Ukrainian esports organization Natus Vincere (NAVI) has officially announced its return to the Apex Legends competitive scene, introducing a fresh lineup and coach for the upcoming season. The reveal came through a trailer shared on YouTube, showcasing the team’s new members—all of whom were formerly part of GoNext Esports, the reigning champions of the ALGS 2024 Championship.
Introducing the New Roster
According to a post on NAVI’s official X account, the new roster is composed of seasoned players with extensive experience in Apex Legends esports:
- Jose ‘Uxako‘ Llosa
- Kyllian ‘zhidan‘ Brun
- Filipe ‘Hiarka‘ Morgado
Coaching responsibilities will be handled by Francisco ‘Esteves33‘ Esteves, who also coached the GoNext squad during their championship-winning run in 2024.
In the announcement video, Hiarka introduced the team, stating that his name is Hiarka and, alongside Uxako and zhidan, they had secured victory at the ALGS Championship held in Japan. He went on to say they are now joining NAVI and expressed hope that fans would support them as they strive to bring another major title to the organization.
The Journey of the Trio
Uxako and Hiarka have played together since early 2021, forming a strong and consistent duo. Their synergy was later complemented by the addition of zhidan in August 2024. This trio became the core unit that led GoNext Esports to their ALGS championship triumph.
During the tournament, they primarily relied on legends such as Newcastle, Gibraltar, and Catalyst. Whether this composition will remain unchanged in upcoming competitions remains to be seen.
NAVI’s Return After a Hiatus
NAVI has not been a part of the ALGS Championship since 2021, when the team finished 10th in the EMEA region. Their reentry into the Apex Legends esports scene in 2024 marked a fresh start for the organization in this competitive title.
Mixed Reactions to the Signing
The announcement of NAVI’s new Apex Legends squad has generated a wave of responses across social media. Many within the esports community have welcomed the organization’s return, with some, such as the Esports World Cup, offering public congratulations.
Despite the enthusiasm, the decision has also sparked criticism. Some individuals have voiced disappointment over the absence of Ukrainian players in the newly formed roster. One user on X commented on the matter, arguing that the organization overlooked several Ukrainian teams enduring difficult circumstances, opting instead for a French-Spanish lineup. The user described this as NAVI’s second significant misstep in Apex Legends.
This sentiment has been echoed by others online, with terms like “crazy” and “horrible” used to describe the decision. The backlash underscores the emotional connection many fans feel toward the representation of Ukrainian talent in NAVI’s teams.