Aleksib Praises iM’s Energy as NAVI Reach PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Playoffs

NAVI clinch playoffs after comeback win over G2

Natus Vincere secured the final playoff berth at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 after defeating G2 in a convincing 2-0 series that showcased massive comebacks on both maps. NAVI overturned early deficits on Dust2 and Ancient with dominant second halves, stringing together long round streaks to close out the match.

The victory sets up a high-stakes playoff clash against MOUZ — a team that previously defeated NAVI earlier in the tournament — making the timing of the team’s momentum especially significant.

Aleksib highlights iM’s communication as a turning point

After the match, in-game leader Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen pointed to one key factor behind NAVI’s resurgence: the return of Mihai “iM” Ivan’s vocal presence.

Aleksib said it was “very nice to see iM act this way again,” adding that his energy reminded him of the team’s strong communication during the Copenhagen Major run.

According to the NAVI captain, this was not just about statistics or fragging power. Instead, it was about emotional leadership and in-game communication — elements that can fundamentally shift a team’s confidence mid-series.

Aleksib also noted that hearing players from nearby teams being loud and energetic helped spark NAVI’s own communication, pushing the squad to match that intensity.

MR12 format makes CS2 comebacks more achievable

NAVI’s victory featured dramatic turnarounds from large deficits, a trend that Aleksib connected directly to CS2’s MR12 format.

He explained that late-half rounds now carry greater weight and that pistol and force-buy swings can rapidly shift momentum. As a result, teams have more realistic comeback opportunities compared to previous formats.

This analysis aligns with NAVI’s performance against G2, where the team built long round streaks to flip both maps decisively.

NAVI admit they must improve against top-five teams

Despite the win, Aleksib stressed that NAVI still need to raise their level against elite competition.

He admitted the team must “step up a notch against top-five teams” and emphasized the importance of emotional investment and teamwide engagement. According to him, everyone needs to be vocal and visibly committed if NAVI want to become true title contenders again.

The upcoming playoff rematch against MOUZ will be a crucial test of that progress.

From communication tension to team energy

This interview adds context to earlier discussions around NAVI’s communication.

At the BLAST Bounty Finals, a TeamSpeak clip captured Aleksib expressing frustration during a tense moment. NAVI coach B1ad3 later explained that such arguments can be normal in high-pressure competition and may simply show how much players care about winning.

The Cluj-Napoca interview shows a different side of that narrative — with Aleksib now praising strong communication and emotional energy as a major positive for the team.

iM’s long-standing mindset: team success over stats

The focus on iM’s impact beyond numbers echoes his statement during the Copenhagen Major run:

“If we win the Major and I’m last on the scoreboard, no one cares.”

That philosophy now appears central to NAVI’s identity as the team looks to rebuild consistency and compete for trophies.

NAVI vs MOUZ: a playoff rematch with extra stakes

NAVI’s reward for qualifying is a quarterfinal matchup against MOUZ — the same opponent that beat them convincingly earlier in the tournament.

With renewed communication, rising momentum, and increased confidence, NAVI now face a defining moment in their PGL Cluj-Napoca campaign.