NAVI add sdy as stand-in for IEM Cologne

As Natus Vincere announced yesterday, Viktor “sdy” Oruszhev has joined the organization’s CS:GO roster as a fifth player for the upcoming Intel Extreme Masters in Cologne.

Organizations are making final changes to their rosters as the professional CS:GO season enters its next phase. With the addition of the 25-year-old CS:GO veteran as the fifth player, NAVI have also finalized their lineup ahead of IEM Cologne. 

Previously, sdy was a member of MAD Lions’ active roster up until April 2022, when the club exited the CS:GO scene and put their whole roster on a transfer list. This marks the second time the European organization has loaned sdy to NAVI without assessing a loan fee.

Based on the fact that he helped NAVI to win the recent BLAST Premier Spring Finals, the Ukrainian rifler has solid chemistry with other NAVI players and the organization’s decision to add sdy as a stand-in seems like an expected but solid move.

Sdy’s journey with NAVI

The first time sdy appeared with NAVI was earlier this month when the team was left with just four players following Boombl4’s departure on May 28. As a stand-in for the squad, he delivered an impressive performance at the BLAST Premier Spring Finals. Several CS:GO players, including NAVI’s sensational player, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, praised his performance.

The team defeated OG and FaZe Clan in the playoffs to advance to the finals, where they defeated Vitality 2-0 to win the championship. The team not only won the event and the $200,000 main prize but also became the second team after FaZe Clan to cement their position in the World Final. S1mple was a prominent performer for NAVI at the Spring Finals and took home the MVP trophy for his flawless performance. He now has 20 MVP medals, surpassing Nicolai “device” Reedtz, who currently has 19.

NAVI’s roster for IEM Cologne 

• Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev
• Denis “electroNic” Sharipov 
• Valerii “b1t” Vakhovskyi
• Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy
• Viktor “sdy” Oruszhev (Stand-in)
• Andrii “B1ad3” Horodenskyi (Coach)

It is not clear whether NAVI plan to keep sdy as a permanent member or will explore alternative options. After the IEM concludes, the organization will have an ample opportunity to review and reshuffle its lineup in preparation for BLAST Premier 2022 Fall and ESL Pro League S16.

Sdy, however, will have more opportunities to showcase his skills if he proves to be an ideal candidate for the team at the upcoming tournament. NAVI start their IEM Cologne run in the group stage starting on July 7th.

Header: NAVI