Rumors: NAVI Reportedly Signing Maynter for the LEC 2026 Season

According to a report from Sheep Esports, Vladimir “Maynter” Sorokin is set to join Natus Vincere (NAVI) for the upcoming LEC 2026 season. The 24-year-old Ukrainian toplaner recently claimed victory at the EMEA Masters 2025 Summer with Karmine Corp Blue, and it appears NAVI was the first organization to approach him with an offer.

Sources suggest that SK Gaming and Fnatic also showed interest, but NAVI moved fastest — securing Maynter while dropping other potential toplaner candidates such as Empyros and Oscarinin.

⚙️ NAVI’s LEC Project Continues to Take Shape

Following the purchase of Rogue’s LEC slot, NAVI has been actively constructing its debut roster for the 2026 season. The organization has already signed:

• Enes “Rhilech” Uçan — Jungle
• Lee “Hans SamD” Jae-hoon — AD Carry

The coaching staff is led by Vasilis “TheRock” Voltis, supported by Adrien “GotoOne” Picard and Jorge “Lopon” Lopez.

Two key positions — midlane and support — remain unfilled. Kim “Malrang” Geun-seong has officially departed, and one of the top candidates for the midlane spot is Vladimiros “Vladi” Kourtides from Greece. The team is still evaluating potential supports, though no names have been publicly confirmed yet.

🌟 A Dream Come True for Maynter

If finalized, this signing will mark Maynter’s long-awaited debut in the LEC after years of grinding through the European Regional Leagues (ERLs) — from LFL 2 to multiple Karmine Corp championships and his EMEA Masters title.

In an earlier interview, Maynter shared his ambition:

“If I ever make it to the LEC, my dream is to play for a Ukrainian organization like NAVI.”

Now, it seems that dream is finally becoming a reality.

🏆 Expected NAVI Roster for LEC 2026

• Toplane: Vladimir “Maynter” Sorokin
• Jungle: Enes “Rhilech” Uçan
• Midlane: TBD
• AD Carry: Lee “Hans SamD” Jae-hoon
• Support: TBD
• Head Coach: Vasilis “TheRock” Voltis
• Assistant Coaches: Jorge “Lopon” Lopez, Adrien “GotoOne” Picard

With Maynter’s arrival, NAVI’s LEC debut roster is shaping up to be a bold mix of regional talent and international experience — a fitting reflection of the organization’s ambition to make a statement in its first-ever LEC season.