It’s been a long time coming, but the former core of FunPlus Phoenix has finally been announced as the core of NAVI’s VALORANT VCT EMEA 2023 team.
The move was first reported by Dot Esports towards the end of September, and, as expected, it is without star player Ardis “ardiis” Svarenieks. The Latvian is instead expected to join up with the former OpTic core on NRG.
There isn’t much cause to worry for NAVI, however, in his stead, they have signed Turkish superstar Mehmet “cNed” Yağız İpek from Acend. The Duelist won one LAN whilst on Acend, VCT Champions 2021.
The remaining four players of FPX’s roster, as well as their coach, will all be making their way onto the new NAVI lineup.
In a move that almost seems like belated destiny, IGL Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov will be the man to lead NAVI into the new era of VALORANT esports. He will finally join his nation’s biggest esports organization years after many CSGO fans called for him to replace legendary IGL Danylo “zeus” Teslenko on their Counter-Strike team.
Joining him to help him lead is coach Erik “d00mbr0s” Sandgren, and assistant Oliwer “LATEKS” Fahlander. d00mbr0s is the coach that helped FPX to their success within 2022, while LATEKS joins from Spanish organization GIANTS.
Back in the player department and completing the roster is the trio of Andrey «Shao» Kiprsky, Pontus «Zyppan» Eek, and Dmitry «SUYGETSU» Ilyushin. The trio is three of the most impactful players in the world. Zyppan provides openings as a Duelist, while the Russian duo is two of the best clutch players in VALORANT.
With Ardiis, the lineup was one of the best in the world in 2022. They won VCT 2022: Stage 2 Masters in Copenhagen, and came fourth in Istanbul at VALORANT Champions 2022. With cNed, they will potentially be even more dangerous.
Sure to be one of the best squads in VCT EMEA 2023, our first look at the roster will be at the Kickoff Tournament due to take place in Sao Paulo in February.
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