NAVI’s VALORANT roster announcement may have been spoiled, but the organization should still be thrilled to bring back an EMEA championship-winning team. According to the Global Contract Database, NAVI has signed Ardis “ardiis” Svarenieks to a two-year deal, reuniting him with his former FunPlus Phoenix teammates after a year with NRG in the Americas.
Ardiis, known for his entry and duelist skills, will join the familiar core of ANGE1, Suygetsu, Shao, and Zyppan. Together, these players proved themselves as one of the top teams in EMEA and internationally during the 2022 VCT season. They achieved impressive results, finishing in the top two at both EMEA Challengers stages, winning Masters Copenhagen, and securing a top-four finish at Champions 2022.
After Ardiis left for NRG, the former FPX core brought in cNed to fill the gap and moved to NAVI. However, both NRG and NAVI fell short of their championship aspirations in 2023. They failed to win any domestic or Masters trophies and were eliminated in the group stage of Champions 2023. NRG is now considering a major roster overhaul following Ardiis’ departure, with FNS and s0m also leaving the active roster.
Ardiis expressed frustration during his time with NRG, particularly regarding the team’s decision to experiment with him on Killjoy, a role he was not brought in to fulfill. The start of the VCT 2024 season is still months away, and NAVI is currently not listed to participate in any upcoming offseason events.
Stay tuned for an official team announcement from NAVI as they reunite with Ardiis and aim to reclaim their championship form.
Source: DOTESPORTS
