TL;DR
- CR4ZY defeated NiP 16-10 in a major upset at StarLadder Berlin Major
- Rokas ‘EspiranTo’ Milasauskas delivered tournament-defining clutch play
- NiP faces elimination in best-of-three match with minor tournament qualification at stake
- Former player Fifflaren revealed controversial contract terms and player treatment issues
- Organization confirms GeT_RiGhT’s pending roster replacement after major tournament

In a stunning display of tactical execution, Serbian esports organization CR4ZY delivered a decisive blow to Counter-Strike legend Ninjas in Pyjamas during the StarLadder Berlin Major’s New Legends Stage. The victory marks one of the tournament’s most significant upsets, demonstrating how newer teams can challenge established powerhouses through disciplined gameplay.
The opening half showcased intense back-and-forth action, with NiP establishing early dominance through a 4-0 lead. However, CR4ZY’s response to this early deficit revealed their strategic maturity. The newcomers executed a perfectly timed force buy round, equipping four Desert Eagle pistols and one CZ75-Auto to secure their first round victory. This pivotal moment shifted the economic balance, allowing CR4ZY to mount aggressive A-site assaults that leveled the score at 5-5.
Round 11 saw NiP regain footing with a full buy opportunity, but neither team could establish clear supremacy. The halftime score of 8-7 in NiP’s favor belied the underlying momentum shifts that would define the match’s outcome.
CR4ZY emerged from halftime with renewed vigor, capturing the initial two rounds of the second half. Their systematic dismantling of NiP’s economy through calculated aggression created compounding advantages. A particularly impressive defensive stand at the A bombsite enabled CR4ZY to build a commanding 12-9 advantage, putting the Swedish veterans on the defensive.
Just as NiP appeared to be mounting a comeback that could force overtime, CR4ZY’s Rokas “EspiranTo” Milasauskas delivered what many analysts are calling the tournament’s most spectacular individual performance. Facing a 3v1 disadvantage with only a Desert Eagle against superior AK-47 and AWP firepower, EspiranTo executed a flawless clutch play that eliminated all three opponents and shattered NiP’s remaining momentum.
This extraordinary display at such a critical juncture electrified the CR4ZY squad, who capitalized on the psychological advantage to secure the remaining rounds and claim a decisive 16-10 victory.
NiP’s problems continue
The disappointing major performance underscores a period of significant organizational turbulence for the Swedish esports institution. Recent revelations from former professional player Robin “Fifflaren” Johansson have exposed concerning contractual practices within the organization. According to his detailed interview with esports journalist Richard Lewis, NiP implemented restrictive policies including requiring written permission for players to maintain romantic relationships.
Fifflaren further criticized the treatment of veteran player Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund, indicating the organization appears to be pressuring him toward retirement from competitive play. This treatment of a player who contributed significantly to NiP’s legacy raises questions about the team’s player management philosophy.
In their official response, NiP management stated: “We have decided that he will continue competing with us until after the StarLadder Berlin Major, as we start looking for a suitable long-term replacement to take his place on the active roster.” This confirmation of an impending roster change during a major tournament highlights the organization’s transitional state.
Ninjas in Pyjamas now face elimination in a decisive best-of-three match scheduled for tomorrow. A loss would force the legendary organization to compete in the next minor tournament to qualify for future majors, representing a significant setback for one of Counter-Strike’s most storied franchises.
The team’s current predicament reflects broader challenges in maintaining competitive relevance in the rapidly evolving esports landscape. For teams struggling with similar transitions, our Complete Guide offers valuable insights into organizational restructuring and player development strategies that can facilitate successful evolution.
Successful navigation of the minor tournament qualification process requires strategic roster planning and systematic gameplay development. Organizations facing similar challenges can benefit from studying Weapons Unlock methodologies to optimize resource allocation and performance improvement.
The coming weeks will prove critical for NiP’s future competitive trajectory. Their ability to address both immediate tournament survival and long-term roster stability will determine whether this legendary organization can reclaim its former glory in the global Counter-Strike arena. Understanding proper Class Guide principles can help teams maintain competitive structure during transitional periods.
Action Checklist
- Analyze economic management strategies from the CR4ZY match to identify improvement areas
- Review and revise player contract terms to ensure fair treatment and competitive retention
- Develop systematic roster transition plan that honors veteran contributions while integrating new talent
- Implement psychological resilience training to maintain composure during high-pressure clutch situations
- Create emergency qualification strategy for minor tournament participation if elimination occurs
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