makazze

Makazze’s early steps came on the regional circuit with KS in 2023, where his mechanics and decisiveness quickly drew attention. He joined NAVI Junior in October 2023 and became the academy lineup’s primary win condition across 2024–2025. His breakout arrived at YaLLa Compass Spring 2025, where NAVI Junior went unbeaten and defeated ENCE 2–0 in the grand final; makazze posted the event’s top rating and headlined a $150,000 title—proof he could carry online dominance into pressure matches against elite opposition.

NAVI announced his promotion to the main roster in late June 2025, and he stepped in as a starter in early July. The jump to Tier-1 was immediate: at IEM Cologne 2025, makazze helped NAVI beat top teams—including FaZe and The MongolZ—en route to a 3–4th finish and a debut on one of Counter-Strike’s most iconic stages. As of August 2025, his recent-form profile reflects the eye test: a rating in the mid-1.1s, very strong opening-duel output, and high firepower—metrics that underline why NAVI fast-tracked him from academy to the main lineup.

Stylistically, makazze thrives as a pace-setter rather than a passive closer. On T-sides, he excels at taking first contact and converting space for teammates; on CT-sides, he’s trusted in high-leverage fights and quick rotations that preserve economy and momentum. Coaches highlight his willingness to learn, his willingness to play “smart CS” at Tier-1 speeds, and his composure in late rounds—traits not always common in 18-year-olds facing arena lights for the first time.

By late summer 2025, public records place his career prize money at over $60,000 across 30+ events, with LAN playoffs already on the résumé and a marquee Cologne run in his first month as a NAVI starter. With elite mechanics, fast decision-making, and a fearless approach to opening fights, Drin “makazze” Shaqiri profiles as NAVI’s next long-term rifle star—and one of European Counter-Strike’s most compelling young storylines heading into the back half of the CS2 season.