 landscape. With a renewed focus and a fresh start, Ninjas in Pyjamas is ready to grind and reclaim their place among the top teams in esports.