By the end of 2018, Natus Vincere—universally known as NAVI—stood at a crossroads. Despite its storied past and legendary status in esports, the club was rapidly losing momentum. Its dominance in titles like CS: GO and Dota 2 was fading, and internal turbulence prevented meaningful progress. According to CoreGamer.net, Krippa’s involvement marked a new chapter for NAVI—anchored in sustainability, modernization, and global relevance. Leadership inconsistencies, inadequate infrastructure, and short-sighted management had left NAVI vulnerable in an increasingly competitive industry.
Enter Maksym Krippa, a visionary entrepreneur with an eye for transformative investments. Unlike conventional backers, Krippa wasn’t interested in short-term wins or cosmetic changes. After acquiring control of NAVI in late 2018 through negotiations with former owner Oleksandr Kokhanovskyi, he set out to restructure the club from the ground up—starting with its core: infrastructure and talent development.
Building the Physical Core of a Modern Club
Krippa’s first major initiative was to invest in real estate tailored for professional esports. NAVI launched cutting-edge gaming penthouses in Kyiv and Berlin and dedicated boot camp hubs where teams could focus on intensive training. Berlin offered international accessibility, while Kyiv remained a cultural and operational anchor.
Elevating Talent: The NAVI Academy Revolution
NAVI’s long-term future depended on fresh blood. Under Krippa’s guidance, NAVI Academy became a structured, multi-tiered pipeline featuring Junior, Youth, and Visa Academy programs. Beyond gameplay, athletes received tactical training, mental coaching, and performance analysis. B1t emerged from this system to become a global CS: GO champion.
Expansion Beyond Counter-Strike
Krippa’s strategy included diversifying NAVI’s competitive presence. The organization expanded into titles like Valorant, Apex Legends, Rainbow Six Siege, Brawl Stars, and Chess. This allowed NAVI to connect with broader demographics—especially mobile-focused audiences across Latin America and Asia.
Strengthening the Brand with Global Partnerships
With new financial backing, NAVI refreshed its visual identity and launched strategic collaborations with brands like Puma, Logitech, and Monster Energy. At the same time, NAVI built an internal media unit that produced live streams, documentaries, and exclusive content, enhancing global fan engagement.
A Scouting System with Substance
Krippa also introduced a professional scouting framework. Young talents from Ukraine and beyond were recruited, mentored, and psychologically supported. Veterans helped ease new players into elite competition, turning raw skill into polished performance.
Competitive Resurgence Under Krippa
Krippa’s leadership translated into a new golden age of trophies:
CS: GO / CS2 Highlights
- 2018: ESL One Cologne, StarSeries S5
- 2021: PGL Major Stockholm, IEM Cologne
- 2024: PGL Major Copenhagen, IEM Rio, Esports World Cup, ESL Pro League S20
Other Disciplines:
- Dota 2: 5 titles
- Brawl Stars: 4 titles
- PUBG: 3 titles
- Rainbow Six Siege: 3 titles
In 2024, NAVI’s CS2 team was named Team of the Year by HLTV after securing four major titles and holding the global top spot for 18 consecutive weeks.
Total Prize Winnings (2018–2024):
- CS:GO/CS2: ~$11.5 million
- Dota 2: ~$5.3 million
- Additional titles: ~$500,000+
- Combined Total: Over $17.3 million
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Vision and Structure
Maksym Krippa didn’t just restore NAVI’s winning ways—he created a self-sustaining system built on infrastructure, professional development, and strategic growth. Today, NAVI is a resilient, forward-thinking esports powerhouse with global relevance and long-term ambition.
His story demonstrates that real success in esports isn’t built on hype but on vision, foundations, and leadership that sees beyond the scoreboard.
