REZ Joins GamerLegion After 7-Year Tenure with NIP

Fredrik “REZ” Sterner, a veteran of Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP), has joined GamerLegion, ending his nearly eight-year tenure with NIP.

End of an Era for NIP and REZ

REZ’s departure marks a significant shift in NIP’s roster-building strategy. Since 2017, he was the constant presence in the team, surpassing Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg as the organization’s longest-serving member. During his time with NIP, REZ played alongside legendary players such as f0rest, Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund, and Richard “Xizt” Landström. He also formed a strong AWP-rifle duo with Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz in 2021 and partnered with international players like Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen and Kristian “k0nfig” Wienecke.

Despite his hard work, NIP struggled to find the right mix of players, often leaving REZ to cover multiple roles, including taking over the AWP for a brief period. This lack of support and constant role clashes prevented REZ from reaching his full potential since his promising start in 2017.

REZ’s New Chapter with GamerLegion

REZ now joins GamerLegion, a team known for hosting Swedish talents, including his former teammate Erik “ztr” Gustafsson. Under the guidance of Ashley “ashhh” Battye, GamerLegion aims to rejuvenate REZ’s career, similar to how they helped Frederik “acoR” Gyldstrand in the past. REZ replaces Sebastian “Volt” Maloș and brings a higher firepower ceiling to the roster.

GamerLegion has recently refreshed their lineup, adding MOUZ Academy’s Oldřich “PR” Nový. With REZ on board, the team hopes to start strong in the new season, aiming for a high VRS ranking for the major. If set up correctly, REZ has the potential to perform at a level similar to f0rest in his prime, and ashhh and ztr are seen as key figures in unlocking his full potential.

GamerLegion’s Roster and Upcoming Debut

GamerLegion will debut their new roster at BLAST Bounty Season 1. The current roster includes:

• r1nkle
• isak
• MisteM
• Xizt (coach)

With REZ joining, the team is poised to make a strong start to the season.

Additional Insights

REZ’s move to GamerLegion is a strategic one, both for the player and the team. After nearly eight years with NIP, REZ is looking to reinvent himself in a new environment. GamerLegion, with its track record of elevating talented players, provides the perfect platform for REZ to rediscover his form.

The team’s approach under ashhh has been successful, as seen with the integration of Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek and the current captain, ztr. The addition of PR from MOUZ Academy further strengthens the roster, bringing in fresh talent and potential.

For REZ, this move is not just about changing teams but about finding a setup where he can thrive. His statistics over the years, though slightly declining, still show promise. In 2022, his rating was 6.3, dropping to 6.0 in 2023 but slightly increasing in 2024. With the right support and role definition, REZ could return to his peak performance.

GamerLegion’s debut at BLAST Bounty Season 1 will be closely watched, as fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new roster performs. The combination of experienced players like REZ and younger talents like PR could be the key to GamerLegion’s success in the upcoming season.

As REZ embarks on this new chapter, he leaves behind a legacy at NIP that will be remembered for years to come. His dedication and hard work have earned him a special place in the hearts of fans, and his future endeavors will be followed with great interest.