Building a Winning Team By Outlining Your Team’s Culture
When you’re starting a new team, whether it’s in Counter-Strike, VALORANT, or any other team game, it’s tempting to jump right into practice and strats. You want a well oiled machine that is throwing all the right smokes and flashes every round. But as Tommy “Potti” Ingemarsson explained in the latest Aimlabs Podcast, that’s only part of the formula. The real secret to building a lasting team is culture, and it’s something Potti figured out more than twenty years ago.
1: Start with Shared Values, Not Just Shared Goals
When Potti founded Ninjas in Pyjamas, esports didn’t even exist as we know it today. There were no organizations, coaches, or salaries, just players trying to win together. What made NiP different wasn’t their game plan, but their shared mindset. They built a culture based on trust, respect, and accountability.
If you’re building your own team, think beyond “we want to win.” Who doesn’t? Instead, define how you want to win. Do you value communication above all else? Do you emphasize learning from losses instead of scapegoating in Discord after the match? Establish those standards early… they’ll shape every decision and keep your team unified when pressure hits.
2: Communication Is Culture
NiP’s dominance came from the way they communicated. In an era with no coaches calling the shots, Potti emphasized open, honest talk. Everyone had a voice, and that transparency built confidence, cohesion, and chemistry.
For modern teams, that lesson still holds. Great communication isn’t just about callouts or strats, it’s about creating an environment where feedback feels safe and collaboration feels natural. Culture starts with how you talk to each other, both in and out of the game.
3: Loyalty and Leadership Go Hand-in-Hand
Potti led by example. He didn’t need to be the loudest in the room, he was the most consistent. His loyalty to his teammates built trust, and that trust fueled NiP’s run as Counter-Strike’s first dynasty.
If you’re leading a team today, understand that leadership isn’t control… it’s consistency. Show up on time. Stay calm under pressure. Back your teammates even when results aren’t perfect. Culture is built on small actions that prove you’re in it together, and culture is led by example.
4: Culture Is a Competitive Edge
In a world where every team has access to Aimlabs, VOD reviews, and strat guides, the difference-maker is culture. Potti’s NiP wasn’t just technically strong (and they were), they were emotionally aligned. They trusted each other completely, and that made them unstoppable.
Teams that focus only on skill can burn out fast. Teams that focus on culture endure – they adapt, grow, and stay hungry. If you want your team to last, build the bonds first; the wins will follow.