Fredrik “REZ” Sterner, a mainstay of Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) since 2017, has officially joined GamerLegion. This move marks a significant change for the Swedish rifler, who has spent his entire professional career with NIP until now. For GamerLegion, the signing represents a step forward in their efforts to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
REZ’s legacy with Ninjas in Pyjamas
REZ’s history with Ninjas in Pyjamas is notable for his longevity and adaptability. Over the course of seven years, he played alongside iconic figures such as Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg and Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund. His contributions were integral to NIP’s success at IEM Oakland 2017, where the team won the championship and he earned the MVP title. However, his last major victory came in 2021 at IEM Fall 2021 Europe, highlighting the challenges the team faced in maintaining consistent success.
As NIP transitioned from a Swedish team to an international lineup, REZ remained a constant presence through multiple roster changes. Despite his efforts, the team struggled to replicate its former dominance, leading to the player’s decision to seek new opportunities. GamerLegion’s offer provides a chance for REZ to reinvigorate his career while contributing his experience to a team focused on developing a competitive edge.
GamerLegion’s strategy for the upcoming season
GamerLegion has recently undergone significant changes, aiming to strike a balance between seasoned players and emerging talent. The departures of Timur “FL4MUS” Marev and the benching of Sebastian “volt” Maloș opened the door for new signings. The addition of REZ, alongside Czech player Oldřich “PR” Nový, reflects the team’s strategy to blend experience with potential.
REZ’s arrival reunites him with Erik “ztr” Gustafsson, a fellow Swede who briefly played for Ninjas in Pyjamas in 2021. This familiarity may prove advantageous as GamerLegion looks to build cohesion within their roster. According to GamerLegion coach Ashley “ash” Battye, REZ’s inclusion is expected to provide the stability and structure he lacked in recent years. Battye expressed confidence in REZ’s ability to thrive in a new environment, calling him a “highly undervalued player.”
GamerLegion’s upcoming challenges
GamerLegion’s revamped lineup will soon be put to the test. The team is set to compete in the online phase of BLAST Bounty Season 1 from January 14-18, with an opportunity to advance to the LAN finals. They have also secured an invitation to IEM Katowice’s Stage 1, taking place from January 29-31, where they will face top-tier opponents in a critical early-season competition.
The current GamerLegion roster consists of Erik “ztr” Gustafsson, Sebastian “Tauson” Tauson Lindelof, Henrich “sl3nd” Hevesi, Oldřich “PR” Nový, and Fredrik “REZ” Sterner, with Ashley “ash” Battye serving as coach. Sebastian “volt” Maloș remains on the bench as the team continues to finalize its plans for the 2025 season.
REZ’s transition to GamerLegion signals a shift in both his career and the team’s ambitions. By combining his extensive experience with the energy of younger players, GamerLegion aims to establish itself as a competitive force in the evolving CS2 landscape. Upcoming tournaments will provide an early indication of how well this new lineup can perform under pressure.