Ninjas in Pyjamas have officially signed Meo-IL and entered the Tekken 8 esports scene, marking a fresh expansion for the long-standing Swedish organisation. The announcement confirms that NiP is stepping into competitive Tekken 8 with South Korean talent Oh ‘Meo-IL’ Dai-il leading the charge.

HE’S EXCITED, WE’RE EXCITED, YOU’RE EXCITED

Welcome @WaMEOIL1!

그가 신났어, 우리도 신났어 , 당신도 신났어

Meo-IL을 환영해요! pic.twitter.com/XddSXtqLDT

— Ninjas In Pyjamas (@NIP) February 18, 2026

The organisation shared the news on social media with a celebratory welcome message.

Ninjas In Pyjamas Expand Into Tekken 8

The move adds a new title to NiP’s competitive portfolio, which already spans Apex Legends, Rocket League, and League of Legends.

Meo-IL joins the organisation after a four-year stint with South Korean team SOOPers. During that time, he competed in Tekken 7 and later Tekken 8 tournaments around the world, building a reputation as one of the more consistent performers on the international stage.

His arrival also makes him the fifth member of NiP’s fighting games division. He joins players such as Joel ‘Juicyjoe’ Sundell and Arman ‘Phenom’ Hanjani, who represent the organisation in Street Fighter, further strengthening NiP’s presence in the FGC.

Meo-IL’s Recent Tournament Results

Throughout 2025, Meo-IL delivered several strong results at major Tekken 8 events. In May, he secured a top-six finish at EVO Japan, one of the most prestigious fighting game tournaments globally.

He followed that up with another top-six result at CEO, reinforcing his status among the world’s top Tekken competitors. Closing out the year, he once again finished sixth at the SOOP Super Tournament, consistently reaching the latter stages of competition.

After the signing was announced, Meo-IL shared his excitement on social media, writing, “I’m excited to join NiP. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. I will do my best to represent the team well.”

Tekken 8 Esports Continues To Grow In 2026

NiP’s move into Tekken 8 comes at a time when the title’s esports ecosystem is expanding. More organisations are entering the scene, drawn by rising viewership and increased publisher support.

Earlier this year, French organisation Team Vitality signed 16-year-old player Neia after the youngster placed 17th at Evo France, highlighting how teams are investing in emerging talent.

Tekken 8’s inclusion at the 2026 Esports World Cup has also boosted interest. The tournament will feature 32 players competing from August 4 to 7 for a $1 million prize pool, adding another major global platform for top players.

March will also see the launch of Tekken 8’s Season 3 update, bringing balance adjustments and changes to the Ranked system. With competitive formats evolving and new organisations stepping in, NiP’s entry signals that Tekken 8 is becoming an increasingly important battleground in the fighting game space.

For Ninjas in Pyjamas, signing Meo-IL is not just about adding a player, it is about planting a flag in one of the fastest-growing corners of esports right now.

The post Ninjas In Pyjamas Sign Meo-IL, Enter Tekken 8 Esports appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

ESL has officially confirmed the full list of teams invited to ESL Pro League Season 23, setting the stage for one of the biggest Counter-Strike events of the year. The tournament will run from March 1 to March 15, with online group stages leading into a live playoff event in Stockholm, Sweden.

A total prize pool of USD $1,000,000 is on the line, alongside valuable progress in the ESL Grand Slam race. However, the headline news comes from the top of the Valve Regional Standings, with both Team Vitality and Team Falcons turning down their invitations.

How ESL Pro League Season 23 Will Work

All 24 teams were invited based on the Valve Regional Standings as of January 5, 2026. The competition will begin with two online Swiss-style stages featuring 16 teams each.

Eight teams have been invited directly into Stage 2, while the remaining 16 teams will start their campaign in Stage 1. From there, the top eight teams in Stage 2 will advance to the playoffs, which will be played on LAN in front of a live audience in Stockholm.

The structure marks a continued shift towards online group play, with LAN competition reserved exclusively for the final playoff bracket this season.

Why Vitality And Falcons Declined Their Invitations

Reigning ESL Pro League Season 22 champions Team Vitality chose not to defend their title, while Team Falcons also declined their invite.

