Swedish esports organization Ninjas in Pyjamas has announced the departure of carry player Oliver “Skiter” Lepko, who joined the organization’s Dota 2 roster during September of 2019. Former Vikin player Jason “TANNER” Weedon will join the team in a mid laner role, with Nico “Gunnar” Lopez swapping to the carry position instead.
"Everyone on NiP appreciates the time & effort that Oliver has put in. We wish we would have achieved better results but unfortunately it didn't work out that way. Thank you for your earnest effort and good luck on your future teams." @Peterpandam
📃 https://t.co/wbSABeEOd6 pic.twitter.com/umny8qXE8d
— Ninjas in Pyjamas (@NIP) December 18, 2019
Ninjas in Pyjamas roster change
“Today we are announcing the departure of Oliver ‘Skiter’ Lepko, who has been playing under the Ninjas in Pyjamas banner since September of this year,” wrote the organization in a release. “The results since the signing of our new Dota 2 roster have been uneven, forcing the team to make the tough decision of replacing Skiter and welcoming new blood to the line-up.”
This news comes abruptly as the team competes in the Dota Pro Circuit 2019 – 2020 season. However, the organization states that the team’s performance after the signing of Skiter hasn’t been up to expectations. The mixed lineup was eliminated by Evil Geniuses in the North American closed qualifiers of DreamLeague Season 13, which has forced them to make the roster change.
Preparation for Dota 2 Minor
Fortunately, the team defeated J.Storm to finish first in the North American qualifiers for the 2020 WePlay! Bukovel Minor. TANNER was an essential player that almost led Vikin to their WePlay! Bukovel Minor qualifier placement. Still, the team needs to be on their A-game in order to do well at any upcoming events.
The Bukovel Minor consists of eight teams that have qualified from Regional Qualifiers competing for a $300,000 total prize pool and DreamLeague Leipzig Major seed. The teams are then separated into two groups to compete in best-of-three matches, with the top two teams advancing to the Playoffs stage. Ninjas in Pyjamas is grouped with Geek Fam, Royal Never Give Up, and Team Spirit and will play its first match on Jan. 9.
