The off-season is always a period of intense speculation, and for Natus Vincere, it was no different. Despite the constant pressure to optimize their lineup, the organization ultimately chose to stick with their current core. In a recent interview, legendary coach Andrii "B1ad3" Horodenskyi shed light on the internal discussions that almost led to a different look for the team this season.
"We were close to making some changes, but eventually we understood it couldn't happen," B1ad3 admitted. The coach revealed that the organization had engaged in negotiations with potential targets, but market competition and logistical hurdles made a move difficult to execute.
Rather than forcing a change for the sake of it, the team reached a collective conclusion: the value of their existing chemistry outweighed the risks of a new signing. B1ad3 emphasized that the "knowledge and material you build as one unit" is a critical factor in their success. Having played together for over a year, the current roster—featuring Aleksib, iM, b1t, w0nderful, and makazze—has developed a level of cohesion that is difficult to replicate quickly.
This decision to maintain stability comes after a period of intense scrutiny following their exit from the recent Major. While fans and pundits were quick to call for fresh blood, B1ad3’s approach remains calculated. He noted that the team’s previous success, including two tournament wins last season, was a direct result of their long-term synergy.
As NAVI continues their campaign at the Esports World Cup 2026, the focus shifts back to execution. The team has already secured a victory over 3DMAX, signaling that their commitment to this lineup might be the right path forward. Whether this faith in the current core will pay off in the long run remains the biggest question for the black-and-yellow squad.
For more updates on the team's performance and upcoming fixtures, keep an eye on our matches section or check out our latest MyEsports predictions.