s1mple, renowned for his exceptional skills as an AWPer, has been a pivotal figure for Natus Vincere. His decision to skip IEM Sydney has left many fans and analysts speculating. While the exact reason for his absence remains undisclosed in NAVI’s official statement, the void he leaves behind is palpable. In his stead, Justinas “jL” Lekavicius will be taking on the role of the primary AWPer for the team.
In a surprising move, Natus Vincere’s coach, Andrey “B1ad3” Gorodenskiy, will be filling in for s1mple in the starting lineup. B1ad3, who hasn’t participated in an official match since his tenure with FlipSid3 in 2018, will now be back in action. His return to the competitive scene, especially under such circumstances, adds another layer of intrigue to the event.
Natus Vincere’s Lineup for IEM Sydney
With s1mple’s absence, the team’s lineup for the event will feature:
- Andrey “B1ad3” Gorodenskiy
- Justinas “jL” Lekavicius
- Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy
- Mihai “iM” Ivan
- Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen
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