(Updated: January 2025)
Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) is a prominent Swedish esports organization with a rich history in competitive gaming. While the organization is best known for its dominance in titles like Counter-Strike, NIP’s foray into the League of Legends scene has been intriguing, filled with restructuring, roster changes, and efforts to solidify its place among the top teams in the industry. From their initial venture into the League of Legends European scene to their current participation in China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL), NIP has remained a notable name intent on growth and development within the competitive gaming space.
History of Ninjas in Pyjamas in League of Legends
Founded in 2000, Ninjas in Pyjamas initially gained fame in the Counter-Strike scene, creating a legacy in one of the most competitive esports environments of its time. In 2013, NIP expanded its focus to embrace the rapidly growing popularity of League of Legends, signing the former Copenhagen Wolves roster to mark its entry into the game. This was a milestone in the organization’s evolution as it sought to diversify into the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre, exposing itself to a broader audience and different competitive challenges.
Despite its ambitions, NIP’s early years in League of Legends were fraught with struggles in achieving notable results. Over the years, the team underwent various roster changes and faced challenges in creating a consistent competitive structure. For a brief period between 2017 and 2018, the organization exited the League of Legends scene altogether to reassess its esports strategy. However, the revival of their League of Legends team in 2021 as part of their acquisition of the Chinese esports organization Victory Five marked a new chapter in their journey, enabling them to enter the highly competitive LPL in Spring 2023.
Current Roster and Organizational Structure
Following the acquisition of Victory Five, Ninjas in Pyjamas transitioned to the LPL, one of the most competitive leagues globally. The team adopted a strategic approach, assembling a roster of emerging Chinese talents to establish themselves as a formidable force in the region. As of the LPL Spring 2023 split, the NIP roster included:
- Toplaner: Xiao-Bing “Invincible” Li
- Jungler: Xiao-Long “XLB” Li
- Midlaner: Wen-Xiang “Dream” Tan
- AD Carry: Qi-Shen “Photic” Ying
- Support: Xu-Zhuo “Zhuo” Wang
This roster represented a renewed focus on building synergy and implementing a structured approach to contend with the best teams in the LPL. While still in the early stages of development, the team’s consistent improvements highlight its potential for sustained success.
Notable Achievements of Ninjas in Pyjamas in League of Legends
Though NIP’s League of Legends team is in the process of reestablishing itself, there are several key takeaways and milestones that demonstrate their progress:
Initial Entry into the European Scene
In 2013, NIP’s debut roster, composed of former Copenhagen Wolves players, laid the foundation for the organization’s League of Legends journey. However, this initial foray struggled to make a lasting impact on the European competitive landscape due to various internal and external challenges.
Transition to the LPL
The acquisition of Victory Five in 2021 and subsequent entry into the LPL in Spring 2023 marked an ambitious new chapter for Ninjas in Pyjamas. Competing in China’s elite league signified a significant upgrade in the level of competition. Despite finishing 13th out of 17 teams during their inaugural LPL split with a 5-11 record, the team gained invaluable experience to build upon in subsequent seasons.
Improvement in the LPL Spring 2024 Split
During the LPL Spring 2024 split, NIP demonstrated notable improvement, achieving a 58% win rate with a record of 21 wins and 15 losses. Various in-game statistics further underscored their growth as a team, including:
- Gold Per Minute: 1850
- Kill/Death Ratio: 2.6
- First Blood Rate: 69.4%
- Average Game Duration: 33:14 minutes
- Dragon Success Per Game: 57.3%
- Nashor Success Per Game: 66.2%
These metrics illustrate the team’s grasp of macro play and core gameplay elements, showing potential for competitive contention in future LPL splits.
Notable Matches and Results
While NIP’s League of Legends journey is still in the development phase, their matches in the LPL have provided valuable learning opportunities. Key match-ups showcase the team’s resilience, as well as areas for improvement:
LPL Spring 2023 Splits
- NIP secured a total of five wins over the course of the split, which included victories over mid-tier teams such as Anyone’s Legend, providing glimpses into their competitive capabilities.
- Despite struggling against top-tier teams like EDward Gaming and JD Gaming, NIP showcased effort and adaptation as they navigated their inaugural split.
Future Match-ups and Expectations
As NIP looks ahead to the LPL Split 1 in 2025, there are several high-profile matches that fans eagerly anticipate:
- January 19, 2025: Match against Invictus Gaming (iG)
- February 8, 2025: Match against FunPlus Phoenix (FPX)
- February 13, 2025: Match against Royal Never Give Up (RNG)
These games will be a critical test for NIP to demonstrate their growth and solidify their presence in the competitive League of Legends ecosystem.
Previous Rosters and Organizational Changes
Since 2013, NIP has undergone numerous transformations in its League of Legends roster and organizational strategy:
Early Rosters
The roster from the Copenhagen Wolves era marked NIP’s debut but failed to produce consistent results. Changes in management and performance challenges led to temporary exits from the competitive scene between 2017 and 2018.
Return to Competitive Play
The acquisition of Victory Five in 2021 proved to be a turning point. This strategic move allowed NIP to secure financial and logistical stability needed to transition seamlessly into the LPL.
FAQ – Ninjas in Pyjamas League of Legends Team
What is Ninjas in Pyjamas?
Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) is a Swedish esports organization founded in 2000, known for competing in various titles, including Counter-Strike and League of Legends.
When did NIP start its League of Legends team?
NIP entered the League of Legends scene in 2013 by signing the former Copenhagen Wolves roster.
What league does NIP compete in currently?
NIP competes in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) in China as of the Spring 2023 split.
Who are the current players on the NIP League of Legends team?
The current roster includes Invincible, XLB, Dream, Photic, and Zhuo.
What were NIP’s results in the LPL Spring 2023 split?
NIP finished 13th out of 17 teams with a record of 5 wins and 11 losses in the Spring 2023 split.
What is the history of NIP’s League of Legends team?
NIP’s League of Legends journey began in 2013 and has since evolved, with notable changes including the acquisition of Victory Five, allowing them to enter the LPL.
What challenges has NIP faced in League of Legends?
NIP has struggled with roster changes, managing performance consistency, and competing in highly competitive environments like the LPL.
What are NIP’s notable achievements in League of Legends?
NIP’s notable achievements include their resurgence in the LPL and finishing the Spring 2024 split with a 58% win rate.
What future matches should fans look forward to?
Fans can look forward to matches in 2025’s LPL Split 1, including games against Invictus Gaming, FunPlus Phoenix, and Royal Never Give Up.
Where can I learn more about Ninjas in Pyjamas?
You can visit their officially Ninjas in Pyjamas page for more information.
