NaVi could miss BLAST Premier Spring Final 2023

In a broadcast on his Twitch channel, Valerij “b1t” Vakhovsjkyj mentioned that NaVi might miss BLAST Premier Spring Final 2023 due to problems with player visas.

Let’s recall that, on the occasion of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many countries worldwide have imposed many sanctions on the country presided over by Vladimir Putin. So while it is true that NaVi is a Ukrainian team, Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy and Denis “electroNic” Sharipov are Russian nationals (despite not representing the country in international competitions), so they are trying to solve the visa problems to attend the tournament.

B1t says NaVi may not attend the BLAST Premier Spring Final 2023

In one of his latest streams, NaVi’s 20-year-old Ukrainian player, b1t, mentioned that NaVi might not attend the BLAST Premier Spring Final 2023 due to visa issues. In addition, he also highlighted that this is why the team will not participate in the IEM Dallas 2023, and if these issues are not solved, they will have to withdraw from the BLAST Premier Spring Final.

Bit said:

“It is not clear yet. There is a possibility of getting visas to Washington, but I wonder whether or not it will work here. The chances are slim, but still.”

Possible changes to NaVi’s lineup

After a disappointing performance at the Legends Stage of the Paris Major by NaVi, many rumors began to circulate about the possible departure of Andrij “npl” Kukharsjkyj and the team’s Head Coach, Andrij “B1ad3” Ghorodensjkyj. Russian commentator John Knyaziev revealed this information.

However, a few hours later, Aleksey “PCH3LK1N” Pchyolkin, another caster directly related to Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, denied all these rumors.

“I don’t know where the information from which Blade and npl have been kicked out came. I have different information, and, most importantly, I didn’t say that these are players. So, I wouldn’t believe any insider kick yet.”

For now, there is no official information regarding any changes in the team’s lineup or the departure of its coach, B1ad3. However, let’s remember that in the esports scene, rumors on social media often tend to be confirmed a few weeks later.

NaVi needs a clean slate

Undoubtedly, the entire CS:GO community wants to see again that powerful NaVi that won it all in recent seasons. The synergy in that team seems to have come specifically from Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhaylov, their former IGL. We say this because the problems within the NaVi lineup started from the moment Boombl4 left the team.

The addition of Viktor “sdy” Orudzhev for six months gave the team good results; there is no doubt about that. However, NaVi may need a new captain to help electroNic focus on regaining his high level of play.

Until an official confirmation, NaVi will remain one of the teams that will play the BLAST Premier Spring Final 2023. Remember that this tournament will be played in Washington, DC, USA, from June 7-11, 2023.

Header: João Ferreira | PGL