Natus Vincere (NAVI) has announced its entry into the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) following the acquisition of Rogue’s league slot. The Ukrainian esports organisation will debut in the LEC during the 2025 Summer Split.
As part of the deal, NAVI will also sign a long-term title partnership with music service Napster for its League of Legends and VALORANT teams, as Napster is owned by Rogue’s parent company Infinite Reality. The transaction includes a transition of both the slot and the roster, with NAVI expressing gratitude to Rogue’s ownership group and management for facilitating a “smooth process”. The amount invested on slot acquisition was not disclosed.
NAVI CEO Yevhen Zolotarov commented on the development: “Back in 2018, when LEC was about to be created, the league slot was something NAVI wanted but could not afford. Still, we always felt like League of Legends was the missing puzzle piece for our club and the dream of joining the LEC one day has stayed alive ever since. I’m thrilled that we’ve finally found our chance and used the opportunity to become a part of one of the best leagues in the world.”
Zolotarov indicated that changes to the roster are expected, though major moves are likely to take place during the off-season. However, some adjustments may occur immediately.
At the official announcement, NAVI highlighted its aim to compete at the highest level and secure a presence at major international tournaments, including the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and ultimately the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds). The organisation cited its infrastructure, staff, and owner support as key factors in its ambition to succeed.
Rogue first entered the LEC in 2019, following the league’s transition to a franchised model. Over the years, the organisation established itself as a consistent contender within the EMEA region, earning recognition for its strong performances and player development. Rogue reached multiple LEC playoffs and secured a championship title at the 2022 Summer Split, which led to appearances at key international events.
