NIP and ewjerkz Part Ways After Six-Month Spell With the Ninjas
NIP have officially announced the departure of ewjerkz, bringing an end to the Portuguese player's relatively short stint with the organization. The move formalizes a separation that effectively began when the rifler was moved to the bench late last year, as the organization continued reshaping its Counter-Strike roster for the 2026 season.
Quick Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | NIP |
| Departing player | ewjerkz |
| Status | Official departure |
| Time with NIP | Approximately six months as an active player before being benched |
| Previous status | Benched in late 2025 |
| Replacement | Already replaced earlier in the roster rebuild |
| Source | HLTV / Official announcement |
NIP Officially Ends Partnership With ewjerkz
The separation between NIP and Michel "ewjerkz" Pinto had been expected for several months.
After reports surfaced in late 2025 that the Portuguese rifler would leave the active lineup, NIP officially moved him to the bench as part of its long-term rebuild around Marco "Snappi" Pfeiffer.
Now, the organization has confirmed that both parties have officially gone their separate ways, making ewjerkz a free agent.
Although his active spell with NIP lasted only around six months, he played an important role during one of the organization's biggest rebuilding periods. His arrival from SAW helped NIP assemble an international lineup capable of climbing the Valve Regional Standings and qualifying for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.
Background and Context
ewjerkz joined NIP from SAW at the beginning of 2025 and helped the team qualify for the StarLadder Budapest Major during an important rebuilding period.
ewjerkz joined NIP at the beginning of 2025 after establishing himself as one of Portugal's strongest riflers during his time with SAW.
Alongside compatriot arrozdoce, he became part of a major overhaul that saw NIP transition toward a new international roster under veteran in-game leader Snappi.
Despite flashes of strong individual performances, the lineup struggled to consistently convert its potential into deep tournament runs.
Highlights of ewjerkz's time with NIP included:
qualification for the StarLadder Budapest Major;
reaching Stage 2 of the Major;
quarter-final appearance at PGL Astana;
runner-up finish at StarSeries Fall 2025;
multiple strong VRS events that helped improve the team's position.
Toward the end of 2025, NIP opted for another rebuild, benching ewjerkz before eventually bringing in new pieces for the starting lineup.
Updated NIP Roster
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Snappi | Active |
| sjuush | Active |
| stavn | Active |
| xKacpersky | Active |
| cairne | Active |
| Xizt | Coach |
Why This Matters
Although ewjerkz had already been removed from the active lineup months ago, his official departure closes one chapter of NIP's rebuilding project.
It also means:
the organization no longer has contractual ties with the Portuguese rifler;
ewjerkz becomes available to explore opportunities elsewhere;
NIP can fully focus on developing its current Danish-led core.
For ewjerkz, becoming a free agent may increase his chances of joining another international roster or returning to a Portuguese project.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | ewjerkz joins NIP |
| Mid-2025 | Helps NIP qualify for major international events |
| November–December 2025 | Plays at StarLadder Budapest Major |
| December 2025 | Benched by NIP |
| July 2026 | Officially parts ways with NIP |
Key Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | ewjerkz |
| Nationality | Portugal |
| Role | Rifler |
| Former Team | NIP |
| Current Status | Free Agent |
| Departure Type | Mutual separation / contract ended |
| Replacement Status | Already completed during previous rebuild |
Impact Analysis
From a competitive perspective, this move is unlikely to affect NIP's immediate tournament schedule because ewjerkz had not been part of the active roster for several months.
Instead, the announcement primarily finalizes the organization's roster restructuring.
For ewjerkz, the timing is significant because the offseason often creates new roster opportunities across Europe.
Tactical Impact
NIP's current tactical identity has already evolved beyond the version that featured ewjerkz. Since his benching, the organization has reshaped roles and introduced new players, meaning the official departure is administrative rather than a competitive change.
What Changes Now
For NIP:
No further roster implications are expected from this announcement.
The team continues with its established 2026 lineup.
For ewjerkz:
Eligible to negotiate with other organizations.
Could emerge as an experienced free-agent option during future transfer windows.
Watch some of ewjerkz's standout plays from his early period with NIP after joining from SAW.
What to Watch Next
Several storylines are worth monitoring:
ewjerkz's next destination.
Whether another European organization targets the Portuguese rifler.
NIP's results with its rebuilt lineup throughout the remainder of the 2026 season.
Future transfer activity following the summer player break.
FAQ
Why did NIP and ewjerkz part ways?
The organization officially ended its relationship with the Portuguese player after he had already spent several months on the bench during NIP's roster rebuild.
Is ewjerkz now a free agent?
Yes. Following the official announcement, he is no longer under contract with NIP.
Who replaced ewjerkz in NIP?
NIP completed its roster rebuild earlier in 2026, with new players already integrated into the active lineup.
Did this affect NIP's current roster?
No. The competitive roster had already moved on from ewjerkz before the official separation.
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