NAVI venture into East Asia
Written by Penguin
2024 poses a mighty challenge for NAVINATION with their formidable new APAC roster.
The first of the Japanese is Achapi, a two-time world champion and one of the most decorated players in the world. Last year, he also competed with Levi in REJECT, after his back-to-back World Final victories with ZETA DIVISION and ZETA DIVISION ZERO in the 2 years prior.
Next, is an ex-REJECT pro player in Levi. Levi emerged into the scene as Yottan in 2022, where he played with Menmi and Battoman in a team called Winter. They often challenged the two ZETA teams, the strongest at the time, however, they disbanded soon after signing for 3R Gaming. In 2023, he teamed up with Menmi again, this time with Achapi as well, signing for REJECT, one of the biggest Japanese orgs.
Finally, NAVI signed the heart of CMG EA in I see. I see is a relatively unknown player, only having the opportunity to show his worth since last year. He started the year with Mameshi, Ryohei and Reskuku, and after shocking everyone by finishing second in the SPS APAC Challenge, the team disbanded. I see went onto join underdog team Sunny Tin, upsetting Chasmac Gaming EA on their way to the Monthly Finals. He was then signed by CMG EA, and was vital in their run to LCQ, which is the reason NAVI have picked him up.
NAVI's announcement graphic. Taken from X.
This roster, accomplished as it may be, has quite a few hurdles to overcome with an ever-changing meta, a scene full of extremely talented pro players, and underdogs, and with the merging of 3 sub-regions, the latency issues. Following an elimination in the lower bracket of the first monthly qualifiers, they're in a delicate position for the year ahead. With only 4 LAN spots up for grabs, each point counts! Last year, Achapi and Levi's REJECT were not able to qualify for the World Finals despite being one of the favourites, as East Asia's draft was their shortcoming yet again. Meanwhile, I see competed with Chasmac Gaming EA, though again, they were out-drafted, and surprisingly, the team finished bottom of their group. If they are to get greater international and domestic success this year, they must adapt and overcome these challenges along with building their team synergy at a rapid pace - only 4 monthly finals remain for them to shake the leaderboards up. However, these EA pros are often known for their ability to maintain composure under pressure. Will Achapi, the two-time world champion, often underestimated despite all his achievements speaking volumes of his ability, be able to lead this young roster to glory?
Levi at LCQ 2023, where he played alongside Achapi for REJECT. Image provided to BSEN by BSC.