NIP replace Virtus.pro and face Falcons in Thunderpick opener
Visa and health issues force a late withdrawal before the Malta event starts on 14 October.
Ninjas in Pyjamas will take Virtus.pro's place at Thunderpick World Championship 2026 and open against Falcons. The change gives NIP a route into the eight-team event in Malta, scheduled for 14-18 October.
In its 9 October statement, Virtus.pro said F0R3VER had temporarily stopped competing for health reasons, while AquaRS faced visa difficulties. The club explored substitutes but could not arrange their visas in time.
Why the replacement comes from Europe
HLTV says withdrawals within 20 days of the event trigger a replacement from the next eligible team in the host region. In Malta, that European route brought NIP into the field.
NIP join Falcons, 9z and Aurora in Group A. Group B contains Legacy, PARIVISION, FURIA and BETBOOM. The opening round also pairs 9z with Aurora, Legacy with PARIVISION and FURIA with BETBOOM.
Two places per group lead to the playoffs
The event uses two GSL groups with best-of-three series, sending four teams into single-elimination playoffs. The grand final is best-of-five, and a third-place match is also scheduled. NIP have their invitation and opening opponent confirmed; progression will depend on the matches still to come.
Sources
- Virtus.pro: official withdrawal statement, 9 October
- HLTV: NIP replacement, invite rule and opening draw
- HLTV: event dates, field and competition format
Checked on 13 October 2026, Malaysia time. The withdrawal was announced on 9 October; this preview covers the updated field ahead of the 14 October start.