G2 Edge Past Ninjas in Pyjamas to Secure ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 2 Spot

G2 Edge Past Ninjas in Pyjamas to Secure ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 2 Spot

G2 Esports kept their ESL Pro League Season 23 campaign alive after defeating Ninjas in Pyjamas 2–0 in a tense elimination match during Stage 1 of the tournament. The victory allowed the international roster to advance to Stage 2 of the competition, while NiP were knocked out after a hard-fought series. 

The series was played in a best-of-three format and featured two closely contested maps. G2 eventually sealed the win with scores of 13–10 on Anubis and 16–13 on Dust2, narrowly outperforming their opponents in crucial late-round situations. 

Narrow margins decide the series

Although the result suggests a comfortable 2–0 victory for G2, both maps remained competitive throughout. On Anubis, which was picked by Ninjas in Pyjamas, G2 had to fight back in several key rounds before closing out the map 13–10. The match remained tight until the closing stages, but G2’s consistent trading and mid-round decision-making helped them secure the opener. 

Dust2, selected by G2, followed a similar pattern. NiP stayed within striking distance for most of the map, forcing multiple late-round scenarios. However, G2 again showed composure when it mattered most, winning a series of crucial rounds toward the end to secure a 16–13 victory and the series. 

One of the key contributors for G2 was Matúš “MATYS” Šimko, who delivered a standout performance throughout the match. The Slovak rifler finished the series as the top fragger with 49 kills and recorded the highest player rating in the server, underlining his impact in the team’s victory. 

Decider match of the Swiss stage

The match was played in the fifth round of Stage 1’s Swiss system, where both teams entered with a 2–2 record. In this format, teams with three wins advance to Stage 2, while those suffering three losses are eliminated. The clash between G2 and NiP therefore served as a direct qualification decider for the next stage of ESL Pro League Season 23. 

By winning the match, G2 secured the third victory required to progress further in the tournament. Ninjas in Pyjamas, meanwhile, were eliminated from the event after failing to convert their final opportunity to advance.

Difficult path through Stage 1

G2’s run through Stage 1 was far from smooth. The team experienced several setbacks earlier in the event, including a loss to Brazilian side paiN Gaming, who themselves secured a Stage 2 spot after winning a close series against G2 in overtime on both maps. 

The tight nature of those matches highlighted how competitive the opening stage of ESL Pro League Season 23 has been. The tournament’s first phase features a mix of established organizations and emerging teams fighting for limited Stage 2 positions, making every match crucial in the Swiss format. 

ESL Pro League Season 23 format and stakes

ESL Pro League Season 23 features multiple stages before the final playoffs. Stage 1 determines which teams advance to Stage 2, where 16 squads compete for a share of the prize pool and qualification to the event’s final stage. 

The competition is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Counter-Strike calendar and regularly features the world’s top teams. With the tournament running in March and leading into further international events later in the season, strong performances at Pro League can be critical for teams looking to build momentum in the 2026 competitive circuit. 

NiP’s early exit raises concerns

For Ninjas in Pyjamas, the defeat marks another disappointing result. The Swedish organization struggled to convert opportunities throughout the series and ultimately fell short in key rounds. Their early elimination adds pressure to deliver stronger performances in upcoming events as the season continues. 

G2, meanwhile, will shift their focus to Stage 2, where the level of competition will increase significantly. With the team now surviving the opening stage, they will aim to build consistency and challenge the tournament’s top contenders in the next phase.