Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) has moved Michel ‘Ewjerkz‘ Pinto from its Counter-Strike 2 beginning roster to the bench.
The transfer follows the Swedish esports organisation competing on the StarLadder Budapest Main 2025, the place it did not advance from Stage 2 of the season-ending event.
Introduced on December 11th, 2025, the transfer brings an finish to Ewjerkz’s 11-month stint on the beginning line-up. The participant joined from SAW in early January alongside Rafael ‘arrozdoce‘ Wing for the 2025 season.
The roster struggled to search out consistency all year long, failing to qualify for a number of Tier 1 occasions. Ultimately, Ninjas in Pyjamas made 5 Tier 1 appearances, together with a top-eight end at PGL Astana 2025 and a top-12 placement at IEM Cologne 2025.
“This was not a simple name, and we need to thank Michel for the trouble and professionalism he has proven all through his time with us. We recognize every thing he has accomplished,” mentioned the organisation on social media.
Ninjas in Pyjamas is without doubt one of the first organisations to make modifications to its Counter-Strike roster in preparation for the 2026 season. Brazilian organisation paiN Gaming has additionally began rebuilding its group, benching David ‘dav1deuS’ Tapia and Franco ‘dgt’ Garcia after exiting the Main in Stage 3.
What Subsequent For Ninjas in Pyjamas?
Presently ranked twenty ninth within the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), Ninjas in Pyjamas begins the method of discovering a brand new participant to interchange Ewjerkz, who’s looking for a brand new organisation to characterize.
The organisation is but to disclose whether or not Kacper ‘xKacpersky‘ Gabara will stay with the roster, after becoming a member of on mortgage from ENCE in July.
After scoring a second-place end at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, the Ninjas have proven glimmers of potential in opposition to a few of Counter-Strike’s established names. With new expertise within the beginning line-up, will probably be fascinating to see if the organisation can construct on what’s been an incosistant season.
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