B1ad3 Praises makazze’s Impact as NAVI Regain Momentum at IEM Rio
B1ad3 Praises makazze’s Impact as NAVI Regain Momentum at IEM Rio
Natus Vincere head coach Andrey 'B1ad3' Gorodenskiy has praised the exceptional form of rising star makazze while reflecting on NAVI’s turbulent yet ultimately successful path to the playoffs at IEM Rio 2026.
The Ukrainian squad secured the final playoff spot after defeating Aurora 2-1 in the lower bracket final of Group B, completing what B1ad3 described as “the hard way” route following a frustrating loss to FURIA earlier in the event.
Inconsistency and Frustration in Rio
B1ad3 openly admitted that NAVI’s performance throughout the group stage was inconsistent and, at times, difficult to explain. The team showed strong starts in several series, often dominating opening maps, but struggled to maintain that level across entire matches.
One of the most puzzling moments for the coach came in a lost anti-eco round, where NAVI failed to convert against Tec-9 pistols despite having what he considered superior positioning. He emphasized that situations like these were highly unusual, noting that the team simply failed to secure kills they would normally convert.
This inconsistency aligns with earlier concerns B1ad3 has voiced about NAVI’s lack of firepower in certain matches, an issue that has occasionally undermined otherwise solid tactical setups.
makazze’s Breakout Form
Despite the team’s ups and downs, B1ad3 singled out makazze as a major positive, highlighting the young rifler’s rapid development and current impact:
The way makazze is playing is amazing.
The 2025 promotion from NAVI Junior to the main roster has proven to be a key turning point for both player and team. Initially described as a prospect with “good potential” , makazze has now evolved into one of NAVI’s most reliable performers.
During the IEM Rio group stage, he emerged as the team’s top-rated player with a 1.34 rating, underlining his growing importance within the lineup.
His rise follows a broader trend: after joining the main roster in mid-2025, makazze steadily adapted to B1ad3’s structured system, benefiting from close individual work with the coach and transitioning from a high-risk style to a more disciplined approach.
Improving Through Structure and Analysis
B1ad3 attributed NAVI’s improving consistency not just to individual performances, but to a stronger team-wide understanding of their weaknesses. He explained that the squad has focused heavily on reviewing mistakes, identifying recurring issues, and reinforcing solutions through practice.
This structured approach has helped stabilize their gameplay over time, allowing them to better translate preparation into official matches. Combined with makazze’s form, it has been a key factor in NAVI’s ability to recover after setbacks during the tournament.
Resetting Expectations After EPL Victory
Coming into IEM Rio, NAVI were still adjusting their expectations following their recent triumph at ESL Pro League Season 23, where they secured a major title and demonstrated their potential as a top-tier contender.
Earlier in the season, B1ad3 had emphasized the need for the team to win a trophy to prove they were capable of building a long-term project. With that milestone achieved, NAVI are now shifting their focus toward consistency and sustained success rather than isolated results.
Looking Ahead: Playoffs and Stronger Opposition
With a playoff berth secured, NAVI moved on to face tougher opposition in the arena stage, including top contenders such as Team Vitality—widely considered the benchmark team in the current competitive landscape.
B1ad3 acknowledged that the competition at the top is extremely tight, with multiple teams fighting for position just behind Vitality, making consistency and individual form—like that shown by makazze—even more critical moving forward.
Conclusion
NAVI’s journey at IEM Rio highlighted both their lingering inconsistencies and their growing potential. While tactical issues and missed opportunities remain a concern, the emergence of makazze as a high-impact player offers a strong foundation for future success.
Under B1ad3’s guidance, the team appears to be transitioning from a rebuilding phase into a more stable contender—one that is increasingly capable of competing at the highest level, provided they can maintain consistency across entire series.
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