Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) is one of the most renowned and historically significant esports organizations in the history of Counter-Strike. Based in Sweden, NiP has shaped the competitive esports scene with its rich legacy, player rosters, and unparalleled achievements. Over the years, the team has earned a place among the legends of Counter-Strike with its unmatched determination, record-breaking performances, and an established position in the competitive gaming world.

History and Founding – Ninjas in Pyjamas

Ninjas in Pyjamas was founded in 2000, during the emerging days of professional esports competition. The team brought together some of Scandinavia’s most skilled Counter-Strike players, quickly establishing itself as a dominant force in the competitive scene. The name “Ninjas in Pyjamas” became synonymous with success and set the foundation for what would become one of the most celebrated teams in Counter-Strike history.

Early Success (2000-2007)

The original NiP roster boasted a lineup of legendary players such as Emil “HeatoN” Christensen, Tommy “Potti” Ingemarsson, XeqtR, Hyb, and Medion. These players were pioneers in the emerging esports industry and quickly established NiP’s dominance in the early Counter-Strike tournaments. Among their notable victories were:

• CPL Europe London 2001: An event that marked NiP as one of the best teams on the planet.
• CPL Europe Berlin 2001: Another victory underscoring their supremacy in the early Counter-Strike competitive scene.
• CPL Winter 2001: A crowning achievement that solidified NiP’s position as the world’s best Counter-Strike team in 2001.

The team experienced several roster changes following the departure of XeqtR and others, but they retained their competitive edge. However, as professional esports grew increasingly competitive, NiP experienced organizational challenges, leading to its disbandment in 2007. This hiatus would last several years until the organization’s revival.

Revival and Transition to CS:GO (2012 – Present)

NiP marked its comeback in 2012 with a team built specifically for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). The revival represented a new era for the organization, spearheaded by iconic players such as Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund, Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg, Adam “friberg” Friberg, Richard “Xizt” Landström, and Robin “Fifflaren” Johansson. This roster is still regarded as one of the most legendary line-ups in CS:GO history.

Upon returning to competitive play, NiP quickly made history by achieving an unprecedented 87 consecutive map wins at LAN tournaments. This streak remains one of the greatest feats in CS:GO history and helped establish NiP as the definitive team of the early CS:GO era.

Notable tournament victories – Ninjas in Pyjamas

🏆 StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 ($130,000)

🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XII – Oakland ($129,000)

🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XI – Oakland ($128,000)

🏆 Global Esports Tour Dubai 2022 ($100,000)

🏆 DreamHack Masters Malmö 2016 ($100,000)

🏆 ESL One: Cologne 2014 ($100,000)

🏆 DreamHack Open Valencia 2017 ($50,000)

🏆 CPL Winter 2001 ($50,000)

🏆 Europe Minor Championship – London 2018 ($30,000)

🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XVI – Fall: Europe ($27,500)

Noteworthy results at Counter-Strike Major

🥉DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015

🥈 ESL One Katowice 2015

🥈 DreamHack Winter 2014

🥇 ESL One Cologne 2014

🥈 EMS One Katowice 2014

🥈 DreamHack Winter 2013

Winning the ESL One Major in Cologne

In 2014, NiP etched their name into Counter-Strike’s history by winning the ESL One: Cologne CS:GO Major Championship. The team comprised GeT_RiGhT, f0rest, Xizt, Fifflaren, and friberg. Their victory in Cologne was especially sweet after finishing as runners-up in multiple prior majors. This championship solidified their legacy as one of the greatest teams ever to play Counter-Strike.

Noteworthy Performances in Other Tournaments

NiP continued to make their mark in other prestigious tournaments beyond the majors. Their participation in elite competitions brought fans some unforgettable moments:

• IEM Katowice 2013: NiP finished in 2nd place, losing the grand final to Virtus.pro in a closely fought match.
• DreamHack Winter 2013: Another Major where NiP finished as runners-up, narrowly losing to Fnatic in the finals.
• IEM Oakland 2016: NiP captured the championship in a thrilling performance against SK Gaming.

These tournaments further showcased the talent and adaptability of NiP across multiple years and gaming eras.

Key Roster Changes – Then vs. Now

Golden Era Roster

The golden roster of NiP, active during the early CS:GO years, featured:

• Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund
• Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg
• Robin “Fifflaren” Johansson
• Adam “friberg” Friberg
• Richard “Xizt” Landström

This lineup remains a benchmark for success in Counter-Strike history. Their achievements, especially the 87-map win streak, made them legendary within the esports community.

Current roster

Following the departures of iconic players like GeT_RiGhT and f0rest, NiP’s new rosters featured the emergence of younger players. Their current lineup looks like this:

Trivia and Legacy

Here are some interesting facts and legacy-based tidbits about Ninjas in Pyjamas:

• GeT_RiGhT and f0rest Partnership: One of the most famous duos in esports history, they shared incredible synergy throughout their time together on NiP.
• 87-Win Streak: The longest-ever map win streak at LAN tournaments in CS:GO history remains unmatched.
• Global Influence: NiP has amassed fans worldwide, making them one of the most followed and celebrated esports teams.

FAQ – Ninjas in Pyjamas

Who founded Ninjas in Pyjamas?

Ninjas in Pyjamas was founded in 2000 by a group of Swedish players who wanted to formally compete in Counter-Strike at the professional level.

What is the 87-win streak of Ninjas in Pyjamas?

The 87-win streak refers to NiP’s record-breaking run, where they won 87 consecutive maps at LAN tournaments during the early CS:GO era.

Has NiP won a CS:GO Major Championship?

Yes, NiP won the ESL One: Cologne 2014 CS:GO Major Championship, defeating Fnatic in the grand final.

Who are the most iconic players in NiP history?

Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund, Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg, and Robin “Fifflaren” Johansson are some of the most iconic players from NiP’s golden era.

What was the original roster of Ninjas in Pyjamas?

The original roster included HeatoN, Potti, XeqtR, Hyb, and Medion, who competed during Counter-Strike’s early days.

What are NiP’s most memorable tournaments?

Some of NiP’s most memorable tournament appearances include ESL One Cologne 2014, IEM Katowice 2013, and their victory at IEM Oakland 2016.

What is NiP’s role in esports history?

Ninjas in Pyjamas is one of the pioneers of professional Counter-Strike. Their contributions helped shape esports into the global phenomenon it is today.

What does NiP stand for?

NiP stands for Ninjas in Pyjamas, which is the team’s official name in esports.

Where is Ninjas in Pyjamas based?

NiP is based in Sweden, although their player rosters and fanbase are now international.

Does Ninjas in Pyjamas still compete?

Yes, Ninjas in Pyjamas continues to compete actively in Counter-Strike 2 tournaments around the world.