Ninjas in Pyjamas signs Krimbo as new IGL on loan until 2026

Ninjas in Pyjamas has brought in Karim “Krimbo” Moussa as its new in-game leader, signing the German player on loan from Berlin International Gaming until the end of 2026. The move comes as NiP continues searching for answers to a rough stretch that has seen the legendary organization slip outside the top 20 of the Valve Regional Standings.

Krimbo, 23, replaces veteran Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer, who has been moved to the bench.

From BIG’s academy to NiP’s hot seat

Krimbo climbed through BIG’s academy system before earning a spot on the main roster in March 2022, where he posted a 1.10 rating across his tenure. He reached the Legends stage at three Major tournaments between 2022 and 2024 and picked up the Roobet Cup title in 2022.

BIG benched Krimbo in October 2025. He resurfaced as a stand-in for Team Liquid at IEM Kraków 2026, where he delivered a standout performance on Nuke.

Why NiP needed to make a move

NiP has been unable to crack the top 20 of the Valve Regional Standings, the ranking system that determines qualification pathways for major events. Early exits from major events have compounded the problem. The recent departure of Artem “cairne” Mushynskyi to fnatic further destabilized a roster that was already searching for its identity. Benching Snappi signals that NiP’s leadership decided the issue wasn’t just about individual talent but about the strategic direction of the team itself.

Krimbo stepping into the IGL role is notable because he wasn’t primarily known as a caller during his time at BIG. He was valued more for his fragging ability and versatility.

What this means for NiP’s competitive future

By bringing Krimbo in on loan rather than pursuing a permanent transfer, NiP gives itself flexibility. If the experiment works and the team climbs back into VRS contention, they can negotiate a buyout. If it doesn’t, both parties walk away at the end of 2026 without long-term commitment.

The competitive landscape around NiP isn’t getting any easier. With organizations like fnatic actively bolstering their rosters, including with NiP’s own former player cairne, NiP’s management is hoping that Krimbo’s combination of youth and mechanical skill can provide the spark that Snappi’s experience could not.

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