Stockholm, April 10th 2025
After a tough end to 2024 that saw NIP miss out on the Major, Artem ‘r1nkle’ Moroz returns with a fresh roster and a new chapter ahead. We caught up with him early this year to talk about the lessons learned, and how the team is approaching the rebuild with eyes set on growth in 2025.
So, you were one of last year's Breakout stars. Congratulations. How do you feel about going into 25 with this new roster?
r1nkle: I'm really excited. Kind of feeling like the old man in this roster. So yeah, I'm pretty excited. Everyone is experienced, and I'm ready to gain that experience too and keep improving.
You're both one of the youngest players on the team, but also one of the more experienced players in NIP. How are you helping the new guys settle in?
r1nkle: I mean, I wouldn’t say I’m “helping” in a big way. It's a new roster for everyone, so we're all figuring it out together. I'm just trying to make everyone feel comfortable and support them however I can.
That makes sense! Now about last year… you were one of our best players. But of course, last year's results didn't always go our way. What skills are you looking to improve for yourself going into this year? What are you most focusing on?
r1nkle: Mostly team stuff, but personally, I want to work on being less aggressive and more in flow with the team. Learning to play more passively when it’s needed. Finding that balance.
Last year was the first full year of CS2. How’s the transition been for you?
r1nkle: It’s been good. I still think it’s not an AWP-friendly meta with how the subtick system works. Sometimes you just get wrecked by rifles and there’s nothing you can do. But overall, I feel good.