NAVI’s rifler iM is a unique talent in the CS2 scene. After impressing at the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 with GamerLegion, he made the move to NAVI as part of an international roster. The transition was not without its challenges, but iM persevered and ultimately proved his worth by becoming one of the first-ever CS2 Major winners at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024.
As ESL Pro League Season 19 Group D approaches, we had the opportunity to sit down with iM to discuss his Major win, the upcoming tournament, and the changes to the map pool. Let’s delve into the conversation!
Daniel Morris: Firstly, congratulations on your Major victory.
iM: Thank you!
What do you believe contributed to NAVI’s success in clinching the Grand Final this time?
iM: It’s a tough question. Honestly, we hadn’t been in many Finals before, so it felt like business as usual. We trusted each other, stuck to our game plan, and things just clicked. One key difference was not having to face FaZe on Nuke, which could have been a significant challenge.
Credit: Joao Ferreira | © PGL
Daniel Morris: The reception you received upon returning to Romania must have been overwhelming.
What was it like to be greeted in such a manner?
iM: It was a surreal experience. Despite being exhausted, the sight of so many fans and the media waiting for me was heartwarming. I anticipated the welcome, thanks to a YouTube streamer’s efforts to surprise me, but it was still an incredibly touching moment.
Daniel Morris: With almost a month since NAVI’s last competitive appearance, do you fear any rust heading into ESL Pro League?
What preparations have you made to ensure continued success at ESL Pro League Season 19?
iM: While online practices have kept us sharp, transitioning from online to LAN can still pose challenges. We focused on refining our strategies and addressing weaknesses from the Major. Adaptation and attention to detail have been our priorities during this period.
Credit: Joao Ferreira | © PGL
Daniel Morris: Some players view ESL Pro League as an opportunity to experiment with new strategies. Is NAVI considering a similar approach?
How do you plan to leverage ESL Pro League Season 19 for growth and experimentation?
iM: The forgiving format of EPL provides room for trial and error. Our focus is on consistency and refinement of our playstyle post-Major. We see this tournament as a platform to refine our strategies and potentially introduce new elements without the fear of immediate consequences.
Daniel Morris: Following ESL Pro League, Dust 2 will replace Overpass in the map pool.
What are your thoughts on this change to the map pool?
iM: I welcome any map changes to keep the competitive scene fresh. Dust 2 is a classic map, and while I haven’t played it competitively for a while, I’m excited for the challenge and change of pace it will bring to our gameplay.
Can we expect to see NAVI excel on Dust 2 given its history on the map?
iM: Dust 2 has been a strong map for NAVI historically, and I anticipate we will showcase our prowess on it in upcoming matches.
Credit: Stephanie Lindgren | © PGL
Daniel Morris: You have played alongside both s1mple and w0nderful. What differences have you observed between these two talented players?
How do their playstyles and experiences shape NAVI’s gameplay?
iM: It’s challenging to compare s1mple and w0nderful given their distinct skillsets and backgrounds. While s1mple is a seasoned veteran with unparalleled expertise, w0nderful brings youthful energy and talent to the team. Their unique styles complement each other and contribute to our success on the server.
Daniel Morris: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for NAVI for the remainder of the year after securing the Major victory?
How do you plan to maintain consistency and continue NAVI’s winning streak?
iM: Our primary goal post-Major is to maintain our momentum and play our brand of CS consistently. While we haven’t set specific objectives, the focus remains on honing our strengths and minimizing weaknesses as a team.
