Look Sports Media – Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) has a new leader at the helm of their esports operations. Grant Rousseau, the former Team Falcons executive, has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer (COO), tasked with steering the iconic brand back to the summit of Counter-Strike and beyond. In an exclusive interview with looksports.media, Rousseau shared his vision for NIP, drawing on his experiences in diverse esports ecosystems and outlining a strategic approach focused on incremental improvements and a holistic understanding of team dynamics.
Rousseau’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to competitive excellence for NIP. While acknowledging the organization’s already strong foundation, he emphasized a step-by-step plan to elevate performance across all divisions, including the renowned Counter-Strike team. "It’s not like you’re going to see some giant thing happen," Rousseau explained. "It’s all in a good spot, and it’s just a case of taking it forward bit by bit with the knowledge I have."
Beyond the immediate focus on esports, Rousseau will also leverage his operational expertise to enhance NIP’s marketing, commercial, and other departments. His experience at Team Falcons, where he oversaw expansion into numerous esports titles, provided him with invaluable insights into building and managing diverse competitive programs. However, he clarified that NIP’s approach will be more measured, prioritizing the success of existing teams in Counter-Strike, League of Legends (LPL), and Honor of Kings (KPL) before considering further expansion.
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One of the most intriguing aspects of Rousseau’s new role is his involvement with NIP’s operations in China. Having previously worked in North America, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, he sees this as a significant opportunity to learn and adapt to a unique esports landscape. "It’s a big step to sort of see how things are done here, [and] combine with things that are done there and how we can all support one another," he said. Drawing on his experience navigating the cultural nuances of the MENA market, Rousseau believes he can successfully integrate his expertise with the existing Chinese operations.
Rousseau’s philosophy for building successful esports teams centers around three core pillars: voices, hierarchy, and talent. He emphasizes the importance of balancing these elements to create a cohesive and high-performing unit. "You can’t have five superstars in the team; it never works, despite many attempting," he stated. Furthermore, he stresses the need for robust coaching systems, player development programs, and operational support to ensure that players and coaches can focus on their respective roles.
When asked about the struggles of Team Falcons’ Counter-Strike division, Rousseau declined to elaborate, but expressed optimism about NIP’s current trajectory. "I can see a lot of low-hanging fruit even from just a few days here, a lot of low-hanging fruit with the current systems, the way the team’s set up, that hopefully I can bring in and help them to continue the path upwards," he said.
Finally, Rousseau shared his candid thoughts on the state of UK esports, expressing frustration at its underperformance compared to other European nations. He believes that the UK has the potential to be a major player in the global esports scene, but requires greater focus, investment, and recognition from the government and other stakeholders.
With Grant Rousseau at the helm, Ninjas in Pyjamas are poised to embark on a new chapter, blending strategic vision with a commitment to incremental improvement. Whether he can successfully guide the organization back to its former glory remains to be seen, but his experience, passion, and holistic approach to esports management offer a promising outlook for the future.
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