- It was reported that Ninjas in Pyjamas’ elite AWPer Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz won’t return soon
- The player went absent around the end of 2021 as he was facing severe burnout because of the difficult year
- Devi1ce will take his time to recover. In the meantime, Love “phzy” Smidebrant will play in his stead
As Ninjas in Pyjamas’ star player, Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz, is still struggling with some personal issues, the organization will use the Academy player Love “phzy” Smidebrant as an AWP substitute.
Dev1ce Is Still Facing His Demons
Sad news for the Swedish esports organization Ninjas in Pyjamas – one of their star Counter-Strike players, Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz, is still absent because of burnout and will not be returning in the near future. So was reported by the esports news outlets Dexerto and 1pv.fr.
Around the end of 2021 dev1ce stopped participating in NiP’s games. Fans started speculating what reasons for the absence are, which prompted the player to come out and reveal what was wrong. Dev1ce explained that 2021 has been a difficult year for him. His mental health had reached a breaking point and he really needed to take a breather.
Yesterday dev1ce made an announcement of his own, revealing that he is slowly working towards a safe return and can’t wait to play with NiP once again.
Dev1ce is known as an exceptional player who has won four Major Counter-Strike: Global Offensive majors throughout his career and is considered to be one of the best athletes in the game. He used to play for Astralis for several years before joining NiP last spring.
Phzy Will Step in Dev1ce’s Shoes
Since dev1ce won’t be playing in the BLAST Premier Spring Groups, Ninjas in Pyjamas was quick to find a temporary substitute. Love “phzy” Smidebrant will join the team as an AWPer. Phzy is an athlete from NiP’s Academy roster and is expected to be a worthy substitute to his senior. This wouldn’t be the first time phzy has joined in dev1ce’s stead either. The Academy player had his first chance to shine in December when dev1ce first went absent.
Meanwhile, NiP acquired another AWP player, Jack “Jackinho” Ström. Jackinho was playing for Fnatic but was released from the team around the end of the year. Jackinho will take phzy’s place in Young Ninjas.
While phzy and Jackinho will no doubt give their best to live up to the expectations, let’s hope that dev1ce will overcome the difficulties and will once again return to demolish his esports adversaries.
