Information has surfaced regarding potential changes within the NAVI roster. Their recent performances have raised doubts among the community and experts, and this may lead to lineup changes after their run at the Major.
This information comes from individuals close to the organization, such as Arseniy “ceh9” Trynozhenko, and is supported by a statement from OverDrive, who believes that changes in the team are inevitable. According to ceh9, the main issue is not the AWPer, who has strong potential and has been showing consistent performance, but rather the in-game leader, who he believes simply doesn’t fit NAVI’s current needs. The team, in his view, requires a captain who not only has a tactical understanding of the game but also the mechanical skill to lead the team by example:
“We are now in the era of captains like during Boombl4’s time in NAVI—a sort of burst-style IGL who is also mechanically skilled. I believe NAVI needs that kind of captain, not a strategy-heavy one, since they already have B1ad3.”
So it seems that we may soon see new faces in the team, either in the AWPer role or, more likely, in the position of in-game leader. Let’s take a look at some potential candidates for both of these key roles.
Potential Changes in NAVI’s Roster
In-Game Leader Role
Finnish player Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen, who joined NAVI in June 2023, may be on his way out. Despite being known for his structured approach and experience in international lineups, his style might not align with NAVI’s current needs. With strategic duties covered by coach Andrii “B1ad3” Horodenskyi, the team likely needs a more aggressive, individually skilled captain—akin to Boombl4 during his tenure.
Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen – In-Game Leader
- Rating: 0.93 (past 3 months)
- Kills: 189
- Deaths: 276
- Average Damage per Round (ADR): 59
- Headshot Percentage: 71%
- KAST: 44.4%
- Deaths per Round: 0.69
- Clutch Success Rate: 53%
- Notable Achievement: 3rd place at IEM Katowice 2025 with NAVI
AWPer Role
Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov replaced Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev in October 2023. Despite rumors of a potential replacement, NAVI’s management has denied them, expressing continued trust in the young Ukrainian AWPer. w0nderful has shown consistent performance and holds promise for future develop
Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov – AWPer
- Rating: 1.16 (past 3 months)
- Kills: 280
- Deaths: 263
- ADR: 77
- Headshot Percentage: 109%
- KAST: 74.95%
- Clutch Success Rate: 66%
- Major Achievements: 1 Major win; 3 Majors played ment
Possible Replacements
For In-Game Leader:
- Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer (Denmark): A highly experienced IGL with a strategic mindset and proven leadership in top-tier competition.
- Danylo “headtr1ck” Valitov – A young Ukrainian talent who previously played for NAVI Junior and Ninjas in Pyjamas, showing strong leadership potential.
For AWPer:
- Danylo “r1nkle” Haraiev – A promising AWPer from B8, considered a long-term prospect.
- Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev was benched by NAVI in October 2023, taking a break that has now lasted nearly a year. Initially, it seemed like his return was just a matter of time, but NAVI’s later success — including their Major victory in Copenhagen — led the organization to stick with their current roster. However, the team is currently not in its best shape and far from peak form. Bringing back a player of s1mple’s caliber could have a very positive impact on their performance. After all, we all know what s1mple is capable of in-game — and we all want to see that magic again.
READ MORE:s1mple on the Sidelines: What’s Holding Back the Legend’s Return to NAVI
Impact on Major Preparation
Any roster changes could significantly impact NAVI’s preparation for the upcoming CS2 Major. A change in the IGL or AWPer role requires time for adaptation and developing team chemistry. However, if adjustments are made in advance, they could potentially strengthen NAVI and give the team a fresh competitive edge at the tournament.
But in any case, any roster changes will happen only after the Major, so the current lineup needs to stay calm and approach the upcoming matches with a clear mind. I’m confident that if they deliver a strong performance at the Major, the discussion around potential replacements might be reconsidered in their favor.
