Artem “r1nkle” Moroz is a professional Counter-Strike 2 player from Ukraine who has firmly established himself as a premier AWPer within the competitive tier-one scene. Known for his flashy, high-impact aiming and aggressive tactical gameplay, r1nkle has steadily climbed the ranks since his debut in 2020. After making a name for himself during a nearly three-year tenure with B8, his move to Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) in 2024 served as his major breakthrough. By 2025, r1nkle had become NIP’s star player and highest-rated performer, signing a multi-year contract extension and helping the team secure spots at prestigious events like the StarLadder Budapest Major.
Personal Information
- Real Name: Artem Moroz
- Birthdate: October 27, 2004 (Age 21)
- Nationality: Ukrainian
- Role: AWPer
- Current Team: Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP)
Team History
Early Career and Marlian (2020 – 2021) r1nkle’s professional journey started with Marlian (and later ex-Marlian), where he played in two separate stints between late 2020 and mid-2021. This period was instrumental in developing his mechanical skills and gaining foundational experience in the competitive CIS and European environments.
Nearly Three Years with B8 (August 2021 – April 2024) In August 2021, r1nkle joined B8, where he spent a significant portion of his early career. Across nearly 1,000 days with the organization, he established himself as a highly skilled and promising AWPer. He consistently stood out during European RMR qualifiers and CCT events, ultimately attracting the attention of top-tier organizations looking for a franchise sniper.
Ninjas in Pyjamas (April 2024 – Present) On April 2, 2024, r1nkle made a massive career leap by signing with Ninjas in Pyjamas. While the team initially struggled to find consistency during a rebuilding phase, r1nkle quickly showed his worth with standout LAN performances. By 2025, NIP underwent further roster adjustments, and r1nkle emerged as the definitive star of the squad, maintaining an elite average rating. Recognizing his immense value, NIP secured r1nkle on a long-term contract extension through 2028, locking him in as the centerpiece of their future.
Notable Achievements and Results
While r1nkle is still chasing his first monumental S-Tier championship, he has secured several impressive podium finishes against elite international competition:
- 1st Place – Roman Imperium Cup VI (March 2026): Secured a hard-fought trophy with NIP.
- 2nd Place – StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025: A crucial runner-up finish that helped NIP secure vital VRS points for the Budapest Major.
- 2nd Place – YaLLa Compass 2024: Finished as the runner-up in a high-stakes grand final against The MongolZ.
- Major Appearances: Competed at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, IEM Cologne 2025, and IEM Kraków 2026.
Awards and Recognition
r1nkle was widely celebrated as NIP’s most impactful and highest-rated player throughout the 2025 season. Analysts and commentators frequently highlight his ability to find high-impact opening kills and his vocal presence within the server. While he has not yet collected a formal HLTV MVP medal, he is consistently recognized as one of the best young Ukrainian AWPers in the world.
Trivia
- r1nkle has been active in the professional CS scene since he was 15 years old.
- His preferred gaming gear currently includes a Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT 2 mouse and a ZOWIE XL2566K (360Hz) monitor.
- He originally played Counter-Strike: Global Offensive professionally before transitioning smoothly to CS2.
FAQ – r1nkle
What teams has r1nkle played for? He has played for 5balls, Marlian, ex-Marlian, B8, and currently plays for Ninjas in Pyjamas.
What is r1nkle’s most notable achievement? His most notable achievements include deep tournament runs with NIP, such as a 2nd place finish at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 and a 2nd place finish at YaLLa Compass 2024.
When did r1nkle join Ninjas in Pyjamas? He originally joined on April 2, 2024, and later signed a contract extension keeping him with the organization until 2028.
Has r1nkle won any major tournaments? While he routinely competes in tier-one events like IEM Cologne, IEM Kraków, and the Majors, he is still seeking his first S-Tier international trophy.
What type of player is r1nkle? He is a primary AWPer known for high mechanical skill, aggressive peeks, and serving as the primary firepower engine for NIP alongside players like sjuush.
Where can I follow r1nkle’s career? His match history, stats, and achievements are frequently updated on HLTV, Liquipedia, and Esports Charts. He also occasionally streams on Twitch.
