Rasmus “sjuush” Beck is back on a big LAN stage for the first time in a while — this time as part of the rebuilt Ninjas in Pyjamas. In their opening match at PGL Astana, he helped his team confidently defeat Virtus.pro, finishing with a 1.48 rating. After the victory, the Danish player spoke to HLTV about returning to tier-one, his new responsibilities within the team, and the challenges of the current VRS system.
sjuush: From HEROIC highs to a fresh start in NIP
“It was hard to accept in the beginning, but I also like building up from scratch”
sjuush openly admits that he went through tough times after leaving HEROIC and being forced to grind lower-tier qualifiers. Still, he finds motivation in this new project and takes satisfaction in seeing the team slowly make progress.
“This is one of the most important events for us… We definitely don’t plan on going out early”
This quote highlights just how crucial PGL Astana is for NIP. Due to their low VRS rating, the team has lost access to direct invites to major events — making this tournament a chance to shift momentum and rebuild their status.
“I have more of a voice in the team, can share my opinion, and help the younger players”
sjuush points out that his role in NIP has grown significantly. He’s no longer just a rifler — he’s also a mentor, particularly in mid-rounds and team communication. It resembles the strong structure he was once part of in HEROIC.
“The VRS system is pretty bad… You basically have to win everything”
The Danish player openly criticizes the current VRS-based qualification structure, saying it effectively locks out younger or rebuilt rosters from entering big tournaments. He sees it as unfair and overly punishing — even though he admits he doesn’t have a clear solution.
Read more: Top 5 Players of Day One at PGL Astana 2025
Back from the depths: how sjuush’s experience could shape the new NIP
sjuush’s interview is more than a reflection on a single win. It’s a glimpse into the mindset of a seasoned player who went from lifting trophies with HEROIC to grinding through open qualifiers. His words about the difficulty of returning to the top feel sincere and motivating.
He doesn’t complain — instead, he embraces the grind, commits to the team’s growth, and offers his experience as a foundation. His new role in NIP goes far beyond getting kills. It’s about leadership, communication, and stability, all of which could be critical in defining this new version of the team.
His criticism of the VRS system stands out. It’s one of the first loud signals from a tier-one player who has personally felt the weight of the current rules. If more voices echo similar frustrations, it could force tournament organizers to revisit the system.
The scene has changed — and so has sjuush: a player with something to say
This interview shows that even tier-one-level players can find themselves pushed to the sidelines — and that returning to the top isn’t just about skill anymore, but also about navigating the tournament system itself. But it also demonstrates the power of experience, resilience, and the desire to impact the game in a new way.
sjuush isn’t just coming back — he’s transforming into a player with a voice, someone who has something to say to both his team and the wider scene. And that makes his return to the LAN stage even more meaningful.
Source: HLTV.org
