Ninjas in Pyjamas edge past NRG to avoid last-place exit at EPL Season 23

Ninjas in Pyjamas narrowly kept their ESL Pro League Season 23 campaign alive after defeating NRG in a tense three-map elimination series in Stage 1 of the tournament. The European squad secured a 2-1 victory after a dramatic double-overtime decider on Anubis, avoiding an immediate last-place exit from the competition.

The victory was largely powered by Kacper “xKacpersky” Gabara, who delivered a standout performance and finished the series with a 1.54 rating, repeatedly producing high-impact multi-kills during the deciding map to keep his team in contention.

The match took place in the 0-2 elimination pool of the Swiss stage, meaning the losing team would finish the event in last place. Both Ninjas in Pyjamas and NRG had struggled during the opening days of the tournament and entered the series desperate to keep their Pro League run alive.

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Map breakdown

Mirage — NiP dominate opener

NRG selected Mirage to start the series, but the map quickly turned into a one-sided affair. Ninjas in Pyjamas controlled the early stages and built a commanding lead on the CT side before closing the map 13-4, setting the tone for the match.

Ancient — NRG force a decider

NRG responded on NiP’s pick of Ancient, where the North American side produced a much stronger showing. Consistent defensive rounds and key clutches allowed them to secure the map 13-7, tying the series and forcing a third map.

Anubis — double overtime drama

The decider on Anubis proved to be the most chaotic part of the series. The two teams traded rounds throughout regulation, with NRG managing to push the match into overtime thanks to a late clutch in round 24.

NiP initially took control in the first overtime half, but failed to convert multiple match points, allowing NRG to extend the game into double overtime. Eventually, the European side regained composure and closed out the map 19-16, sealing the 2-1 series victory.

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xKacpersky leads NiP in crucial victory

While several NiP players contributed throughout the series, xKacpersky was the clear difference maker. His impact frags on the decider repeatedly shifted momentum in NiP’s favor and helped the team maintain control in the extended overtime battle.

The Polish rifler’s performance came at a critical moment for the squad, which had been under pressure after opening the event with two losses.

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Context: NiP fighting to keep their season alive

The victory came after a difficult start to the tournament for Ninjas in Pyjamas. Prior to the match, the team had fallen into the 0-2 elimination pool, where they were joined by several struggling teams including NRG and Liquid.

NiP’s in-game leader Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer had previously expressed frustration with the team’s performances, noting the contrast between their practice results and official matches earlier in the event.

Although the win was far from convincing, it kept their Stage 1 survival hopes alive and allowed them to move forward in the Swiss bracket.

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NRG exit ESL Pro League without a win

For NRG, the defeat meant immediate elimination from the tournament with a 0-3 record, ending their ESL Pro League Season 23 run in last place. The North American team managed to take only a single map across the event despite several close matches.

The result also marked a disappointing showing at the event for the squad, which entered the tournament hoping to build momentum with its updated lineup.

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Other results in the round

Elsewhere in Stage 1, several teams secured important victories that moved them closer to qualification for the next phase of the tournament. Monte, 3DMAX, paiN, and G2 all won their respective matches and advanced to matches that will decide qualification for Stage 2, while their opponents dropped into the elimination bracket.

With the Swiss format continuing, teams now move into the next round where qualification and elimination matches will determine the final lineup for Stage 2 of ESL Pro League Season 23.