Ninjas in Pyjamas part ways with es3tag
Ninjas in Pyjamas have announced today that they are parting ways with Patrick "es3tag" Hansen. The Danish player leaves the organization after a turbulent three-year stint, marked by multiple benchings, and brief returns to the active lineup.
Es3tag joined Ninjas in Pyjamas in late 2021 and quickly made an impact in the first half of 2022. After the loss of Nicolai "device" Reedtz at the end of 2021, the Dane helped NIP reach the semi-finals at ESL Pro League Season 15 and the quarter-finals of the PGL Major Antwerp. This period of success culminated in a win at the Global Esports Tour Dubai, establishing es3tag as a key figure during that time.
However, as the year progressed, NIP's performance faltered. By the latter half of 2022, es3tag was benched as the team entered a period of constant change. His benching was the first of many interruptions in his tenure with the Swedish organization.
Es3tag returned to NIP’s active roster in late 2023, following the appointment of Björn "THREAT" Pers as General Manager, but the comeback was short-lived. Following the team’s failure to qualify for the first CS2 Major at PGL Copenhagen, he was once again benched in February 2024.
Since then, es3tag has not returned to the lineup and has remained silent on social media. He has yet to comment on his departure from Ninjas in Pyjamas, leaving his future in competitive Counter Strike uncertain.
As NIP moves forward, es3tag’s departure marks the end of a challenging era for both the player and the organization.
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Featured Image Source: João Ferreira/PGL
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