The Legacy of NAVI
Natus Vincere—Latin for “born to win”—has been synonymous with Counter-Strike excellence since 2009. The Ukrainian organization remains the only team to attend all 23 CS:GO and CS2 Majors, making 17 playoff appearances and reaching 6 grand finals. That’s a record nobody else comes close to matching.
From the legendary Zeus-led lineups to the s1mple era that delivered the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 championship, NAVI has always found ways to stay relevant at the highest level. Now in 2026, they’re writing a new chapter with a completely rebuilt international roster.
Current Roster (February 2026)
| Player | Role | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Aleksib | IGL | Finland |
| iM | Rifler | Romania |
| b1t | Rifler | Ukraine |
| w0nderful | AWPer | Ukraine |
| makazze | Rifler | Kosovo |
| B1ad3 | Coach | Ukraine |
The Post-s1mple Era
When s1mple stepped down from the active roster in October 2023, many wondered if NAVI could maintain their elite status. The answer came at PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, where the Aleksib-led squad defeated FaZe Clan 2-1 in the grand final—proving they could win without the greatest player in CS history.
The 2025 season brought more changes. jL stepped down in July 2025, leading to makazze’s promotion from NAVI Junior. The 19-year-old Kosovar rifler had been tearing through academy circuits, and his aggressive playstyle injected fresh energy into the veteran core.
s1mple officially departed NAVI on July 28, 2025, ending a nine-year relationship with the organization. He joined BC.Game, closing one of the most storied chapters in esports history.
Recent Tournament Results
NAVI’s 2025-2026 season has been a rollercoaster. They claimed victory at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 and finished 2nd at Thunderpick World Championship 2025. However, the team has struggled for consistency at the biggest events.
At IEM Kraków 2026, they finished 9th—a disappointing result for an organization with their pedigree. The ongoing PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 saw them eliminated by MOUZ in the quarterfinals, with dominant losses on Inferno and Mirage.
Currently ranked #8 in the HLTV world rankings, NAVI remains a playoff-caliber team but faces questions about whether this roster can challenge Vitality and Falcons for Major titles.
Betting Considerations
When betting on NAVI matches, consider these factors:
Map pool: This roster has historically performed well on Ancient and Nuke, but their Inferno has been exploitable. Pay attention to map vetoes—if opponents can force NAVI onto uncomfortable maps, upset potential increases.
Experience under pressure: Aleksib and B1ad3 have decades of combined experience in high-stakes matches. NAVI rarely choke in elimination scenarios, making them reliable underdogs in best-of-three playoffs.
Young talent variance: makazze is capable of explosive performances but can also go quiet against elite opposition. His form significantly impacts NAVI’s ceiling.
Looking for the best odds on NAVI matches? Check out our for competitive lines and live betting options.
What’s Next for NAVI
Despite recent struggles, NAVI’s infrastructure remains world-class. B1ad3 is one of the most respected coaches in Counter-Strike, and the organization has shown willingness to invest in talent development through their Junior program.
The question facing NAVI in 2026 is whether Aleksib can elevate this roster to championship contention, or if another rebuild awaits. With ESL Pro League Season 23 and the Cologne Major on the horizon, answers are coming soon.
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