Early season switch for NAVI
Written by m4d0o3e
After failing to qualify for the first Monthly Final, it was clear that NAVI needed some changes, and fast.
The Ukrainian org has been a staple of the Brawl Esports scene for some years now, and throughout this stint, victory has clearly been vital. However, they've had a slow start to life in East Asia, only finishing in 13-16th place in the first Monthly Qualifier after losing to rookie team S1. They have decided to take immediate action, parting ways with I see, one of the most promising talents to emerge from 2023, in favour of fellow Japanese player Sizuku, who had been playing with Ryohei and Kuru in F/A Nai Dug.
NAVI's announcement graphic. Taken from X.
Sizuku can now be considered one of the more experienced East Asian players. In 2022, he played with an underdog team named Verite Lien, formerly Cistlia, alongside Melty and Shu. Following a handful of Monthly Final qualifications, he was trusted enough and was signed by Aphelion eSports, competing with Milkreo and Dembsey, while his former teammate Shu would join midway through the season. Aphelion qualified for all but one of the Monthly Finals in 2023, which ended up denying them of a place at the Last Chance Qualifier, losing out by just one point to his future teammate and former world champ Kuru, who was at Chasmac Gaming EA.
However, he ended up playing in the LCQ anyway, after he was signed by Team Flash. There, they had high expectations, but after gaining revenge against Kuru, Sizuku's team fell in a shock upset to Reconic Esports SA. Most importantly, LCQ was the first time he teamed up with Ryohei, who he joined forces with along with Kuru, forming F/A Nai Dug. Things did not start the way they would've wanted, and they were another big-name team who failed to make the top 8 in March.
So, NAVI pounced on this incredible market opportunity of signing a skilled, experienced Japanese player to complete their roster, at the loss of I see. We will have to see if this increased stability can mean fortunes change for an org with the highest of standards.
Read more about Natus Vincere in our dedicated article about their new Japanese roster here.
Sizuku (right) pictured with Ryohei (left) at LCQ 2023, when they played for Team Flash. Image provided to BSEN by BSC.