NIP have gone through a lot of changes in 2023 and the latest change will see IGL hampus benched in favour of the returning es3tag.
es3tag has been part of NIP since late 2021, although he has been out of action for all of 2023 thus far following his benching by the organisation in December 2022.
hampus joined NIP in 2020, and remained a key member of the team until he stepped back in January of this year. Reinstated to the roster in June, he departs after just four months with the team.
This move shouldn't particularly come as a surprise to fans - general manager THREAT highlighted an issue with a "lack of leadership" when he re-joined the organisation.
However, with NIP removing hampus from their team it is now unclear who will be acting as in-game leader for the Swedish organisation.
As for es3tag, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), THREAT said "Patrick is a very unique player being able to always provide what the team needs, even bringing the AWP back in 2022."
Fans won't have to wait long to see es3tag in action, NIP are set to play in both the Roobet Cup and the Thunderpick World Championship this week.
Following those online events, es3tag will then get the opportunity to play in front of his home crowd as NIP attend BLAST Premier Fall Final in Copenhagen's Royal Arena.
NIP qualified for the event with a first-placed finish at BLAST Premier Fall Groups after a surprise 2-0 victory over BLAST.tv Paris Major champions Team Vitality.
BLAST ApS., Hauser Plads 1, 3., 1127 Copenhagen