Ninjas in Pyjamas have officially announced the contract extension of Artem r1nkle Moroz until the end of 2028. This move not only confirms the Ukrainian AWPer’s status as one of the most promising young talents in Europe but also highlights NIP’s long-term vision of building a competitive roster for the future.
A three-and-a-half-year contract is a rarity in modern CS2, where roster changes, short-term deals, and instability have become the norm. That’s why this news sparked such a strong reaction across the community: it’s not just a show of faith in r1nkle — it’s a strategic decision to build the team around him.
Recognition and Stability
Artem joined Ninjas in Pyjamas at the start of 2024, becoming the first Ukrainian player in the history of the Swedish organization. From his very first official matches, it was clear this wasn’t just a trial — it was an investment. r1nkle showcased high individual skill, composure under pressure, and quick adaptation to the Western team playstyle.
“This is only the beginning. I’m glad to be part of a long-term project and I’m confident we’ll achieve even more,” — r1nkle told HLTV.
In a world where results mean everything, giving a young AWPer a deal through 2028 sends a strong message: NIP see him as the heart and brain of the team for the seasons to come.
READ MORE: Match Prediction NiP vs G2: Battle for Playoff at PGL Astana 2025
r1nkle’s stats with NIP (2024–2025)
Since joining NIP, r1nkle has played over 100 maps while maintaining an average rating of 1.14. His performances on both LAN and online events have been impressive — consistently delivering when it matters most:
- YaLLa Compass Fall 2024 — 1.59 rating against Zero Tenacity on Nuke
- PGL Bucharest 2025 Europe Open Qualifier 1 — 1.32 average rating throughout the event
- Fragadelphia Las Vegas 2025 — 1.56 rating over the entire tournament
These performances prove that he doesn’t shy away from the big stage — he thrives on it.
Playstyle and Team Role
r1nkle is a cerebral player. His AWPing style is built on map awareness, spatial control, and perfect timing. He’s not just chasing frags — he’s thinking several steps ahead. Thanks to this approach, he quickly became a tactical pillar within NIP.
His impact is felt not only in numbers but in macro decisions — space taking, clutches, off-angle setups, and adapting to opponents — all of which help define the modern identity of NIP.
“I like that I’m not just a tool. I’m trusted to make decisions and influence the pace of the game,” — he said on the HLTV Confirmed podcast.
That trust is one of the key reasons this new agreement was signed at this exact moment.
Community Reaction
Fans, analysts, and players from the scene welcomed the news with enthusiasm.
“r1nkle is one of the smartest and most mechanically gifted young players. NIP made the right call,” — wrote a Reddit user.
“This is a signal to everyone — NIP are done experimenting. They’re building now, and r1nkle is their cornerstone,” — commented CS analyst Jason “moses” O’Toole.
These takes show that this isn’t just another internal move — it’s a serious upgrade for the organization’s brand and long-term ambitions.
READ MORE: s1mple on FaZe, EliGE, and New Team Chemistry
What’s next?
A contract through 2028 gives both sides something rare in modern Counter-Strike: time, calm, and opportunity. NIP secure a world-class AWPer around whom they can shape their future, and r1nkle gets a platform to aim even higher:
- First Tier-1 tournament trophy
- A regular spot in the global top-10 player rankings
- A chance to become Europe’s best AWPer
It all depends on how the team develops, but the foundation has already been laid. And that foundation — is r1nkle.
