Look Sports Media – Natus Vincere (NAVI) has officially unveiled its highly anticipated League of Legends European Championship (LEC) roster for the 2026 season, signaling a decisive shift as the organization prepares for its inaugural full year in the premier European circuit. After securing their spot by acquiring Rogue’s LEC slot last summer, NAVI’s initial foray into the league concluded with a disappointing last-place finish. Now, the Ukrainian esports giant is making a bold statement with a largely revamped lineup, aiming to transform its fortunes and establish a formidable presence.
The strategic overhaul sees the retention of only one player from the previous season, indicating a clear commitment to a fresh start. The new ensemble blends promising regional talents with established LEC experience, meticulously chosen to ignite a competitive spark.
Leading the charge in the top lane is Ukrainian sensation Maynter. His inclusion is a dual win for NAVI; not only does it resonate with the organization’s roots and brand identity within the LoL community, but Maynter himself is a highly touted prospect. He was a pivotal member of the Karmine Corp Blue squad that delivered a dominant 3-0 sweep against Los Ratones at EMEA Masters, showcasing his potential on a larger stage.
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Perhaps the most talked-about acquisition is Turkish jungler Rhilech. Such was the belief in his talent that NAVI proactively secured his services for 2026 immediately upon joining the league. This early commitment underscores the organization’s long-term vision for Rhilech, a move that saw former jungler Francisco "Thayger" Mazo Sánchez’s LEC tenure cut short after just three weeks due to the team’s initial struggles and Rhilech’s impending arrival.
The bot lane features the sole returning player, Hams SamD. A consistent and solid prospect, SamD brings valuable experience from his extensive time competing in the ERLs. He will be partnered with Turkish support Parus, who joins from Team BDS. Parus’s pedigree is impressive, having won EMEA Masters with BDS Academy in 2024 before ascending to the main Team BDS LEC roster last year. His departure from BDS, confirmed by the organization, marks the end of a two-year stint that saw him achieve LFL Summer and EMEA Masters Summer titles with the academy squad.
Completing this intriguing lineup is Korean mid laner Poby. His background is particularly captivating, having served as an understudy to none other than the legendary Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok in T1’s academy system. Poby recently made waves in the LEC, stepping in for Marek "Humanoid" Brázda at Fnatic during the summer split and playing a crucial role in their qualification for LoL Worlds. With Humanoid now at Team Vitality and Poby himself replaced by Vladimiros "Vladi" Kourtidis on Fnatic for 2026, his move to NAVI sets the stage for compelling narratives.
The competitive debut for NAVI’s new roster will be at the LEC Versus event, a new tournament format introduced by Riot Games that will also feature invited ERL powerhouses Los Ratones and Karmine Corp Blue. Fortunately for NAVI, their initial schedule avoids direct clashes with these ERL teams in their first three best-of-one matches.
Their opening fixture pits them against Team Heretics, a squad also anticipated to vie for a mid-table position, setting up an early test of strength. The second match promises high drama as NAVI faces Team Vitality, offering a direct comparison between Poby and his predecessor, Humanoid. The intrigue continues into NAVI’s third game, where Poby will confront his former teammates at Fnatic, undoubtedly a highly anticipated reunion.
These best-of-one encounters will provide a baptism by fire for NAVI’s new roster, demanding rapid adaptation and synergy under the bright lights of the LEC stage. With a blend of raw talent, strategic acquisitions, and compelling storylines, NAVI’s 2026 LEC season is poised to be anything but ordinary.
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