BIG Equipa sign British star, aiM – BIG CGO provides statement on future of Women’s Counter-Strike

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 23/01/2026

BIG Equipa have signed former Ninjas in Pyjamas rifler, Mia ‘aiM’ Cooper. The Brit joins alongside former Overpeek player, Sofia ‘sosya’ Vasileva.

BIG are one of the few organisations to have maintained their roster in Women’s Counter-Strike following the withdrawal of ESL Impact.

aiM finds new home with ESL Impact champions

aiM was left without a home after Ninjas in Pyjamas withdrew from the female Counter-Strike scene, following the cessation of the ESL Impact Circuit.

With BIG Equipa, aiM has found a new home with the final ESL Impact Season 8 champions, with former NAVI pair Hania ‘Hanka’ Pudlis and Wiktoria ‘vicu’ Janicka finally securing an Impact title after years of heartbreak.

However, vicu departed the organisation to play with the former Imperial Valkyries core, the same core that had been in NAVI Javelins’ way for all those tournaments.

Alexandra ‘kyossa’ Tykhonska retired following the victory, leaving two spots in the roster to fill.

aiM steps in as dependable and selfless force to the roster. Capable of patiently holding sites and being first in when needed, aiM’s team focus helped NiP to two semi-finals at ESL Impact Seasons 7 & 8.

BIG admit uncertain future in Women’s Counter-Strike

Now in a new era of Women’s CS, BIG are one of the few organisations to maintain a female roster. In signing aiM and sosya, the org has reiterated its commitment.

However, a statement from BIG’s Chief Gaming Officer, Roman Reinhardt, regarding the signings states that the org “cannot ignore economic factors.”

For BIG, a timer may be ticking to see whether tournaments emerge that can justify their investment.

Roman Reinhardt’s statement in full

“At BIG, we are deliberately committed to our BIG Equipa roster – especially at a time when the scene is under pressure and losing visibility and structural support. For us, this is not a reason to step away. It’s a reason to step up.

If we talk seriously about equal opportunity in esports, we have to be willing to support the structures behind it – even when they’re not in the spotlight. Visibility doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built.

We’re also honest about reality. We closely monitor how the scene develops and we can’t ignore economic factors. Still, our clear focus is to do everything we can to stay invested and provide stability.

One thing is clear: without teams, there is no scene. And without tournaments, there is no future. That’s why responsibility doesn’t stop with organizations. Tournament organizers play a key role. Consistent formats, real exposure, and long-term commitment are essential for the growth of female CS – and this is where major organizers need to step up.

BIG will continue on this path as long as we can stand behind it responsibly. Not because it’s easy. But because it matters.”

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Darragh Harbinson is an esports writer specialising in Counter-Strike. He has written for Esports News UK, Esports Insider, UKCSGO, Dexerto, and Rush B Media.

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