Natus Vincere
UkraineRegoion: Europe
Current Roster
About
Natus Vincere (commonly known as NaVi) is a professional Counter-Strike organization based in Ukraine, founded in 2009. The name Natus Vincere is Latin for “born to win,” a fitting description for one of the most iconic and successful teams in Counter-Strike history. Over more than a decade, NaVi has established itself as a dominant force in both Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), known for its star-studded rosters, tactical innovation, and consistent success on the international stage.
Origins and Rise to Fame
NaVi was founded in 2009, initially entering the Counter-Strike 1.6 scene. The team quickly became a powerhouse under the leadership of Danylo “Zeus” Teslenko and with legendary players like Yegor “markeloff” Markelov, Ioann “Edward” Sukhariev, and Arseniy “ceh9” Trynozhenko.
In 2010, Natus Vincere made history by becoming the first team ever to win all three major international tournaments in one calendar year — the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM IV World Championship), ESWC 2010, and WCG 2010. This dominant run cemented NaVi’s legacy as one of the greatest teams in the history of Counter-Strike 1.6 and established Ukraine as a powerhouse in competitive esports.
Transition to CS:GO
When Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was released in 2012, NaVi successfully transitioned into the new era, retaining much of its fan base and core identity. Under Zeus’s leadership, the team remained highly competitive, consistently qualifying for Majors and finishing deep in international tournaments.
The team’s breakthrough moment in CS:GO came with the signing of Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev in 2016, widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the history of the game. With s1mple’s addition, NaVi evolved into a world-class contender capable of challenging the best teams globally.
Over the following years, NaVi went through multiple roster iterations but remained a constant presence at the top of the scene. Their patient playstyle, structured tactics, and ability to rely on individual brilliance became trademarks of the organization.
The Golden Era — Major Champions
NaVi’s perseverance culminated in 2021, when the team achieved its greatest success in CS:GO history. Led by coach Andrii “B1ad3” Gorodenskyi, NaVi won the PGL Major Stockholm 2021, becoming the first team to win a CS:GO Major without dropping a single map. The roster — consisting of s1mple, Denis “electroNic” Sharipov, Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy, Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov, and Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy — dominated the global stage with a near-flawless performance.
In the same year, NaVi also won the Intel Grand Slam Season 3, securing one of the most prestigious achievements in Counter-Strike by winning four premier tournaments in a short period. This run solidified their place in esports history as one of the most dominant teams of all time.
The CS2 Era and New Generation
Following roster changes in 2023, NaVi transitioned into the Counter-Strike 2 era with a new international lineup, marking a significant shift from their traditionally CIS-based rosters. The new team featured Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen as in-game leader, alongside b1t, Justinas “jL” Lekavicius, Mihai “iM” Ivan, and Valeriy “w0nderful” Vakhovskiy as the primary AWPer.
This new roster achieved immediate success, proving NaVi’s continued ability to adapt and thrive in evolving competitive environments. In 2024, NaVi made history again by winning the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, the first-ever Counter-Strike 2 Major. The victory was a landmark moment, demonstrating the organization’s enduring excellence and adaptability across different generations of players and versions of the game.
Playstyle and Identity
NaVi is known for its structured tactical system, emphasizing team discipline, map control, and the ability to capitalize on star power. Under coach B1ad3, the team developed a distinctive style built around methodical setups and late-round execution, balancing precision with individual creativity.
Throughout its history, NaVi’s identity has been defined by world-class leadership, elite mechanical skill, and the ability to produce generational talents like s1mple and b1t. The organization’s commitment to excellence and consistency has made it one of the most respected names in esports.
Notable Achievements & Highlights
Champion — PGL Major Stockholm 2021
Champion — PGL Major Copenhagen 2024
Champion — Intel Grand Slam Season 3 (2021)
Champion — IEM Katowice 2020
Champion — ESL Pro League Season 14
Champion — BLAST Premier: Global Final 2020
Champion — IEM Cologne 2021
Top 4 — Multiple CS:GO and CS2 Majors (2016–2024)
Champion — BLAST Premier: Spring Final 2024
Legacy and Impact
Natus Vincere’s legacy in Counter-Strike is defined by dominance, innovation, and the ability to evolve through eras. From their historic 1.6 dynasty to their Major victories in both CS:GO and CS2, NaVi stands as one of the most successful and influential teams in the history of the game.
The organization has not only produced legendary players but also inspired generations of fans and aspiring professionals around the world. Their continued success across more than a decade is a testament to their vision, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of victory — true to their name, “Born to Win.”
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