“SAW send Ninjas in Pyjamas to 0-2 bracket in Bucharest”

“SAW send Ninjas in Pyjamas to 0-2 bracket in Bucharest”

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SAW shock NIP and push them into the 0-2 bracket at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025

On October 27, 2025, the Portuguese squad SAW pulled off a stunning upset at PGL Masters Bucharest, defeating Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) 2-1 and sending the Swedish-Polish side to the dreaded 0-2 bracket. The match featured a dominant opening map for SAW, a comeback by NIP on map two, and a tense decider where SAW held firm. 

Map Breakdown

• Map 1: Ancient – SAW immediately seized momentum on NIP’s pick, dominating from the early rounds to close it out 13-5. Key moments included strong opening performances and a lacklustre T–side showing from NIP.

• Map 2: Nuke – NIP answered back, posting a better showing and taking the map 13-10. The Polish rifler Michel “ewjerkz” Pinto stood out on CT with solid rounds that swung momentum.

• Map 3: Train – The decider was a roller-coaster. NIP began strongly on T-side, but after SAW won the pistol on the CT switch and built an 11-6 lead, NIP clawed back close—but in the end a missed 1v2 for NIP in the final round gave SAW the lifeline they needed, and SAW sealed it in overtime 16-14.

A closer look: What went right for SAW & wrong for NIP

SAW’s win can be attributed to several key factors:

• On Ancient, SAW’s map pick, they controlled pace and exploited NIP’s offensive shortcomings. Their star André “Ag1l” Gil posted standout rounds and helped secure map 1 with ease.

• On Train, SAW again seized the CT pistol round on the switch—and for a team like NIP that relies on stable economy, that pistol win at a pivotal juncture made a huge difference. The swing to 11-6 in favour of SAW forced NIP to fight uphill.

• For NIP, this result underscores continuing inconsistency. Despite rallying on map 2, their inability to close the series—or to recover after the pistol loss on map 3—highlighted deficiencies under pressure. Before the tournament, NIP had hoped to build momentum ahead of the Major; instead they now face a tougher Swiss path.

Implications for NIP’s campaign

Being sent to the 0-2 bracket so early is a significant setback for NIP. In a Swiss format at a major-tier event like PGL Masters Bucharest, an 0-2 start places immense pressure on the team’s remaining matches:

• It leaves little margin for error; any loss from here could result in an early elimination or a tough consolidation bracket.

• The psychological impact cannot be understated—NIP’s recent results have oscillated, and this kind of early shock adds to uncertainty. Despite the return of Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer to the roster, the team is still searching for a stable identity.

• From a broader perspective, the result may affect the team’s regional standing, invitation prospects, and internal confidence heading into future events or the Major.

Why the upset matters beyond the match

This result is not just a single upset—it speaks to a few larger storylines in CS2’s competitive landscape:

• Emergence of “smaller” rosters – SAW, ranked #42 in Europe, showing that the gap to mid-tier teams is narrowing. The upset highlights how even established organisations cannot take early wins for granted.

• Map pool and tactical depth – The match underlined how crucial pistols and CT sides are in modern CS2. SAW’s pistol win at the CT switch on Train shifted the momentum decisively. Teams must not only win the pick, but also prepare for switching momentum.

• Swiss format pressure – Teams coming in with reputations and expectations (like NIP) are vulnerable when they don’t start strongly. Swiss groups make consistency vital. NIP’s 0-2 now places them under high pressure.

What to watch next

• How NIP respond: Will they regroup and secure clean wins to avoid elimination, or will this early stumble usher in deeper issues?

• SAW’s path: Having scored this high-profile win, can they carry the momentum forward and potentially break into higher brackets? This result might give them belief and bracket flexibility.

• Players to monitor: For NIP, can Michel “ewjerkz” Pinto build on his strong map 2 showing? For SAW, André “Ag1l” Gil and João “story” Vieira’s performances will be critical in sustaining upsets.

• Broader tournament implications: As other favourites (e.g., Astralis, fnatic) also found themselves in trouble after day 1, the bracket is opening up for surprise deep runs.

Final thoughts

SAW’s win over NIP at PGL Masters Bucharest is a stark reminder of how volatile CS2 can be at high-stakes LANs. For NIP, a squad with pedigree but still seeking consistency, this loss raises red flags. Their journey forward will demand mental fortitude, map mastery, and perhaps a dose of humility. For SAW, this moment may mark a turning point—an upset that could catalyse further growth and upset-potential in the event.

In modern competitive CS, any team can buckle early, and the impact can reverberate far beyond one match. NIP now must prove they’re resilient enough to bounce back; SAW must show that the upset was not a fluke. One win doesn’t define a campaign—but in the high-stakes arena of Bucharest 2025, it can certainly shift its trajectory.