In a bold and somewhat unexpected move, Ninjas in Pyjamas have named Gareth "MisteM" Ries as their new IGL. This decision comes at a time when the team desperately needs a change in direction, having struggled to find consistency under the leadership of Alejandro "alex" Masanet. While NIP showed promise early on, their gameplay quickly became predictable and dependent on individual performances from Fredrik "REZ" Sterner and Artem "r1nkle" Moroz. With a limited map pool and inconsistent results on LAN, the team faced a series of failures that ultimately led to the recent shift in leadership.
This article will dive into MisteM's career, his potential to turn things around for NIP, and what this change could mean for the team's future.
A Frustrating Run Under alex
NIP’s form under alex has been far from inspiring. The team’s approach, particularly on the T side, became simplistic and often relied on key individuals to deliver in critical moments. REZ and r1nkle were frequently tasked with securing multikills or opening frags to keep NIP in the game. When they faltered, the team’s strategy crumbled. The map pool wasn’t much better—Ancient was the only map where NIP displayed any kind of consistency, while the rest of their maps were shaky and unpredictable.
NIP's lack of success was glaringly evident in their recent LAN performances, which included failing to qualify for PGL Major Copenhagen 2024. The silver lining came with a second-place finish at YaLLa Compass 2024, but this was a far cry from what the organization and fans expected. With the current roster showing signs of stagnation, it became clear that a change in leadership was needed.
Enter MisteM: The New IGL for NIP
At 22 years old, MisteM has already made his mark on the Counter-Strike scene, albeit in a somewhat quieter fashion. His journey began in the South African circuit, where he gained recognition for his performances with local teams. He initially rose through the ranks with Sinister5, followed by stints with other regional squads. His breakout moment came with Energy, where he competed at the PGL Grand Slam 2018 in Abu Dhabi. Although his team fell to 5POWER and the eventual champions fnatic, it was an important moment for MisteM.
He then moved on to ATK, a well-known South African organization, where he teamed up with players like Tyson "TenZ" Ngo, who later became a star in VALORANT, and current M80 members Ethan "reck" Serrano and Michael "Swisher" Schmid. During his time with ATK, MisteM participated in events like Fragadelphia and the American RMR for IEM Rio 2022, where the team finished 9th-11th. They also competed in ESL Pro League Season 17, though they finished in last place.
After ATK disbanded their roster, MisteM found himself with Limitless, where he spent a brief stint playing in ESEA Advanced. Then, in January 2024, MisteM joined Young Ninjas, NIP’s academy team. His time with Young Ninjas saw him compete in the playoffs of RES European Series 1, several CCT events, and a victory at Prodigy Series 1. Despite these modest achievements, his performance remained steady if not spectacular, amassing $51,064 in prize winnings throughout his career. One advantage MisteM brings to the main roster is his familiarity with Max "maxster" Jansson and REZ, which could help him integrate more quickly into the team.
MisteM's Leadership Qualities: A Steady Hand?
Statistically, MisteM is not a standout fragger. His rating over the past six months is 5.8, with a kill per round (KPR) of 0.63 and average damage per round (ADR) of 71. These numbers suggest that while he may not light up the scoreboard, he brings stability and tactical awareness to his teams. Throughout his career, MisteM has consistently helped his teams make incremental progress. His time with ATK, in particular, saw the team reach new heights within the North American scene.
The decision by NIP to promote him to the main roster is seen as a temporary measure, but it’s clear that the organization values his leadership and composure. The pressure will now be on him to prove he can handle the increased responsibility at a higher level of competition.
A Temporary Fix or Long-Term Solution?
The question remains: Is MisteM the solution to NIP’s problems, or is this just a temporary fix to stabilize the team while they search for a more experienced leader? Given the current state of NIP, it’s likely that the organization is considering other, more seasoned IGLs for the long term. MisteM’s role will depend heavily on how well the team performs in the coming months. Should NIP exceed expectations and secure significant results, such as qualifying for the next Major, MisteM’s position could become more permanent. However, given the team’s recent track record, a major breakthrough is not something that many are anticipating.
The Road Ahead for NIP
For now, NIP has only a few key events on their immediate calendar. The first is Svenska Cupen 2024, a local Swedish LAN tournament with a modest $48,170 prize pool. While this event won’t offer the same level of competition as international tournaments, it will be a valuable opportunity for NIP to test their new setup under MisteM's leadership. Their opponents will include EYEBALLERS, Johnny Speeds, and Metizport.
The real test will come at the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 European RMRs, where NIP will compete for a spot in the Major. Failing to qualify for this prestigious event would be a significant blow to the organization. Aside from these, NIP will likely accept any available invites to smaller events, including CCT tournaments, in an effort to grind out results and find their form. Expect to see them also aiming for ESL Challenger Katowice 2024, which boasts a $100,000 prize pool.
Conclusion: Can MisteM Lead NIP to Success?
In the short term, promoting MisteM to IGL could bring some much-needed calm to a NIP squad in turmoil. His experience with the academy team and his familiarity with some of the main roster players will help smooth the transition. However, this is not a move that solves all of NIP’s problems. The team’s tactical depth, map pool, and overall consistency still leave much to be desired.
While MisteM’s leadership may stabilize the ship, NIP’s future will depend on whether they can achieve tangible results in the coming months. If the team fails to secure meaningful victories, it’s likely that the organization will continue their search for a more experienced captain. But if MisteM can guide them to the Major and beyond, he may just cement his place as NIP’s long-term IGL.
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