Natus Vincere, commonly known as NAVI, has embarked on an innovative venture in esports by teaming up with Visa to establish the NAVI Visa Academy. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cultivate young talent in Counter-Strike 2 esports, potentially grooming them for future roles within NAVI’s youth teams
The NAVI Visa Academy serves as a gateway for aspiring players to enter the competitive esports scene under the guidance of NAVI’s seasoned coaches and players. Designed specifically for individuals aged between 14 and 17 years old, the academy seeks players with a minimum of 2600 ELO on FACEIT, demonstrating their skill and potential in the game.
The selection process begins with NAVI coaches and players evaluating applications to identify promising candidates. Selected players then compete in a rigorous three-week online competition, where their performance and adaptability are put to the test. Those who excel will advance to the next stage: the NAVI BootCamp in Berlin.
At the NAVI BootCamp, the top 10 performers from the online competition will undergo intensive training sessions led by NAVI’s academy coaches. This phase aims to refine their skills and tactical understanding, preparing them for competitive play at the highest level. Following the BootCamp, the five most outstanding players will have the opportunity to join NAVI Youth, the organization’s official academy team.
NAVI has garnered acclaim for its robust youth development system, having nurtured talents like Ilya ‘m0NESY’ Osipov and Valerij ‘b1t’ Vakhovsjkyj, who have made significant impacts on the global esports stage. The NAVI Visa Academy seeks to continue this legacy by identifying and cultivating the next generation of esports stars.
In collaboration with Visa, NAVI plans to showcase the academy project’s progress through social media platforms, offering fans and enthusiasts exclusive insights into the players’ journeys. Additionally, Visa’s recent ventures in esports, such as their partnership with Argentine esports organization Leviatán, underscore their commitment to advancing gaming culture through innovative digital solutions.
As esports continues to grow as a global phenomenon, initiatives like the NAVI Visa Academy highlight the industry’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity. By providing young players with structured pathways to success, NAVI and Visa are setting new standards for grassroots development in esports.