“If we kick all Russians out, then you can forget about NAVI for a long time”. NAVI COO on club’s future, players’ wives, and roster changes

In a revealing podcast conversation with Olsior, Natus Vincere Chief Operating Officer Oleksii “xaoc” Kucherov provided unprecedented transparency about the organization’s roster management strategy. The discussion covered sensitive topics including player nationality policies, relocation requirements, and the delicate balance between competitive performance and organizational values. Escorenews translated the most significant portions of this candid exchange.

CS:GO summer reshuffle. Transfers and roster changes after PGL Major Antwerp
Roster changes and rumours.

[On roster changes]

Regarding team stability, most players will remain with the organization while undergoing relocation processes. Perfecto
is preparing to move imminently. This transition likely represents the sole immediate adjustment, though certainty remains elusive due to the complex nature of player acquisition across multiple gaming titles. The organization faces a dual challenge: prioritizing Ukrainian talent while acknowledging the limited pool of available players. This appears to be the final CS:GO roster modification for the foreseeable future, with the team currently evaluating candidates for the remaining position through extensive tryouts.

Multiple potential replacements are under consideration, though each presents unique complications requiring resolution. The selection timeline remains fluid, and any chosen candidate will undergo probationary assessment rather than immediate permanent placement. This mirrors the developmental approach used with B1T, though current time constraints with approaching Blast tournaments necessitate accelerated preparation timelines.

[On rumors about YEKINDAR and buster]

I must categorically deny ongoing speculation about YEKINDAR once again. No negotiations are occurring with Virtus.pro.

[Olsior: “Are you prepared to address emerging rumors?” Regarding buster? I’ve communicated with Dexerto regarding this matter. We transparently acknowledge genuine interest in buster as a potential addition. The organization would welcome the opportunity to compete alongside him and assess team chemistry. However, we remain unwilling to engage in direct negotiations with VP. Should the player independently secure his release and achieve free agent status, we would consider collaboration. Otherwise, alternative candidates will likely be pursued.

[On the players’ wives’ statements on social media]

The organization cannot exercise editorial control over social media content created by players’ family members. Upon identifying concerning posts, we initiated internal discussions to understand motivations and address underlying issues. The outcomes of these conversations are now publicly visible. <…>

Regarding Boombl4, he articulated his perspective several weeks prior. While his personal stance aligns with organizational values, the cumulative reputational damage associated with Boombl4 reached unacceptable levels. Despite his three-year tenure and positive personal characteristics, the external circumstances created operational challenges we cannot currently sustain.

Boombl4 is kicked from NAVI due to the “high reputational risks”. May it be related to his wife?
“I’m with you”.

[Why NAVI cannot build mononational rosters?]

Maintaining organizational silence regarding squad composition was never a viable option. We seriously contemplated removing all Russian and Belarusian players from our teams. While community suggestions frequently propose exclusively Ukrainian rosters, the practical reality involves significantly limited player availability. We’re actively working to transform this landscape by incorporating more domestic talent across our competitive divisions.

The demographic disparity between Russian and Ukrainian gaming communities approximates a 4:1 ratio, with similar proportions among professional players. Our academies prioritize developing Ukrainian prospects, though success rates remain below desired levels due to quantitative limitations.

Young player development requires extensive cultivation periods. Consider B1T’s trajectory: two academy years preceding single-map authorization, followed by months of specialized map training before gradual integration and eventual roster promotion. Premature exposure to full competitive pressure could potentially compromise promising talent development.

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Friendship with s1mple, Bad News Eagles venture, and career.

[Will NAVI sign players from Russia and Belarus?]

We maintain openness toward Russian players who demonstrate appropriate positioning and fulfill all discussed requirements. Regarding swedenstrong, he has already relocated to Serbia. Forthcoming content will provide deeper player insights and clarify individual stances. This policy framework applies equally to current roster members and prospective signings.

Our organizational priority consistently favors non-Russian Federation and Belarusian players. However, Ukraine’s current inability to produce sufficient elite talent necessitates occasional Russian recruitment. The alternative involves disbanding Russian-speaking squads entirely and transitioning to European competitive circuits—no intermediate solutions exist.

Constructing competitive rosters for PUBG Mobile, CS, or Valorant exclusively from Ukrainian players remains practically impossible due to quantitative limitations. Consequently, we must either collaborate with qualified Russian players meeting relocation and position standards, or sever all Russian connections. Complete removal of Russian talent would effectively eliminate NAVI’s competitive presence for the foreseeable future. Without Russian players, opportunities to showcase Ukrainian representation before massive global audiences would disappear.

[On NAVI players’ political positions]

Multiple NAVI competitors have publicly addressed global circumstances through written and verbal statements. However, many observers overlook these declarations and claim inability to identify player stances.

We lack ethical justification to mandate extreme political positions from players. Frequently, financial and familial constraints prevent such expressions. Some competitors have completely relocated from Russia, severing connections and articulating definitive positions. Several reside in Kyiv, including Solo, for instance. Diverse circumstances exist, but consideration must account for players’ family members residing in Russia. <…>

Players have even inquired about obtaining Ukrainian citizenship. Current conditions render this completely impossible. Even Russian players holding Ukrainian residency permits cannot return to the country. Citizenship acquisition was previously extremely difficult, requiring years of effort with uncertain outcomes.

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Exclusive from Antwerp.

The NAVI case study reveals critical insights for global esports organizations navigating geopolitical complexities. Organizations must balance competitive excellence with cultural identity while managing external perceptions. The talent development pipeline requires long-term investment with realistic timelines for player maturation. Effective roster management balances immediate competitive needs with sustainable organizational development.

Common mistakes organizations make include underestimating player integration timelines and overestimating available domestic talent pools. Successful navigation requires transparent communication, strategic patience, and clear position requirements for international players. The 4:1 Russian-Ukrainian player ratio presents both challenges and opportunities for strategic roster construction.

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