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FPX look set to join NaVi Valorant

In a video announcing its selection into Valorant’s partnered league, NAVI teased a jersey with the name ANGE1 written... Shubh | 26. September 2022

In a video announcing its selection into Valorant’s partnered league, NAVI teased a jersey with the name ANGE1 written on it, suggesting the arrival of the FPX player Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov and probably the entire FPX lineup.

The announcement video depicts Yevhen Zolotarov, the owner of NAVI, pacing the organization’s headquarters while carrying a box from Riot Games, that that he assumed was from Riot Games. The video had a lighthearted tone to it as it built to Zolotarov opening the box, only for him to find it was the wrong one and the original box was already unwrapped by NaVi’s crew member

.The NAVI jersey displaying the name “ANGE1” and the statement “New 2023 samples arrived” appeared at the 38-second mark when Zolotarov entered the merchandising room. Given that the camera was set up intentionally to catch the frame with the jersey and the closed captions, fans are certain that NaVi did not leak this information and that it was instead a planned easter egg that was hidden for spectators to find

The Ukrainian organization has already moved both Kirill “Cloud” Nehozhin and Artur “7ssk7” Kurshin to the inactive roster. Navi’s Valorant lineup participated in the VCT EMEA Stage 1 and 2 Challengers Main Events, though they never made it past the group stage. They also did not advance very far in the EMEA Last Chance Qualifier for Champions 2022, losing to Team Liquid and G2 Esports after defeating Guild Esports early on.

FPX, on the other hand, became the best team in the EMEA region after winning Masters Copenhagen in their first international appearance. The group maintained its momentum and fared well in Champions 2022, making it to the playoffs of the competition with an impressive group stage performance. They also made a brilliant playoff run until eventually losing to Korean team DRX in the third round of the lower bracket, ending their run in fourth place.

NaVi is reportedly in talks with FPX for its entire Valorant roster :

While Acend and G2 Esports, which were also rejected, released their players once the news became public, FPX members remained silent about their pursuit of a team. It implies that all the members of the FPX roster have already found a new home. According to a report by Dot Esports, the Ukrainian organization has entered into advanced discussions with FunPlus Phoenix for its entire Valorant roster along with the head coach. The report further reveals that Ardis “ardiis” Svarenieks may not be joining the team with his FPX teammates. Although the team still wants Ardiis to join the roster with the other players, he is reportedly looking into his alternatives elsewhere.

If the deal gets finalized, NAVI’s potential roster would be

  • Dmitry “SUYGETSU” Ilyushin
  • Pontus “Zyppan” Eek
  • Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov
  • Andrey “Shao” Kiprsky
  • Ardis “ardiis” Svareniek
  • Erik “d00mbr0s” Sandgren (head coach)

Header: Riot Games