The Swedish esports organization Ninjas in Pyjamas are seeking replacements for Yaroslav “Jady” Nikolaev, according to sources close to Upcomer.
The team, led by the legendary in-game leader Kévin “Ex6TenZ” Droolans, have recently been practicing without Jady. However, a replacement has likely been settled.
As the youngest player on the roster, Jady has been one of NiP’s brightest stars, especially on agents such as Sage and Sova. When the organization signed Jady in December of 2021, he became the latest addition to the core NiP roster. This followed the dual release of Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel and Niels “luckeRRR” Jasiek.
An inconsistent form
Ninjas in Pyjamas failed to qualify for the VALORANT Champions Tour Europe Stage 2: EMEA Challengers Playoffs in April of 2021. Qualification to this tournament would have provided the side with a shot at playing against international competition at VCT Stage 2: Masters in Reykjavik, Iceland. Masters Reykjavik will begin on May 24.
Ninjas in Pyjamas were defeated by Team BDS in the quarterfinals of Challengers 2. Then, the French side was defeated by runners-up Team Liquid.
However, the organization had had a bright showing at VCT 2021: Europe Stage 1 Challengers 2 in February. NiP, alongside Alliance, FunPlus Phoenix and Team Heretics, earned a spot at Stage 1 Masters in March. But, the European team finished in the top six after suffering defeats to Acend and Heretics in Group A.
NiP is not the only team to make changes, however. With Team Liquid and Fnatic as the two European sides that will face off against international competition within the next month, organizations have taken the opportunity to make replacements.
On May 4, it was announced that Alliance are set to replace 21-year-old Thomas “kAdavra” Johner to prompt a move elsewhere. Meanwhile, journalist “neL” reported that G2, Acend and Heretics are set to make changes in April.
Ninjas in Pyjamas declined comment.
Published: May 5, 2021 01:07 pm