Community discussion and reporting suggest the decision is largely strategic. ESL Pro League Season 23 features online stages, which offer fewer Valve Regional Standings points compared to full LAN events. Several players and analysts have pointed out that attending upcoming PGL tournaments, including Cluj-Napoca, is more advantageous in terms of VRS value.

Burnout has also been mentioned as a factor, with teams facing an increasingly packed 2026 calendar. With the playoffs being the only LAN portion of EPL Season 23, some top organisations appear to be prioritising fully offline events ahead of the next Major cycle.

NIP And Passion UA Step In

With Vitality and Falcons declining, Ninjas in Pyjamas and Passion UA were next in line based on VRS rankings and have now been invited to the tournament.

As a result of these changes, Aurora and B8 will begin their runs in Stage 2 instead of Stage 1, giving them a shorter path to the playoffs.

FUT Replaces Lynn Vision After ESL Ruling

Another notable update sees FUT Esports replacing Lynn Vision following a disciplinary ruling.

Lynn Vision withdrew from ESL Pro League Season 22 after the deadline and has been banned from attending their next eligible Tier 1 VRS event. Because of this, ESL converted the Wildcard invite into a Global VRS invite, allowing FUT to take their place in Season 23.

Complete Team List For ESL Pro League Season 23

Stage 2 Teams

• FURIA
• MOUZ
• FaZe
• The MongolZ
• Natus Vincere
• Spirit
• Aurora
• B8

Stage 1 Teams

• G2
• 3DMAX
• paiN
• Astralis
• Liquid
• Passion UA
• Legacy
• PARIVISION
• M80
• Ninjas in Pyjamas
• HEROIC
• FUT Esports
• NRG
• Monte
• Gaimin Gladiators
• SemperFi

The 24 teams invited to #ESLProLeague Season 23 in Stockholm! 🇸🇪

March 1-15 📅

🟡 Stage 2 🟡
🟢 Stage 1 🟢 pic.twitter.com/fH53WLboRf

— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) January 14, 2026

The list features a strong mix of elite contenders and rising teams aiming to climb the VRS ladder, including Oceania’s SemperFi and several North American hopefuls.

Key Dates And Roster Rules

Teams must submit their rosters by February 15, 2026. Tournament seeding will follow shortly after, with Stage 1 seeding taking place on February 16 and Stage 2 seeding on March 5.

To remain eligible, teams are required to keep a majority of their roster from the original VRS invite date, ensuring lineup stability heading into the event.

A Different Pro League, With Big Stakes

While the absence of Vitality and Falcons has sparked debate, ESL Pro League Season 23 still shapes up as a critical stop in the 2026 Counter-Strike calendar. With a million dollars on offer, Grand Slam implications, and a live playoff atmosphere in Stockholm, the tournament remains a major proving ground for both established giants and hungry challengers.

The post ESL Pro League Season 23 Invites Revealed As Vitality And Falcons Decline Spots appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Budapest Major 2025 is gearing up for a massive Stage 2 opener, with eight new teams joining the action after a packed Stage 1. Fans can expect a full day of back to back matches as the next round kicks off, and the matchups look anything but easy for some of the favourites.

Stage 1 Wraps Up, Pressure Rises in Stage 2

With Stage 1 now complete, eight teams advance to meet the eight organisations that qualified directly through the VRS. Despite their strong 3 0 runs, M80 and FlyQuest have been handed difficult openers. M80 will take on the ever threatening Aurora, while FlyQuest face NAVI, one of the highest ranked squads in the field.

Another standout matchup comes from Ninjas in Pyjamas versus Astralis. The pairing sets up a spicy reunion, as sjuush lines up against his former teammates and device faces his old organisation once again.

Elsewhere, a struggling FaZe Clan will attempt to steady the ship against Passion UA, and a classic Brazilian derby between MIBR and Imperial helps round out the schedule.

