What’s next for NIP? The org has allowed Es3tag to look for opportunities elsewhere.

The Ninjas in Pyjamas have announced a change for their CS: GO roster. Patrick "es3tag" Hansen is now on the bench and on his way out of the org. NIP has allowed him to explore other options. 

The legendary organization’s results over the past few months are nothing to write about. The team finished 17-20 at ESL Pro League 16 and came up last at IEM Rio major losing 0-3 in the Legends Stage. They failed to win a single map in the entire Major, losing matches to Fnatic, Outsiders, and Sprout as well.

However, they did win some lower tier tournaments including the Global Esports Tour in Dubai and the Svenska Cupen 2022. But with the lack of any real opposition, the team’s victories don’t really evoke celebrations. 

In preparation of the next year we’ve been evaluating the team composition overall, and have moved Patrick ‘es3tag’ Hansen to the bench, and are allowing him to explore new opportunities ahead of the 2023 season.


Patrick has been a fantastic team mate, colleague, and player to have at NIP. We have nothing but good things to say about him, and we are sure he will find success where ever he goes next.

NIP announcement on ES3tag's benching

The move leaves NiP will four players on its roster and we can expect some news very soon. With the conclusion of the BLAST Premier World Finals, the CS: GO esports scene is now moving towards a break. The next tournament in CS: GO calendar year is IEM Katowice Play-In stage that  kicks off on January 31. 

What is NIP’s CS: GO roster after the Es3tag benching?

  • Aleksi "⁠Aleksib⁠" Virolainen
  • Fredrik "⁠REZ⁠" Sterner
  • Hampus "⁠hampus⁠" Poser
  • Ludvig "⁠Brollan⁠" Brolin
  • Daniel "⁠djL⁠" Narancic (coach)
  • Patrick "⁠es3tag⁠" Hansen (benched)