Ninjas in Pyjamas announces eMIL as Valorant head coach

Olivia Richman Published 12/09/2020

As more and more big esports organizations enter Valorant, Ninjas in Pyjamas is making big roster moves.

Ninjas in Pyjamas was one of the first major European organizations to enter Valorant, transferring its Paladins roster to te Riot-made game. When that roster fell apart, the Swedish organization signed Emir “rhyme” Muminovic and Niels “luckeRRR” Jasiek, former NiP stand-ins. This was followed by three more promising newcomers.

Rounding out the team is new head coach Jonas “eMIL” Gundersen.

In an official announcement, eMIL said it was always his dream to be a part of Ninjas in Pyjamas. He said he’s prepared to “put his heart and soul” into coaching Valorant.

“As a Swede, I couldn’t be more honoured to represent Ninjas in Pyjamas and make this dream a reality,” eMIL said.

I’m looking for a Head Coach for our Valorant squad, to come assist me in building the worlds best team. An incredibly exciting time in this game right now. Welcome @rhymeVAL and @luckeRRR_ – let’s do it!

Thanks to the old squad for their contributions! https://t.co/42vaClyKiA
— Jonas Gundersen (@jonasgundersen) June 25, 2020

Ninjas in Pyjamas expressed its happiness with the signing.

“eMIL is a young and exciting coach, showing great promise already. He brings tactical knowledge, creativity, and a deep passion for taking our Valorant team to the top,” NiP COO Jonas Gundersen stated.

We’re extremely thrilled to announce Emil @eMIL_OW Sandgren as the new coach for our VALORANT team.

Read more at https://t.co/MFqZ2xgwDR #GONINJAS #VALORANT pic.twitter.com/lsrV41BJ1C
— Ninjas in Pyjamas at Home???????????? (@NiPGaming) September 11, 2020

eMIL started his professional esports career as a flex tank in Overwatch four years ago. In 2019, eMIL was signed to Angry Titans and then moved to North American Contenders team Gladiators Legion. The roster disbanded after the end of the 2019 Overwatch season.

After that, eMIL returned to Sweden. He switched to Valorant, where he built and coached a roster with his twin and some former teammates from Overwatch. The team, now known as FABRIKEN, was considered quite promising but ultimately failed to be signed to an organization. The roster split up shortly after. Most of the team, including eMIL’s brother, were signed to FunPlus Phoenix.

eMIL joined bonk, which came in second at the LVL Valorant Clash 2 event. They beat Team Liquid in the process, putting eMIL and his squad on the map.

eMIL’s first tournament with Ninjas in Pyjamas was the BLAST Valorant Twitch Invitational, the event organizer’s first Valorant event. After a loss to Team Liquid, Ninjas in Pyjamas were knocked out of the running for the €50,000 prize pool.

GGWP @NiPGaming!

It was a pleasure to have you join us for the first ever BLAST VALORANT Twitch Invitational ????

Until next time ????#TwitchInvitational #BLASTVALORANT pic.twitter.com/9vJ5GKUVgs
— BLAST VALORANT (@BLASTValorant) September 12, 2020

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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