NiP reached EPL’s top-4. The thing is they didn’t even train with their sniper!

As ESL Pro League Season 15 approaches its conclusion, an intriguing narrative emerges from the competitive landscape. For consecutive seasons, Eastern European squads have failed to secure playoff victories, yet Ninjas in Pyjamas defied expectations by advancing to the semifinal stage. What makes this achievement particularly remarkable involves their unconventional preparation approach leading into critical matches.

On March 24th, the organization finalized acquisition of Ludvig “Brollan” Brolin from Fnatic in a landmark transaction valued at approximately €600,000 according to HLTV reporting. Tournament regulations prevented Brollan from participating in Pro League playoffs, necessitating continued deployment of Love “phzy” Smidebrant as the team’s primary AWPer. This created a unique dynamic where NiP conducted preparatory sessions for the RMR event with their newly signed player while simultaneously preparing for quarterfinals with their temporary sniper.

Our training focus has centered on integrating Brollan for upcoming RMR competitions. However, we’re allocating several days before quarterfinal matches to re-establish coordination with phzy and refine our previous strategic frameworks. The adaptation process presents both challenges and opportunities for tactical innovation.

Limited practice coordination likely contributed to NiP’s intensely competitive series against Team Liquid, concluding with narrow map victories (16:14, 14:16, 16:12). Despite these constraints, phzy demonstrated exceptional composure, achieving a 1.13 rating performance metric. While Smidebrant will return to Academy duties, he emphasizes how this professional experience significantly enhanced his competitive confidence and strategic understanding.

I’ve already participated in several matches with Young Ninjas during the transition between group stage and playoffs. Competing with the primary roster provides invaluable confidence development and helps solidify individual player identity. Returning to Academy competition will further contribute to my professional development trajectory.

Naturally, I maintain strong motivation to compete at elite levels again. I consistently dedicate maximum effort toward achieving competitive objectives.

Dev1ce is listed as a substitute for NiP at the European RMR

Brollan came to NiP because he didn’t want to play in international roster

Fnatic veteran Freddy “KRIMZ” Johansson provided commentary regarding Brollan’s transition and roster modifications preceding EPL competitions. Previously, Fnatic’s leadership had indicated similar reasoning: Ludvig expressed reservations about participating in internationally composed team lineups.

While the transfer creates emotional disappointment, the decision remains completely comprehensible. I believe he experienced discomfort with Fnatic’s strategic direction toward international roster construction.

<…>

The most challenging aspect involves uncertainty while anticipating roster stability. I empathize with ALEX and keita, who manage strategic coordination responsibilities. Integrating new personnel presents difficulties when unexpected circumstances arise, requiring emergency stand-in arrangements. Certain tactical systems become unavailable, necessitating role redistribution within the team structure. These adjustments create operational complexities, though competitive drive remains undiminished. Naturally, uncertainty creates professional discomfort during preparation phases.

Boombl4’s wife supported Russia with a photo. May it cause problems for NAVI’s captain?
“I’m with you”.

Before joining Ninjas in Pyjamas, Brollan collaborated with Hampus “hampus” Poser, creating natural excitement for NiP’s captain about reuniting with a skilled AWPer possessing established familiarity.

I’ve previously competed alongside him – he demonstrates exceptionally aggressive playstyle characteristics. He proactively assumes leadership responsibilities, confidently making strategic calls regardless of potential outcomes. This dynamic creates additional operational space, reducing my need for constant in-game leadership. Exceptional Swedish talent! Building championship-caliber Swedish teams requires acquiring premier Swedish players.

For Plopski, this roster addition represents professional aspiration fulfillment.

Competing alongside him approaches dream realization territory. I’ve desired partnership with Brollan since his departure from RedReserve.

Ninjas in Pyjamas will compete in EU RMR B group against Gambit, G2 Esports, Entropiq, and additional competitive organizations. The tournament commences April 21st. Will Brollan’s integration propel his new team toward qualification for the Antwerp Major championship?

Gambit and Virtus.pro are banned from RMR and Antwerp Major. Rosters can compete under neutral tags

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides » NiP reached EPL’s top-4. The thing is they didn’t even train with their sniper! How NiP reached ESL Pro League semifinals with substitute AWPer and strategic roster changes