NAVI recruits cNed and the former FunPlus Phoenix players for VCT 2023

September was a defining month for many of the organisations involved in Valorant, as Riot Games unveiled all the franchised structures for the VCT 2023. Unlike Acend or FunPlus Phoenix, Natus Vincere has been awarded a slot in the EMEA region. The structure will seek to dominate the circuit in the next season. To do so, it will be able to rely on a strong roster, made up of former FunPlus Phoenix and Acend players: ANGE1, Zyppan, SUYGETSU, Shao and cNed.

During the Valorant Champions Tour 2022, Natus Vincere achieved fairly average results, finishing 7/8th of the first Challengers EMEA, then 9/10ths in second place. At the Last Chance Qualifier EMEA, the team finished in 5th/6th place. Not enough to qualify for the Valorant Champions.

A new chapter began on 21st September for Natus Vincere, when it was announced as one of the ten franchised teams in the EMEA region. This new venture has prompted the organisation to review its Valorant roster. Eager to be among the best teams in the region, if not the world, NaVi has signed talented players for VCT 2023.

From now on, it can count on ANGE1, Zyppan, SUYGETSU, Shao, four former FunPlus Phoenix. The latter did not fail to thank his former team for all their achievements. Indeed, over the past year, FPX have proven to be one of the most successful teams in the EMEA region. They won Challengers 1 EMEA and reached the final of the second Challengers.

The team shone even brighter when it defeated Paper Rex during the the Grand Final of the Copenhagen Masters 2. Thanks to their excellent results throughout the year, the players reached the Valorant Champions with ease. During this summit tournament, the team gave their all to representing its region to the end, but was eventually eliminated by its former rival, DRX.

In reality, Natus Vincere did not get the entire FunPlus Phoenix roster back: ardiis is missing. To replace him, NaVi turned to another excellent player, namely cNed, known for his talent as a duellist.

For a long time, he worked for Acend, after his time at BBL Esports. He is used to high level competitions, having won the first edition of the Valorant Champions with his former team.

This brand new roster will be able to show what it is capable of in the near future at the G-Loot Valorant Clash, an online tournament. The team will then make its first appearance in the VCT during the Kickoff Tournement, scheduled for February 2023 in São Paulo.