makazze: “Winning a Tier-One Event Means I’m Writing History”

After helping Natus Vincere claim the title at ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals, Drin Shaqiri described the victory as a historic milestone both for himself and for players from his country.

The 19-year-old rifler not only lifted his first tier-one trophy with NAVI but also earned the HLTV MVP medal for his standout performances during the tournament. The award marked a major achievement early in his top-tier career, coming less than a year after his promotion to NAVI’s main roster.

In an interview following the final, makazze said the victory represented a defining moment in his career and an important step forward for his nation’s Counter-Strike scene.

A historic milestone for makazze

Reflecting on the achievement, the young player emphasized the importance of winning a top-tier event so early in his career.

According to makazze, claiming both the trophy and the MVP medal felt “amazing,” particularly given how quickly he has established himself at the highest level of competition.

The rifler also noted that the accomplishment carries additional meaning because it represents a historic first for players from his country. In his words, earlier milestones had already been set by the Bad News Eagles, who famously qualified for the Major three times, and now his own tier-one victory adds another chapter to that legacy.

Makazze said the achievement made him feel as if he was “writing history,” highlighting the significance of becoming the first player from his nation to secure an HLTV MVP award.

A breakthrough moment for NAVI

The ESL Pro League triumph was also important for NAVI as a team. Leading into the tournament, the roster had struggled to consistently show its full potential in earlier events.

Makazze explained that the squad arrived at the playoffs confident they could win if they performed to their usual level. Once they reached the latter stages of the competition, the team focused on simply playing their game, which ultimately resulted in the championship run.

He also pointed out that his own performance improved noticeably during the playoffs compared to the earlier stages of the tournament. The increased pressure of the LAN stage appeared to motivate him, and he said he approached the decisive matches with greater confidence and determination.

The result was a standout playoff showing that helped secure NAVI the title and earned him the MVP recognition.

Playing with confidence on the big stage

Makazze credited his stronger playoff performances to a change in mentality.

During the knockout stage, he said he played “with more heart and more confidence,” suggesting that the LAN environment may have given him an extra boost.

The rifler’s form throughout the decisive matches proved crucial for NAVI’s success. His contributions helped the team defeat several strong opponents on their way to the trophy, culminating in a grand final victory that sealed the organization’s first ESL Pro League title with the current lineup.

Inspiring the next generation

Beyond the personal accolades, makazze hopes the achievement will have a broader impact on the Counter-Strike scene in his home country.

With players like himself and others beginning to make their mark internationally, he believes the success could inspire new talent to pursue professional careers. He expressed hope that younger players will feel motivated after seeing someone from their region succeed on the global stage.

Confidence for the rest of the season

Looking ahead, makazze believes the ESL Pro League victory could be a turning point for NAVI’s season. The team had been searching for a confidence-boosting result, and he feels that winning a major event like this can provide exactly that.

According to him, the trophy should give the squad greater belief going into upcoming tournaments and help them maintain momentum against the world’s top teams.

With the breakthrough victory now secured, makazze and NAVI will aim to build on the momentum as the 2026 season continues. For the young rifler, however, the milestone already represents a defining chapter in his rapidly rising career—and perhaps the beginning of a new era for players from his country.