What the new Natus Vincere roster can do
The legendary Natus Vincere CS:GO roster has undergone dramatic renovations heading into 2022. Out are longtime stalwarts Perfecto, electronic, and support player npl. In are Aleksib, iM, and jL.
This injection of fresh blood follows a dip in results for Na’Vi in recent tournaments. Betting on the new version of a team or any other cyber sport is always possible on the Pin Up platform. It also offers Pin Up casino official.
Aleksib’s appointment as in-game leader caused the biggest shockwaves. The Finnish tactician has bounced between Europe’s top teams in the last few years, including Ence, OG, G2 and most recently NiP. Despite his pedigree, Aleksib has failed to win big trophies or establish lasting tenures on any roster. Teaming up with notoriously demanding superstar s1mple will be his biggest leadership test yet.
IM
The 23-year-old iM has long been hailed as an emerging talent. IM earned global plaudits for his starring role in underdogs GamerLegion’s surprise quarterfinal run at the PGL Antwerp Major.
His aggressive aim and confident playmaking suggest a potential superstar in the making. Yet IM’s overall resume remains threadbare. Prior to this year, he had minimal experience facing tier 1 opposition during stints with unheralded sides like Nexus and Red Bee.
After years of patience, IM has finally earned his shot on the big stage. Na’Vi’s firepower and structure could be the perfect environment for him to transform from prospect to consistent world beater. However, the step up to s1mple’s level is monumental.
jL
23-year-old jL took a similar route to Na’Vi through Major heroics. The rifer excelled in Falmes’ surprise Antwerp quarterfinal appearance, earning his reputation as an up-and-coming talent. Behind IM, jL was arguably the breakout star of the Major.
Yet despite his obvious potential, jL has some catching up to do developing into a world class player. His past two years were spent on the tier two scene, competing in subtop sides like MCES. jL has minimal experience playing tier 1 Counter-Strike or opponents.
Na’Vi presents the ultimate opportunity to unlock jL’s abilities. He provides firepower, youth and balance. However, like IM, jL only has a brief Major run to justify this dramatic step up in competition. At 23, his window to establish himself at the highest level is closing fast.
Aleksib
Aleksib joins Na’Vi as one of the scene’s most seasoned and respected in-game leaders. The Finn has led a diverse collection of talent-laden rosters over the years, including Ence, OG, G2 and NiP. His strategic mind and ability to enable superstars are well-regarded.
However, Aleksib also brings a patchy track record of winning titles and instability. The Finn has developed a mercenary reputation, unable to establish a long tenure on any roster. His demanding style supposedly led to fractures within OG and G2’s all-star lineups. Aleksib’s greatest challenge will be meshing with s1mple’s fiery passion and relentless perfectionism.
At his best, Aleksib can lead any team to new heights. But can he break his trend of short stints and fractured relationships to build a lasting legacy? Na’Vi represents Aleksib’s best roster since his early Ence days. Yet chemistry with s1mple is sure to be tested through growing pains.
What’s the bottom line?
On paper, Na’Vi’s latest lineup looks far removed from a world-beating juggernaut. The core of the team lacks veteran stars and championship pedigree. Both IM and jL are unproven talents who earned their shot through fleeting Major runs. Aleksib is a seasoned but mercurial leader who has not won titles in years.
Yet there is likely method to Na’Vi’s apparent madness. The fresh faces inject needed hunger and balance around s1mple. Aleksib’s tactics could unlock this young squad’s latent firepower. Under coach Blade’s masterful eye, the raw ingredients exist for greatness.
However, Na’Vi’s rejuvenation is far from guaranteed. The team’s ceiling depends on unproven talents adapting quickly to the highest level. Aleksib must break his trend of fractured tenures and bond with simple. With the right chemistry and patience, Na’Vi’s bold new era could bear fruit. But the road ahead is paved with uncertainty.