📢 The matchups are set for the opening round of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 pic.twitter.com/QpaLnw52sv

— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) November 27, 2025

Opening Matches for Stage 2

Saturday, 29 November 2025

Astralis vs Ninjas in Pyjamas

13:00 CEST
12:00 BST
07:00 ET
04:00 PT
01:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

3DMAX vs fnatic

13:00 CEST
12:00 BST
07:00 ET
04:00 PT
01:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

Passion UA vs FaZe Clan

14:00 CEST
13:00 BST
08:00 ET
05:00 PT
02:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

PARIVISION vs TYLOO

14:00 CEST
13:00 BST
08:00 ET
05:00 PT
02:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

Natus Vincere vs FlyQuest

15:00 CEST
14:00 BST
09:00 ET
06:00 PT
03:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

Aurora vs M80

15:00 CEST
14:00 BST
09:00 ET
06:00 PT
03:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

MIBR vs Imperial

16:00 CEST
15:00 BST
10:00 ET
07:00 PT
04:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

Team Liquid vs B8

16:00 CEST
15:00 BST
10:00 ET
07:00 PT
04:00 NZDT (30 Nov)

A Huge Day Ahead in Budapest

Sixteen BO1 matches will light up Stage 2’s opening day, making it one of the busiest moments of the entire Major. With high stakes, emotional reunions, and several top tier teams clashing earlier than expected, Budapest is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic Majors in recent memory.

Fans won’t want to miss a moment, and with the timezone conversions above, tuning in should be easier than ever.

The post Budapest Major Stage 2: Full Opening Match Schedule Confirmed appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Fresh Start for the Ninjas

Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) have officially unveiled their brand-new Rocket League roster for the upcoming Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) 2026 season, and fans are already buzzing.

The Swedish esports organisation announced that Cristian “crr” Fernández Raigal, Joris “Joreuz” Robben, and Ole “oaly” van Doorn will be joining forces under the NIP banner. The team will be coached by Lachlan “LBP” Parker, who’s stepping in after a successful run with Chiefs Esports Club across 2024 and 2025.

IT’S OFFICIAL. BOBBY JR HAS BUILT OUR 2026 ROSTER! 🐷🔥

Say hello to our new ninjas: @OalyRL, @rl_crr, and @Joreuz 🚗💨
With @Coach_LBP leading the charge from the sidelines.#GONINJAS pic.twitter.com/Mz55FtMGya

— NIP Rocket League (@NIP_RL) November 7, 2025

The reveal, which went live on NIP’s official social channels, was headlined by the caption: “BOBBY JR HAS BUILT OUR 2026 ROSTER!”, a nod to the organisation’s general manager, who’s quickly become a fan favourite within the community.

Meet the New Ninjas

Each of NIP’s new recruits brings a wealth of experience and momentum from the 2025 season:

• Joreuz previously represented Dignitas, where he helped the team secure a second-place finish at the RLCS 2025 Raleigh Major, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most mechanically gifted players.
• crr, the Spanish prodigy, competed with Complexity Gaming throughout 2025, making appearances at both the Birmingham and Raleigh Majors.
• oaly, who joins from Geekay Esports, had a standout season that included a runner-up finish at the Esports World Cup. Geekay even sent their best wishes on social media, saying, “Take good care of him fellas.”

Together, they form a strong European trio with a balance of youthful energy and tournament experience, exactly what NIP needs heading into a new competitive year.

A New Chapter After a Clean Slate

This announcement follows a complete roster reset for NIP. The organisation parted ways with its previous players and coaching staff on October 3rd, 2025, signalling a full rebuild in preparation for 2026.

During the 2025 season, NIP showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistent top-tier finishes. Despite falling short in earlier majors, the team made a powerful late-season comeback, winning the RLCS 2025 European Last Chance Qualifier by defeating Team BDS 4–1 to earn a spot at the World Championship.

At Worlds, NIP held their own, finishing seventh overall and bowing out to Karmine Corp in the lower bracket playoffs. It was a solid showing, but one that clearly motivated the organisation to refresh its Rocket League lineup and aim higher in 2026.

Looking Ahead to RLCS 2026

The Rocket League Championship Series 2026 kicks off on November 14th, and all eyes will be on NIP’s new lineup to see how the revamped squad performs against some of the world’s best.

With Coach LBP at the helm and a roster stacked with proven talent, Ninjas in Pyjamas look poised for a strong showing. As their announcement boldly stated, “Bobby really cooked this one.”

Fans can only hope the new recipe leads to trophies.

