After a six-year absence from the server, the North American organization returns to competitive play this Friday in Portugal, led by a trio of Counter-Strike legends.
For the first time since 2020, 100 Thieves will field a Counter-Strike team in a LAN environment. The highly anticipated return takes place this Friday at the Roman Imperium Cup V in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, where the unranked squad faces a baptism by fire against world #22 Ninjas in Pyjamas.
The match, scheduled for 16:00 CET, marks the beginning of a new era for the organization, which last competed with an Oceanic lineup featuring Justin “jks” Savage and Joakim “jkaem” Myrbostad. This time, however, 100 Thieves has assembled a roster that blends young talent with some of the most decorated names in the game’s history.
A Legendary Core and a New Role for gla1ve
The headline story of this roster is undoubtedly the reunion of veteran firepower and tactical genius. Håvard “rain” Nygaard and Nicolai “device” Reedtz, two players synonymous with major trophies and MVP awards, will anchor the server.
Perhaps the most intriguing narrative, however, sits behind the players. Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander, widely considered the greatest In-Game Leader (IGL) of all time during his tenure with Astralis, will make his professional debut as a coach. His transition from captaining the server to managing it from behind the players adds a layer of tactical anticipation to Friday’s matchup.
Rounding out the starting five are Ag1l, poiii, and sirah, a trio of younger talents looking to prove themselves alongside their legendary teammates.
The Challenge: Ninjas in Pyjamas
The debut will not be an easy exhibition. 100 Thieves has been placed in a difficult Group D, opening against a Ninjas in Pyjamas squad that has maintained a solid foothold in the top 30.
Group D Matchup
- Match: 100 Thieves vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Time: Friday, Feb 20 at 16:00 CET
- Location: SAW Esports Arena, Portugal
- Stakes: Upper Bracket advancement & critical VRS Points
For 100 Thieves, this tournament is about more than just shaking off the rust; it is a hunt for Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points. Currently unranked due to their new status, a win against a #22 ranked opponent like NIP would provide a massive boost to their standing, which is essential for receiving invites to future major qualifiers.
