Ninjas in Pyjamas Disbands NIP Impact Team After ESL Impact Circuit Conclusion
Ninjas in Pyjamas Disbands NIP Impact Team After ESL Impact Circuit Conclusion
Swedish esports organisation Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) has officially dissolved its women’s Counter-Strike 2 team, NIP Impact, marking the end of the organisation’s competitive involvement in the female CS2 scene following the conclusion of the ESL Impact circuit in late 2025.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), NiP confirmed the decision, stating that while they are proud of the progress the squad made since its inception, ongoing uncertainties around long-term sustainability and a lack of consistent competitive opportunities as they approach 2026 played a major role in the organisation’s choice to discontinue operations.
“This decision isn’t one we’ve made lightly, but unfortunately due to uncertainties around long-term sustainability and consistent opportunities to compete as we enter 2026, it’s the one we have arrived at,” the organisation wrote.
Who Was in NIP Impact?
At the time of disbandment, NIP Impact’s lineup consisted of:
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Kiara “Qiyarah” Janssen
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Naomi “Nayomy” Janssen (her twin sister)
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Mia “aiM” Cooper
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Ksenia “vilga” Kluenkova
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Ana “Zana” Queiroz
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Jesper “TENZKI” Plougmann (coach)
The roster competed consistently throughout the ESL Impact League seasons, often achieving strong results and participating in international finals. At the most recent Impact finals in Stockholm, NIP Impact reached the semi-final stage before falling to eventual champions BIG EQUIPA.
Players’ Future Plans and Statements
Following the announcement, twins Qiyarah and Nayomy Janssen expressed intentions to continue competing, but now in the mixed competitive open circuit or through academy teams rather than under the NiP banner. Qiyarah noted that her focus will shift toward pursuing opportunities at a higher tier of competition, acknowledging that the path ahead involves uncertainty but aligns with her long-term goals.
At least some roster members are expected to explore new team options or continue as free agents within the broader CS2 competitive ecosystem.
Impact of ESL Impact Suspension on Women’s CS2
NiP’s decision comes in the wake of ESL FACEIT Group’s announcement that the ESL Impact League will be placed on indefinite hiatus after Season 8, creating significant instability for organisations involved in the female Counter-Strike scene.
ESL Impact has been the premier female Counter-Strike 2 competition for several years and galvanised interest and investment in women’s esports. The league’s termination has raised broader questions about the future of dedicated female competition in the game, as other organisations like NAVI Javelins previously also withdrew their women’s teams, citing similar viability concerns.
NIP Impact’s Competitive Legacy
Since joining the female CS scene, NIP Impact established itself as one of Europe’s consistent competitors. According to databases tracking results and statistics, the team played roughly 70 official matches with a win rate near 50% and achieved multiple strong placements across various regional and global events. They also recorded tournament wins and respectable finishes at ESL Impact League seasons.
The Impact team also drew attention in broader CS2 viewership—at one point peaking at more than 6,000 viewers in a group stage matchup against Imperial Valkyries during the Season 8 finals, showcasing the squad’s appeal to fans and the growing popularity of women’s competition before the scene’s recent downturn.
Context Within NiP’s Broader Esports Operations
This roster dissolution is part of a wider period of transition for Ninjas in Pyjamas across esports disciplines. While the organisation remains active in other games—most notably in the Counter-Strike 2 (male) main roster and various anniversary show matches celebrating its legacy—NIP has recently undergone other roster adjustments, including benching players on the CS2 main team as NiP continues to seek competitive improvement.
The organisation’s celebrated 25th anniversary in late 2025 saw events that reconnected fans with iconic NiP legends, underscoring the depth of its esports history even as specific teams face restructuring in the present.
What This Means for Women’s CS2
The disbandment of NIP Impact—the largest dedicated female CS2 roster still active in Europe—marks a significant moment for the women’s CS2 scene. As top teams reconsider their paths following the ESL Impact suspension and organisations reassess their investment, players and supporters are watching closely to see how the competitive landscape evolves, and whether new structures will emerge to support high-level women’s Counter-Strike in 2026 and beyond.
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