iM Hints at NAVI Roster Changes in CS2: What We Know So Far

iM Hints at NAVI Roster Changes in CS2: What We Know So Far
Natus Vincere may be preparing another roster update in Counter-Strike 2, after Ivan “iM” Mihai posted a cryptic message that immediately caught the attention of the CS2 community.
On December 22, the Romanian rifler published a post on X containing a pen emoji (✍️) and the word “soon”, sparking discussions about potential changes in NAVI’s CS2 lineup.
While NAVI have not released any official statement, the timing of iM’s post aligns with a series of confirmed interviews, insider comments, and recent roster moves that suggest the team is still evaluating its direction.
What Did iM Say?
iM posted “✍️ soon” on X
No clarification or follow-up was provided
NAVI representatives did not comment publicly
As of now, the message itself is the only confirmed fact. However, several previously reported developments provide important context.
1️⃣ NAVI Have Already Acknowledged Possible Roster Changes
Earlier in 2025, Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen openly stated that changes were likely after the season:
“I won’t be too naive. I think changes will happen after a season like this.”
This comment came months before iM’s post and confirms that roster adjustments were internally discussed.
2️⃣ Coach B1ad3: Changes Are Not About Blame
NAVI head coach Andrii “B1ad3” Gorodenskyi also addressed the situation in an interview, emphasizing that any changes would not be about singling out individual players:
“It’s not about saying that one player is bad or failed us.”
This reinforces the idea that NAVI are looking at structural or strategic adjustments, not short-term reactions.
3️⃣ HLTV Editor Hints at Aleksib’s Potential Exit
Following NAVI’s run at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, HLTV Editor-in-Chief Milan “Striker” Švejda shared his personal impression after speaking with Aleksib:
He said he “couldn’t shake the feeling” that NAVI’s match against FaZe might have been Aleksib’s last with the team.
This was not a confirmation, but it added fuel to ongoing discussions about NAVI’s future leadership in CS2.
4️⃣ Makazze Promotion and jL’s Bench Status
NAVI have already made at least one confirmed roster move:
Drin “Makazze” Shaqiri was promoted from NAVI Junior to the main CS2 roster
Justinas “jL” Lekavicius is currently listed as benched on NAVI’s official roster page
The organization did not specify which role Makazze replaced, but the update confirms that the lineup is actively being reshaped.
5️⃣ Recent Competitive Results Add Pressure
At StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, NAVI finished 3–4th, losing to FaZe Clan in the semifinals.
After the elimination, Aleksib admitted:
“I’m just sad… the chemistry was the best it’s been in a long time.”
Despite a strong finish, the result did not bring a title — and NAVI have historically been willing to make changes even after deep tournament runs.
Current NAVI CS2 Roster (Official Listing)
As of now, NAVI list the following players:
Aleksib
iM
b1t
w0nderful
Makazze
jL — benched
What Does iM’s “Soon” Likely Mean?
Based strictly on verified information, iM’s post could indicate:
An upcoming official NAVI announcement
A contract or roster update
News involving iM himself, either staying or moving
At this stage, no transfer, benching, or signing has been confirmed.
Conclusion
iM’s cryptic message does not confirm a roster change on its own — but it appears in a context where:
NAVI players and staff have publicly acknowledged upcoming changes
The organization has already modified the roster
Industry figures have raised questions about Aleksib’s future
Until NAVI make an official announcement, all conclusions remain speculative. However, the evidence clearly shows that NAVI’s CS2 roster situation is still evolving — and news may indeed arrive “soon.”



