Natus Vincere’s VALORANT Team to Undergo Major Changes as VCT Offseason Approaches
Following a disappointing performance at Champions 2023, Natus Vincere’s VALORANT team is set to make significant changes during the VCT offseason.
A recent report by esports journalist Alejandro “anonimotum” Gomis, published on Aug. 25 by Blix.gg, reveals that the team will be parting ways with their superstar duelist Mehmet “cNed” İpek. This decision marks the beginning of a major overhaul for the top 10 team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Initially considered a strong contender from Europe, NAVI featured some of the region’s top players such as Dmitry “Suygetsu” Ilyushin, Andrey “Shao” Kiprsky, and Pontus “Zyppan” Eek.
Throughout 2023, however, they struggled to break into the upper echelons of the competition. With a fourth-place finish in the EMEA League, an early elimination from Masters Tokyo, a runner-up placement in the EMEA Last Chance Qualifiers, and a disappointing performance at this year’s Champions, NAVI has been left with no choice but to make changes.
Meanwhile, despite the team’s lackluster results, the 21-year-old cNed produced impressive performances, particularly during the EMEA League. According to competitive VALORANT stats aggregate VLR.gg, he ranked sixth in average combat score and eighth in average damage per round this year.
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Despite Riot’s significant nerfs to Jett, which are expected to render the agent less viable in competitive and solo queue play, cNed’s fragging ability should not be underestimated. He has proven himself on other agents such as Neon, Raze, and Yoru, which will likely attract the attention of other teams as he seeks a new opportunity during the offseason.
If cNed does indeed part ways with NAVI, it remains uncertain where he will land. However, with the conclusion of VCT Champions this weekend marking the start of the offseason, many teams are expected to reshuffle their rosters, potentially creating an opening for the talented Turkish player.
Natus Vincere, VALORANT, VCT, offseason, duelist, roster changes, Europe, EMEA League, Champions, cNed, competitive play, Turkish player.