Navi Team

History of Creation

The team Natus Vincere, better known as Na’Vi, was founded in 2009 by Ukrainian entrepreneur and esports enthusiast Alexander “ZeroGravity” Kokhanovskyi. The name of the team, translated from Latin, means “born to win,” which perfectly reflects its spirit and ambition. Na’Vi emerged during the rise of Counter-Strike and quickly became one of the leading esports organizations in the world.

First Roster and Early Success

Na’Vi’s initial roster for Counter-Strike 1.6 was star-studded and included:

• Daniil “Zeus” Teslenko (captain),
• Ioann “Edward” Sukhariev,
• Yegor “markeloff” Markelov,
• Serhiy “Starix” Ischuk,
• Arseniy “Ceh9” Trynozhenko.

This lineup etched its name in esports history by winning several major tournaments. Their most significant achievement was their victory at ESWC 2010, IEM Season V World Championship, and WCG 2010, making Na’Vi the first team to win all three of the largest tournaments in a single year. This feat solidified their legendary status in the esports world.

Transition to CS and New Challenges

After the release of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS) in 2012, Na’Vi faced the challenge of adapting to the new game. The team underwent several roster changes to reclaim its former glory. One of the most pivotal moments in Na’Vi’s CS history was the signing of young talent Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev in 2016. S1mple quickly became one of the top stars in the global scene, and with his arrival, Na’Vi significantly strengthened its position.

Major Victories

One of the most memorable moments for Na’Vi was their victory at the PGL Major Stockholm 2021, where they won their first-ever CS Major without losing a single map throughout the entire tournament. This achievement was especially significant, as the team had come close to victory in several other major tournaments but had fallen short until then.

Another notable victory was at the Intel Extreme Masters XIV in Katowice in 2020, where Na’Vi dominated their opponents and once again proved they were one of the strongest teams in the world.

Success in Other Disciplines

Besides CS, Na’Vi also achieved tremendous success in other esports disciplines. In Dota 2, they became champions of the first-ever The International 2011, where the lineup featuring Dendi, XBOCT, Puppey, and other legendary players took home the $1 million prize. This victory remains one of the most iconic moments in Dota 2 history.

Key Players and Legacy

Over the years, Na’Vi has been home to many legendary players. In CS, these include players like S1mple, Zeus, Flamie, and GuardiaN. In Dota 2, it’s players like Dendi, Puppey, and XBOCT.

Na’Vi has always been a team known for combining strong individual skills with outstanding team chemistry. Their influence on the development of esports is undeniable. Today, Na’Vi remains one of the most recognizable and successful organizations on the global stage.

Na’Vi is more than just an esports team; it is a symbol of the Eastern European esports scene, a team that has set the standard and continues to inspire new generations of players. Their story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and a relentless pursuit of victory, which is what makes them true legends of the esports world.