The Swiss round opener between Ninjas in Pyjamas and Legacy brings together two teams with similar ranking positions but very different approaches to the game. NiP look more structured and stable in a Bo3 format, while Legacy often rely on pace and short bursts of individual form. At the start of ESL Pro League, discipline and map-pool management are likely to be decisive.
Road to the Match
The past few months for NiP have been uneven, but with clear positive signs:
- 1–2 vs 100 Thieves — issues converting advantages.
- 1–2 vs Monte — lack of late-round consistency.
- 13–2 vs 100 Thieves (Nuke) — dominant showing on a comfort map.
- 2–1 vs GamerLegion — held their nerve in decisive rounds.
- 2–1 vs M1X KS — controlled the series without losing momentum.
Snappi is gradually bringing structure to the team, xKacpersky has been consistent in firepower, and r1nkle adds confidence with the AWP. NiP look strongest when the series slows into a controlled, methodical pace.
Legacy enter the match after a difficult stretch:
- 0–2 vs FUT — complete loss of initiative.
- 0–2 vs BC.Game — problems adapting mid-series.
- 1–2 vs MIBR — unstable economy management.
- 1–2 vs Sharks — lapses in focus during key moments.
- 2–0 vs MIBR — a positive exception amid a run of losses.
dumau remains the key playmaker, arT sets the tempo and aggression, but the team often struggles with discipline in late rounds. Legacy are dangerous when they can force a fast-paced game, but they have difficulty adjusting against structured opponents.
Current Form & Context
NiP have a balanced, though not very deep, map pool. Nuke (60%) and Ancient (67%) look the most reliable, while Overpass (33%) and Mirage (40%) remain risky options. Legacy show their best numbers on Inferno (75%), but struggle on Nuke (33%) and often lose economic control across Bo3 series. Their path to success is taking their map pick and pushing the game into a chaotic scenario.
Map Pool & Veto Analysis (Bo3, last 3 months)
Dust2: NiP 50% | Legacy —
Mirage: NiP 40% | Legacy —
Inferno: NiP — | Legacy 75%
Nuke: NiP 60% | Legacy 33%
Overpass: NiP 33% | Legacy —
Ancient: NiP 67% | Legacy —
Anubis: —
Likely bans:
- NiP remove Inferno (75% for Legacy).
- Legacy remove Ancient (67% for NiP).
Likely picks:
- NiP: Nuke.
- Legacy: Mirage or Dust2 (by elimination).
Decider: Overpass or Mirage — maps where economy management and clutch rounds will likely be decisive.
VRS & Tournament Context
Ninjas in Pyjamas (#27, 1358 pts)
- +22 pts for a win
- –15 pts for a loss
Legacy (#26, 1365 pts)
- +17 pts for a win
- –15 pts for a loss
This is an important match for both teams — a win would help secure a stronger Swiss position and reduce pressure in the following rounds.
read more
Prediction
Legacy are capable of contesting their comfort map, especially if Inferno somehow remains in the pool. However, over a full Bo3 series, NiP’s more structured play, better economy control, and greater consistency should make the difference.
Expected score: Ninjas in Pyjamas 2–1 Legacy
The series should be close, but if NiP maintain control of the tempo, they have every chance to open their ESL Pro League campaign with a win.
