As CS2 revolutionises the competitive landscape, Ninjas in Pyjamas is once again ready to unveil another layer of their strategic planning in anticipated short documentary, 'Roster Maniacs’.
In the short-doc, NIP delve into the critical decision-making process regarding their roster during the CS2 roster shuffle - specifically, the debate over benching either Brollan or k0nfig.
Scheduled to premiere on February 12 on BLAST channels, 'Roster Maniacs' offers fans an intimate look at the deliberations that shape a top-tier CS team.
This documentary highlights the complexities and strategic foresight involved in navigating the CS2 transfer window as viewers get a unique insight into leadership decisions.
In a revealing October behind-the-scenes meeting, Troels Robl, Director of Performance, Erik Wendel, Director of Esports and CS General Manager Björn "THREAT" Pers discuss the benching of either Brollan or k0nfig and that es3tag was coming back to the team.
“For es3tag it was basically, we needed a guy that is going to play anchor and lurk positions and also do it very well because the issue was that REZ has been playing them and I don’t think he should have done that,” coach djl said.
However, it was the decision between Brollan and k0nfig that proved to be a monumental challenge for the team.
“Everyone is excited to get going. We’re still, still not 100%, with Brollan or k0nfig. We’re leaning towards k0nfig,” THREAT revealed, highlighting the indecision that plagued the team’s discussions.
“Either way we have to make a decision that sucks. It’s the hardest decision in the world. I think we bounced back and forth three times yesterday weighing pros and cons,” he added.
In an evolving scene where youth and potential are highly valued, THREAT’s perspective on the team’s composition was clear:
“If we keep k0nfig, we will have, like, almost the oldest lineup in the scene. In general, I don’t really care about age to be honest,” THREAT says.
The conversation between Wendel and THREAT further emphasised the strategic long-term planning NIP is undertaking.
“You said Björn, from the start, that you want to look in CS2 what young players are up and coming right? Then it’s perfect to have a team that is ready to slot a young guy in whenever,” Wendel pointed out.
“Yeah, I even told Daniel this; that I will prioritise Young Ninjas more than I have in the past; especially the start of CS2,” Threat responded, signalling a shift towards nurturing young talent.
Wendel also, touches on the unpredictable nature of emerging talent within CS2, using the example of donk:
“We had a tournament in December where the top-rated player was donk, right? Sixteen-year-old, a few months ago, no one heard about him, and now he is the hottest prospect in CS2. There is going to be more of these players coming up,” Wendel says.
Looking towards the future, Wendel outlined NIP’s ambitious goals:
“The timeline is pretty clear. In January ‘25, you have to be top-competing. There are no shortcuts. There are going to be ranking points and qualifiers only. That’s the way you stay on the top. That’s when we need to be on the very top, have the best players, and have everything working out. Right now, we’re working; we’re in the beginning of that journey,” Wendel says.
“Because NIP, the goal and that has to be very clear: we are going to win tournaments. We have to be on the top,” he adds.
As NIP navigates the complexities of the CS2 era, 'Roster Maniacs' promises to give fans a rare insight into the strategic decisions that shape the team.
From the nuanced discussions around player roles to the overarching strategy for future success.
Watch 'Roster Maniacs' on February 12 on BLAST channels.
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