The post Ninjas in Pyjamas Rebuilds Rocket League Roster Ahead of RLCS 2026 Season appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Legendary Reunion for NIP Fans Worldwide
Swedish esports giants Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) are marking their 25th anniversary in true Counter-Strike style, bringing together some of the most iconic names in their history for a one-of-a-kind showmatch. The special event, presented by Rainbet, will see NIP legends reunite to face off against the organisation’s current CS2 and NIP Impact rosters in an unforgettable celebration of the team’s legacy.

November 5th. In Stockholm.

More to come.

— NIP CS (@NIPCS) October 24, 2025

The 25th Anniversary Showmatch takes place on November 5th at 5 PM BST (6 PM CET / 4 PM UTC / 5 AM NZDT, November 6th), live from Stockholm’s Red Bull Gaming Sphere. Fans can watch the action unfold on NIP’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as on f0rest and GeT_RiGhT’s personal Twitch streams.

The Return of Counter-Strike Legends

The anniversary event will bring back two of NIP’s most legendary figures, Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg and Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund. The pair were instrumental during NIP’s golden era, which saw the team dominate the early 2010s Counter-Strike scene. Together, they hold the record for the longest win streak in CS history, achieving 87 consecutive victories from August 2012 to April 2013, and later clinching the ESL One: Cologne Major trophy in 2014.

“I’m looking forward to celebrating this significant milestone for NIP alongside my former teammates from over a decade ago,” said f0rest, who now serves as a Brand Ambassador for the organisation. “Together we achieved a Major title and a win record that still stands today. It’s now time to prove that we have still got it against some of the best players in the world, who proudly represent NIP today.”

More fan-favourite veterans are set to be revealed in the coming days, teasing what could be one of the most nostalgic lineups in Counter-Strike history.

Facing Today’s Generation of Ninjas

Taking on the old guard will be the current Ninjas in Pyjamas CS2 roster, featuring Rasmus “sjuush” Beck, Artem “r1nkle” Moroz, and Kacper “xKacpersky” Gabara. Representing the organisation’s women’s division, Ksenia “vilga” Klyuenkova and Mia “aiM” Cooper from NIP Impact will also join the fray.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun playing against some of the all-time greats,” said sjuush. “It’s a huge honour to be part of NIP’s 25th anniversary and to go head-to-head with the players who helped build this organisation’s legacy.”

Format, Broadcast, and Fan Experience

The showmatch will be a best-of-three (BO3) series, but NIP has a little surprise in store. If one side sweeps the other 2-0, fans will still get a bonus match featuring a mixed roster of current and legendary players.

The Swedish organisation has promised that the broadcast will include top-tier commentary and analysis, with the on-air talent to be revealed soon.

For those lucky enough to be in Stockholm, NIP will also host a limited-capacity watch party at the Red Bull Gaming Sphere. The event will be free to attend, though tickets will be limited, with more details to come via NIP’s social channels.

A Celebration 25 Years in the Making

Founded in 2000, Ninjas in Pyjamas have become synonymous with Counter-Strike excellence, helping to shape the competitive FPS scene across multiple generations of the game, from CS 1.6 and Global Offensive, to today’s Counter-Strike 2.

As f0rest and GeT_RiGhT step back into the server one more time, fans will get to relive an era that defined esports greatness, while witnessing the new wave of Ninjas continuing the legacy.

With nostalgia, rivalry, and history all coming together, the NIP 25th Anniversary Showmatch is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Counter-Strike events of the year.

The post Ninjas in Pyjamas Celebrate 25 Years of Counter-Strike with Epic Showmatch in Stockholm appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Natus Vincere are back on top. The Ukrainian giants have claimed the StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 title in Budapest after a commanding 2-0 victory over Ninjas in Pyjamas, marking their first Counter-Strike championship since 2024.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF STARLADDER STARSERIES FALL 2025! 🏆#navination pic.twitter.com/RlM9R3xT8c

— NAVI (@natusvincere) September 21, 2025

NAVI’s road to the trophy wasn’t without bumps, but when it mattered most they looked every bit the favourites. After struggling in recent months with disappointing results at BLAST Bounty, the Esports World Cup, and BLAST Open London, the squad arrived in Hungary under pressure to prove themselves. They did exactly that.

