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Natus Vincere is gearing up for a fresh run in the VCT 2026 season, unveiling a revamped VALORANT roster that blends familiar faces with promising new firepower. The Ukrainian organisation shared the announcement through a cinematic reveal video, confirming two new signings who will join its returning core.

A New Mix of Talent for 2026

NAVI’s updated lineup introduces Polish player Dawid ‘Filu’ Czarnecki and Turkish duelist Volkan ‘sociablEE’ Yönal. Both players arrive with solid experience in the VCT EMEA circuit, making them natural fits for NAVI’s rebuild.

Filu makes the move after his time with KOI, a chapter that ended abruptly due to Riot Games terminating its partnership with the Spanish organisation. SociablEE, meanwhile, spent the 2025 season with BBL Esports, where he made a name for himself as an aggressive and dynamic duelist.

They will play alongside NAVI’s returning trio
• Andrei ‘Shao’ Kiprskii
• Emirhan ‘hiro’ Kat
• Uğur ‘Ruxic’ Güç

Together, this five man roster aims to reset NAVI’s trajectory after a rocky 2025.

Coaching Staff Brings Stability and Veteran Insight

The squad will be guided by French coach Vincent ‘Happy’ Schopenhauer, who continues to build his legacy as one of the most respected strategic minds in the region. He will work side by side with Kyrylo ‘ANGE1’ Karasov, who recently stepped into a coaching role after retiring from competitive play earlier this year.

Assistant coach Dmytro ‘Chippy’ Bychenko will remain with the team as well, offering continuity as NAVI transitions into its new era.

As part of the roster reshuffle, NAVI parted ways with Alex ‘alexiiik’ Hawlasek, who had stepped in to replace GianFranco ‘koalanoob’ Potestio ahead of VCT EMEA Stage 2.

Reflecting on NAVI’s 2025 Performance

NAVI’s run through the 2025 VCT season was marked by inconsistency. The team opened the year with a top six finish in Stage 1, then bounced back with a stronger Stage 2, ultimately securing fourth place after a close lower bracket loss to GIANTX.

While the improvements were noticeable, it still wasn’t enough to secure enough Championship Points to qualify for Champions 2025. The organisation has now gone two full seasons without an international appearance, adding pressure to deliver in 2026.

The arrival of new talent, combined with a refreshed coaching structure, signals a serious effort to change that narrative.

When Will NAVI Debut the New Lineup?

Fans won’t have to wait long to see NAVI in action. The team is set to debut its roster at Project Blender, an open event featuring a mix of amateur, tier two, and tier one teams. It’s a chance to test chemistry, experiment with roles, and iron out strategies before the season officially begins.

From there, NAVI will turn its attention to the VCT EMEA Kickoff, launching on 20 January. With a stronger lineup and renewed motivation, the organisation will be hungry to reclaim its place among the region’s top contenders.