NAVI Parts Ways with Women's CS Team NAVI Javelins

Natus Vincere (NAVI) has officially announced their decision to part ways with their women’s Counter-Strike team, NAVI Javelins, and exit the women’s CS scene entirely. In a statement on their website, the organization cited an “unsustainable business model” for women’s CS, explaining that it does not support long-term planning.

The End of an Era

This announcement comes just three weeks after the players revealed on social media that NAVI had allowed them to explore other opportunities. NAVI first entered the women’s Counter-Strike scene in April 2022 by signing the Polish squad Totalne Gituwy ahead of the ESL Impact Season 1. The team achieved notable success, winning the IESF Women’s World Championship in 2022 and securing second place at three consecutive ESL Impact events.

In August 2023, NAVI Javelins expanded beyond their initial all-Polish lineup, recruiting France’s Mayline-Joy "⁠ASTRA⁠" Champliaud and Portugal’s Marta "⁠D7⁠" Asensio, who had previously played for NIP Impact and GUILD fe. Despite these changes, the team’s final notable achievement under NAVI was a top-four finish at the ESL Impact League Season 6 Finals in November.

A Broader Trend in Women’s CS

NAVI’s decision mirrors similar moves by other organizations, such as ENCE, TSM, Astralis, and Virtus.pro, all of which have recently put their women’s teams on hold following the conclusion of ESL Impact Season 6. These developments highlight the challenges that organizations face in sustaining women’s Counter-Strike teams, despite efforts to grow the scene.

Uncertain Futures for NAVI Javelins Players

The NAVI Javelins roster consisted of the following players and coach:

• Poland: Wiktoria "⁠vicu⁠" Janicka
• Poland: Hania "⁠Hanka⁠" Pudlis
• Poland: Angelika "⁠Angelka⁠" Kozłowska
• France: Mayline-Joy "⁠ASTRA⁠" Champliaud
• Portugal: Marta "⁠D7⁠" Asensio
• Coach: Adrian "⁠AlcesT⁠" Chyziak (Poland)

As of now, the players have not announced their plans, but reports suggest that the roster may split up as they explore individual opportunities in the scene.

The Future of Women’s CS

NAVI’s departure from women’s Counter-Strike adds to concerns about the sustainability of the women’s esports scene. While the ESL Impact League has provided a dedicated platform for women’s teams, organizations are grappling with the financial and structural challenges of building and maintaining competitive rosters. The departure of high-profile organizations like NAVI could impact the growth and visibility of women’s Counter-Strike, leaving the future of the scene uncertain.