NiP Sign stavn as New Primary AWPer in Major Roster Shake-Up

Ninjas in Pyjamas have officially announced the signing of Martin “stavn” Lund, who joins the team as their new primary AWPer. The 24-year-old Danish player replaces Artem “r1nkle” Moroz in the starting lineup, with the Ukrainian sniper moved to the bench following the team’s recent struggles, including their failure to qualify for the IEM Cologne Major. 

This move marks a significant role shift for stavn. Throughout most of his career, he has been known as a versatile rifler and secondary AWPer rather than a dedicated main sniper. His transition into the primary AWP role represents both a personal challenge and a strategic adjustment for Ninjas in Pyjamas as they attempt to stabilize their roster and improve results. 

Stavn’s arrival also signals his return to professional play after an extended break. The Dane stepped down from Astralis in 2025, taking time away from competition to address personal and mental health issues stemming from the loss of his brother in 2021. During that period, he emphasized the need to prioritize recovery and regain balance before committing to top-level competition again. 

By early 2026, stavn confirmed his intention to return, stating that he felt ready to compete again after undergoing therapy and taking time to reset. Astralis subsequently released him from his contract, allowing him to explore new opportunities. His signing with Ninjas in Pyjamas represents the culmination of that comeback journey. 

The move reunites stavn with several familiar faces. He will once again play alongside Rasmus “sjuush” Beck and work under coach Richard “Xizt” Landström, both of whom were part of the highly successful HEROIC lineup where stavn achieved some of the best results of his career. Additionally, he has prior experience with in-game leader Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer from earlier stages of HEROIC’s development, which could help accelerate team cohesion. 

Ninjas in Pyjamas have been undergoing a period of restructuring after a disappointing run of results in 2026. Their inability to secure a spot at the Cologne Major highlighted ongoing inconsistencies, prompting roster changes. The organization has also recently secured Kacper “xKacpersky” Gabara on a permanent deal after a loan spell, signaling a longer-term commitment to rebuilding around a refreshed core. 

With stavn now integrated into the lineup as the primary AWPer, the team is clearly aiming to redefine its identity heading into upcoming competitions, including the road toward the Singapore Major. The success of this move will largely depend on how well stavn adapts to his new role and whether his experience and proven consistency can translate into leadership and firepower in a position he has not traditionally occupied full-time.

Overall, this transfer is both a comeback story and a calculated gamble. For stavn, it represents a fresh start after a difficult personal period. For Ninjas in Pyjamas, it is a bold attempt to address structural weaknesses and return to relevance in the increasingly competitive Counter-Strike 2 scene.