dev1ce may never return to NiP after spending $1 million on him

TL;DR

  • NiP invested approximately $1 million in dev1ce’s contract with uncertain returns
  • Team captain hampus confirms current lineup stability but acknowledges past instability
  • dev1ce’s mental health break began January 2022 with no confirmed return date
  • Mental health breaks becoming increasingly common across esports industry
  • Rio Major participation expected without dev1ce as break extends to eight months

Ninjas in Pyjamas made waves across the esports community when they committed an estimated seven-figure sum to secure Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz, but this substantial investment now faces significant uncertainty. The organization’s bold move to acquire one of Counter-Strike’s most legendary AWPers represented a major strategic play that now hangs in the balance.

Recent developments from Swedish media outlet Expressen featured an exclusive discussion with NiP’s in-game leader Hampus “hampus” Poser, who provided crucial insights into the team’s current dynamics. During the conversation, hampus detailed their preparation approach for the upcoming BLAST Premier: Fall Groups 2022 tournament, revealing tactical adjustments while addressing the ongoing absence of their star player dev1ce from competitive matches.

NiP’s captain initially addressed dev1ce’s prolonged absence, a situation that has concerned the fanbase throughout 2022. When questioned about roster composition for the Rio Major commencing October 31st, hampus indicated the existing lineup would likely compete once more without dev1ce’s participation.


“We struggled with consistent roster decisions when dev1ce stepped away unexpectedly, creating substantial instability within our competitive structure. Currently, we’re operating with a settled squad where all members are present and content…This represents our established team configuration,” hampus explained, based on digital translation of the interview.

Drawing from previous communications by dev1ce, he appears to remain on an extended mental health hiatus. Ninjas in Pyjamas officially announced his leave of absence on January 20, 2022. dev1ce reacted to the announcement by confirming his eventual intention to rejoin NiP, yet nearly eight months have elapsed without additional updates.


Numerous prominent figures throughout the esports and streaming landscape have pursued mental health breaks, including content creators like Turner “Tfue” Tenney and Tyler “Ninja” Blevins. Several competitors from the Astralis organization previously took extended mental health pauses, influencing their innovative six-player roster system. While supporters eagerly anticipate the return of NiP’s elite AWPer, his comeback timeline remains entirely speculative.

The extended absence raises critical questions about roster management strategies in professional esports. Organizations must balance player welfare with competitive performance, creating complex decision-making scenarios. The situation highlights how mental health considerations are reshaping team composition approaches across the industry.

For teams navigating similar circumstances, establishing clear communication protocols and contingency plans becomes essential. The evolution of player support systems reflects the maturing nature of esports as a professional discipline.

Action Checklist

  • Track official team announcements for roster updates
  • Monitor tournament registrations for lineup changes
  • Analyze team performance metrics during transition periods
  • Review player social media for potential return indicators

No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » dev1ce may never return to NiP after spending $1 million on him Analyzing dev1ce's extended mental health break and its impact on NiP's competitive future