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A Fresh Start for NAVI in League of Legends

Ukrainian esports giant Natus Vincere (NAVI) has officially announced the signing of Enes “Rhilech” Uçan, a rising Turkish jungler, ahead of the 2026 League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) season. The move marks the first confirmed addition in NAVI’s roster rebuild, described by the team as “the first piece of the puzzle.”

The signing was revealed through a post on X (formerly Twitter) alongside a short player profile video introducing Rhilech to fans.

From the Turkish Circuit to the Top Flight

Rhilech’s rise to the LEC has been a story of discipline and perseverance. Starting his career in 2020, he competed in the Turkish Academy League with SuperMassive Blaze Academy and Aurora Academy, where he quickly established himself as a reliable and aggressive jungler.

In 2022, he transitioned to Italy’s Proving Grounds circuit with DSYRE Esports, showcasing his skill across multiple European Regional Leagues (ERLs). Over the next few years, he gained valuable experience competing in the PG Nationals and Ligue Française de League of Legends (LFL).

Rhilech’s breakout moment came during the 2024–2025 season with BK ROG Esports, where he lifted the LFL 2025 Spring Playoffs title and secured a top-four finish at the EMEA Masters Spring 2025. His performance earned him MVP honours and recognition as one of Europe’s most promising young junglers.

Reflecting on his journey in NAVI’s profile video, Rhilech said, “From TC Academy to LEC, the only reason I got here is me being disciplined. I can’t wait for people to watch me at LEC.”

NAVI’s Road to Rebuilding

NAVI entered the LEC in late 2024 after acquiring Rogue’s franchise slot, marking its return to top-level League of Legends after an eight-year hiatus. Their debut in the 2025 Summer Split featured a roster including Adam “Adam” Maanane, Francisco “Thayger” Mazo, Emil “Larssen” Larsson, Lee “Hans SamD” Jae-hoon, and Kim “Malrang” Geun-seong.

Despite the team’s strong potential, NAVI finished fifth in Group A with a 0–4 record, prompting a major off-season rebuild. Soon after, NAVI thanked jungler Thayger for his contributions and announced he was free to explore new opportunities.

Rhilech’s signing represents the first major change as NAVI looks to refine its identity in the LEC and build a more cohesive lineup for 2026.

A New Chapter for a Legendary Organisation

Founded in 2009, Natus Vincere is one of esports’ most iconic organisations, with championship pedigree across multiple titles including Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and Rainbow Six Siege. The team’s move to invest in fresh League of Legends talent signals its determination to establish a long-term presence in the LEC.

Fans and fellow pros have shown support for the move, with NAVI’s own players and the European community congratulating Rhilech online. Fellow NAVI player SoMarcus wrote, “Welcome bro,” while others called the signing “awesome content” and predicted that “he’s going to explode in 2026.”

With Rhilech now officially joining, NAVI appears ready to rebuild around youthful energy and fresh ambition, hoping to turn its LEC project into one worthy of its storied legacy.