Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) has received the independent investigation report by Ian Smith from the Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC) into the allegations put forward by former NiP players and employees. We have had the opportunity to read the report submitted by Ian Smith to WESA in detail, and agreed to the full report being published as we believe it is important for community and industry transparency.

We are happy to see that the hard work we have carried out since 2016 reconstructing NiP is acknowledged and outlined publicly in the report by Ian Smith. The report also highlights the differences between old management before 2016, and new management after 2016. It is no secret that gross mismanagement occurred under previous management before 2016 at NiP, leading up to the sweeping management and ownership changes in 2016. Most importantly the investigation has found the allegations towards the current management of NiP and CEO Hicham Chahine either not accurate, misleading or not true. The investigation covered every single allegation put forward in detail, as well as reviewing the full history of NiP since formation of the new company in 2014. The full report can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17TvBL6P58-q9GuAd-2x1y0y-SWVJfFVX

Following the investigation and its conclusions, we have been informed the following by the WESA Commissioner Pietro Fringuelli:

No warnings or sanctions will be issued towards NiP.

NiP will remain a full member of WESA.

CEO Hicham Chahine will continue on the Executive Board of WESA.

The situation has caused tremendous stress for players, employees and partners, and it’s a relief to be able to stand up straight and say that we are good people. We are human beings with an immense passion for esports; capable of making mistakes but doing so from a place of pure intentions and righting our wrongs where we find them.

To the fans who stuck with us through this, hoping to see that there was another side to the story, we offer our deepest gratitude. You help us see that there was a point saving NiP from bankruptcy in 2016, and going through the years of reconstruction. To our players, who have been overwhelmed with questions they couldn’t possibly have the answers to when all you wanted was to focus on practicing and competing, thank you for bearing with us. It was absolutely crucial that we got everything right.

As the extensive third-party investigation has concluded, and we have resolved all issues brought to our attention from the past; we are forever grateful for the support we have received throughout the history of NiP from dedicated fans and our industry colleagues. We are embarking on a new chapter of Ninjas in Pyjamas: With new investors and increased resources, welcoming new hires to strengthen the management team and organization, opening our new player training facilities to better support our players competitively, and increasing our investments into our brand and fans.

Next year is our 20th anniversary (internally we call it our 4th for obvious reasons) and we are excited for a year of celebration, amazing fan experiences and trophy lifting. We are looking forward to the future and to work on restoring the trust that has been shaken.

Sincerely yours,

EVERYONE AT NINJAS IN PYJAMAS