Talking about ESWC, it is precisely that last failure that seems to have urge the team to make a deeper change, replacing a player. For an already legendary team that last over two years with the same roster, this move, surely will be one of the most remembered in CS history. Considering all of this, NiP status has changed and replacing Fifflaren with Maikelele is confirming that feeling. Indeed, it is now difficult to predict NiP as clear favorites in every match-ups, the domination is over for good. The team is at its worst and it is time now to go back on top. And as such, what better opportunity that DreamHack Winter to bounce back? Will they have the strengths to rule again?

With now a few days with the new roster, how are you feeling, in game and outside the game?

As of this moment it feels quite good, still very early though we only played for about a week so far. Maikelele is a really chill dude and will fit right in, haven´t met him personally yet but that will come soon enough as bootcamp is just around the corner!

You returned to the competition with the caseking tournament. You are doing well so far, is everything fixed? Do you still need to make some adjustments to find your A-game?

It felt good winning both games, even though the last map ended up in overtime I am happy with the performance. There is a lot of stuff we have to do until we reach our peak as a team, and that is something we are working hard on as dreamhack is getting closer and closer.

Fifflaren, irreplaceable?

Maikelele is now known for being a complete player, impressive skill wise, and efficient with the awp, but how does he fit within the NIP team play?

Maikelele is indeed a very skilled individual, he may lack a few things when it comes to high-end gaming, but that is something he picks up very fast and he is very good at trying stuff out so he can improve fast. Regarding the teamplay it will come naturally during these weeks but so far its looking promising.

We knew the impact Robin could have on the team spirit and momentum, especially outside the game, do you fear lacking this component in your team?

Robin was a great guy and I am very happy to have had the chance to play with him, sure we may fall short on some stuff, but this is something we gotta work as a team to make sure it does not happen.

Pita, the sixth ninja

Pita has been around for a while now, acting as a coach. Winning the ESL One appeared like a huge success partially thanks to this method but then, results have been a lot shaky. How are you working with him? Can you comment his impact on both the strategic field and the mental during events?

Pita gives us great insight of what our opponents will be doing or how they play during a given situation, aswell as small good-to-know stuff for each player on each position. He is also very good when it comes to keeping the motivation up for the team and always tries to find solutions when things get rough during a game.

For a few weeks now, fnatic and LDLC can legitimately be placed on top of the scene and the funny thing is that they display a kind of “old school NIP play” which relies a lot on mid round calls, adaptability and skill. Considering that they have good chances to perform well at DH, will you prepare specifically to counter them? Are there other teams you need to focus on?

We will have to focus on every single team we meet at Dreamhack, we will take each match as they come and work our way back to the top.

NiP lost to Platinium at the ESWC, the wake up call? 

After an early exit at ESWC, NIP does not impress as much as before and with this lineup change, other teams will not consider you as clear favorites in every match ups. How are you dealing with this new status?

It feels very weird being considered a weaker team going into matches, but that is something we only have ourselfs to blame for. And it also gives us the extra motivation to work even harder and show everyone that we can comeback and that we WILL comeback.

Thanks a lot for taking time for the French community. If you want to thank any fan or sponsor, the last lines are all yours.

I would like to say thanks to all of those who still support us and believe that we once again can reign as champions. And of course a big shoutout to our sponsors Xtrfy, Komplett, EIZO and Crucial for making sure that we have the best equipment and preperation to be able to achieve this.