The winds of change are blowing hard at Natus Vincere. Following a season that fell short of the organization’s high standards, the legendary club has officially parted ways with its main Valorant roster. This move marks the end of a chapter for the team, as NAVI prepares for a strategic shift in direction.
The departure includes players Emirhan "hiro" Kat, Uğur "Ruxic" Güç, Caide "chloric" Heaton, Abdullah "ExiT" Al-Twaijri, and Clement "CyvOph" Millard, along with head coach Kyrylo "ANGE1" Karasov. After a 2026 campaign that saw the squad struggle to maintain consistency in the VCT EMEA league, the decision signals a clean slate for the organization.
A New Era with NAVI Junior
With the main roster now disbanded, the focus shifts entirely to the future. Natus Vincere has confirmed that its academy team, NAVI Junior, will step up to represent the organization in the upcoming EMEA Kickoff Qualifiers. This is not just a temporary fix; it is a clear commitment to developing fresh talent.
The Junior squad, which has been honing its skills under coach Ivan "Johnta" Shevtsov, is already set to compete in the qualifier playoffs. The team features a promising lineup:
- Vitalii "Javelin" Fedak
- Herman "Kolosha" Skrypka
- Waniss "Darxcio" Mehl
- Nikita "avey" Ivanovs
- Wiktor "sizo" Bujak
This transition comes on the heels of the news that NAVI will not hold partner status for the 2027 season, prompting a pivot toward a more sustainable, developmental model. For fans looking to keep track of how this young squad performs under the pressure of the big stage, stay updated with our matches section.
Whether this gamble on youth will pay off in the long run is the question on everyone’s mind, but for now, NAVI is betting everything on the next generation. Keep an eye on the Team/Tournament hub for further updates as the qualifiers approach.