Ninjas in Pyjamas Marks 25 Years: From LAN Parties to Global Entertainment Empire

Posted : 30 June 2025

What began in 2000 as a casual Counter-Strike team with a quirky name has transformed into one of the most enduring and iconic brands in esports. Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP), originally formed by a group of Swedish players, has grown beyond its gaming roots into a global entertainment entity. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, NIP’s name continues to resonate on stages and screens around the world.

Initially spearheaded by Counter-Strike legends Emil ‘HeatoN’ Christensen and Tommy ‘Potti’ Ingemarsson, the team first made headlines after winning CPL Winter 2001, a milestone that established their dominance early on. Their momentum continued with international victories and acclaim.

However, player transfers to SK Gaming in 2002 temporarily dissolved the brand. By 2005, NIP re-emerged with fresh ambition, and by 2006, it had returned to winning ways with major DreamHack victories. Despite setbacks in 2007, including player exits and financial issues, the true resurgence of NIP came in 2012 with the rise of CS:GO.

The 2012 roster, featuring stars like GeT_RiGhT and f0rest, went on an unprecedented 87-map winning streak. Their triumphs, including winning ESWC 2012 and a Major title at ESL One Cologne 2014, restored NIP’s position at the top. Yet even success didn’t shield the team from structural and financial challenges. A deeper transformation was needed.

That change came with Hicham Chahine, a finance expert who became CEO in 2016. His goal was to transition NIP from a team into a scalable enterprise. Under his leadership, the organisation diversified its presence into games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Rainbow Six, and EA FC, among others. NIP’s expansion included short-lived stints in Fortnite and Overwatch, reflecting the experimental nature of growing an esports brand.

The strategic pivot continued in 2021 when NIP merged with Chinese esports operator ESV5, co-founded by Mario Ho. This union granted NIP access to China’s vast gaming market through the League of Legends Pro League (LPL). Combining NIP’s global reach and legacy with ESV5’s regional strength created a powerful alliance.

In 2024, NIP Group took the bold step of going public with a listing on the NASDAQ. Chahine described the IPO not as an endpoint but as a launchpad for broader ambitions. NIP now operates in diverse sectors including talent management, event production, hospitality, and digital content.

Looking ahead, NIP aims to build sustainable revenue streams and expand into emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. Their goal is to create an enduring brand akin to the most established football clubs. Strategic partnerships, such as with Chilliz, and international expansion highlight their vision to connect global audiences across digital and physical platforms.

From humble beginnings in LAN cafés to ringing the bell on Wall Street, Ninjas in Pyjamas has redefined what an esports organisation can achieve. As they mark 25 years, their focus is squarely on innovation, sustainability, and writing the next great chapter in competitive gaming history.

Ninjas in Pyjamas Marks 25 Years: From LAN Parties to Global Entertainment Empire

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics