NiP launches “Path of a Ninja” talent program

Legendary Swedish organization Ninjas in Pyjamas has launched a talent program called "Path of a Ninja" focused on grooming young Swedish talents for the top-flight of CSGO.

Legendary Swedish organization Ninjas in Pyjamas has launched a talent program called “Path of a Ninja” focused on grooming young Swedish talents for the top-flight of CSGO.

Every professional player who has climbed the treacherous mountain of professional Counter Strike, know that getting to that level needs the hard work of a lifetime. NiP looks to pickup talents who are willing to put in the effort and shape them into future stars.

Participants of the Swedish CS:GO tournament Elitserien will be scouted by the NiP jury; who will decide on two to three players to enroll in the “Path of a Ninja” program. The jury will feature NiP’s coach Björn “THREAT” Pers, NiP’s COO Jonas Gundersen, Area Academy’s CEO Tommy “Potti” Ingemarsson, and Area Academy’s head of education Fredrik “JAEGARN” Andersson. 

The players will be allowed to continue with their current teams, however, the program will offer them resources like workshops and boot camps at NiP headquarters. The experienced minds at NiP will take these talents under their wing which will make it much easier for these players to tap into their hidden potential.

The reason we became so successful during my first session in NIP 20 years ago is because we picked up young talents who we saw huge potential in. It feels like a full circle for me to start up this project together with NIP. Area Academy has been working so hard for many years to give Elitserien its current status, and I’m comfortable that we’ll find the stars of tomorrow in it

Tommy “Potti” Ingemarsson, CEO – Area Academy

Now that teams are normalizing 6 man rosters, putting CS closer to other traditional sports, these players will have even more opportunities in the future. Teams will likely look for young players as their 6th man to be used as a substitute and gradually promote them to a starter stop as they continue to pick up the experience needed.

The Jury: 

  • Björn “THREAT” Pers: former 1.6 and CS:GO pro, currently Head Coach at NiP
  • Jonas Gundersen: former 1.6 pro, currently COO at NiP
  • Tommy “Potti” Ingemarsson: former 1.6 pro, currently CEO at Area Academy
  • Fredrik “JAEGARN” Andersson: former 1.6 pro, currently Head of Education at Area Academy