The Final Showdown

The Grand Final opened on Nuke, where NAVI took control early with a strong CT side. NIP threatened a comeback in the first half but NAVI steadied the ship, holding a 7-5 lead at the break. Despite losing the second-half pistol, a force-buy win handed NAVI the momentum they needed to cruise to a 13-7 finish.

Inferno told a different story, at least at first. NIP’s star duo Kacper “xKacpersky” Gabara and Artem “r1nkle” Moroz lit up the scoreboard, restricting NAVI to just three rounds on their T side. But any hopes of a Ninjas upset were dashed once NAVI switched to defence. Their structure and resilience on the B site shut down NIP’s attempts to break through, with Mihai “iM” Ivan producing standout moments including a clutch three-man spraydown. NAVI closed the map 13-10, sealing a clean 2-0 series.

NAVI win their first trophy of 2025 at StarSeries Fall 🏆🙌 pic.twitter.com/pLJ0GH1TGR

— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) September 21, 2025

Building Confidence Again

For NAVI, this title is more than just silverware. The team’s recent slump raised questions about whether the addition of Drin “makazze” Shaqiri was enough to turn their fortunes around. Their fourth-place run at IEM Cologne in July was followed by a string of early exits, leaving fans frustrated and critics calling for more roster changes.

In Budapest, however, NAVI looked united. From their recovery against 9INE in the opening round to back-to-back wins over Passion UA and NIP in the upper bracket, they rediscovered the cohesion that’s been missing. The victory comes with $200,000 in prize money and, perhaps more importantly, a huge boost in confidence heading into ESL Pro League Season 22 later this week.

What’s Next

NAVI now shift focus to ESL Pro League, which kicks off on September 27. A strong showing there will cement their place in the top 32 of the Valve Regional Standings and secure qualification for the StarLadder Budapest Major in November.

For Ninjas in Pyjamas, the loss stings but their resilience through the lower bracket to reach the final shows promise. Still, it’s NAVI who leave Hungary with the headlines, the trophy, and the momentum they’ve been searching for all year.

The post NAVI Take Down NIP to Win StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The stage is set for one of Counter-Strike’s biggest tournaments of the year. The Thunderpick World Championship 2025 is bringing the heat this October in Malta, with a massive $850,000 prize pool on the line. And now, we know the first four names heading straight to the main event: NAVI, The MongolZ, FURIA, and Aurora.

Time to check out the teams heading to the Closed Qualifier & LAN Finals of the #ThunderpickWC 2025! 🌐

See the lineup below 👇 pic.twitter.com/dbA6ppohUF

— Thunderpick (@thunderpickco) September 5, 2025

Who’s In and Who’s Still Fighting

Running from October 15–19, the Thunderpick World Championship 2025 will feature eight teams total. Four squads have already secured their invites, while the other four spots will be decided through the closed qualifier happening September 9–11.

That qualifier isn’t short on talent. Sixteen teams will scrap it out online for just four golden tickets to Malta. Fans can look forward to big names like Ninjas in Pyjamas, ENCE, BIG, OG, and SAW all trying to punch their way through. Regional heroes Legacy, M80, Imperial, and 9z have also earned their way into the mix, adding extra spice to the fight.

A Familiar Favourite Returns

The MongolZ aren’t just another invited team, they’re the reigning champions. After taking home the trophy at last year’s edition, they’ll be looking to defend their crown against some of the best squads in the world. Standing in their way are NAVI, the perennial heavyweights from Europe, Brazil’s FURIA with their aggressive flair, and Aurora, a rising force from Turkey.

With four more teams yet to qualify, the competition is already shaping up to be fierce. Every squad heading to Malta knows what’s at stake: not just the lion’s share of the prize pool, but also bragging rights as one of the world’s best.

What’s Next?

The closed qualifier kicks off online from September 9–11, and by the time it wraps up, we’ll have the full lineup for Malta. From there, it’s just a short wait until the Thunderpick World Championship 2025 officially begins.

One thing’s certain, whether you’re backing the veterans or cheering for an underdog run, October in Malta is going to deliver some unforgettable Counter-Strike.

The post Thunderpick World Championship 2025 Locks in NAVI, The MongolZ, FURIA, and Aurora appeared first on Shane the Gamer.