Nickelback: “In my opinion, NAVI needs changes.”
Esports player Alexey “NickelBack” Trofimov reflected on the need for roster changes at Natus Vincere, assessed PARIVISION’s current form, and highlighted the top favorites to win ESL Pro League Season 24 in the latest episode of the OFF The Record podcast.
On the Natus Vincere Roster
A roster change was long overdue for NAVI. They’ve always performed well, but they lacked a strong player to consistently stay in the top 3. There used to be rumors about frozen—I think he would have really strengthened the roster. I’ve noticed that iM racks up stats against weaker teams, but in crucial matches, he consistently plays like a 20 out of 40. It’s as if the rumors about roster changes were taking a toll on the players, but in the end, no one was cut. Right now, things just aren’t clicking for the team. w0nderful might perform well throughout the championship but then falter in the finals; makazze was on fire a couple of months ago but is playing very mediocrely now. In my opinion, NAVI needs changes. I’d definitely keep b1t and w0nderful and bench iM. The team’s results have really slumped lately.
About PARIVISION
PARIVISION has gotten off to a rough start. I’ve watched their matches and don’t even know what to say. They’re signing young players as if they’re trying to find a second donk, even though with such a packed tournament schedule, there isn’t even time for tryouts. I’ve always liked Jame’s team’s style. As for HObbit’s transfer, I don’t think it’s a long-term move—he’ll play for half a year at most, I’d guess. I like that PARIVISION picked up FL1T; they were missing a strong rifler. Right now, the team just needs to gel and get back on track. It seems like the atmosphere has become more tense. I think PARIVISION can easily compete for a spot in the ESL Pro League Season 24 playoffs.
On the favorites for ESL Pro League Season 24
To be honest, I don’t believe in the Falcons at all. I think there was some kind of karrigan magic at the IEM Cologne Major 2026. This player really surprises me. He might struggle for half a year, but at Majors, his teams deliver incredible results—he has a special aura there. I liked the roster changes at MOUZ. I can’t believe they’ll win, but they might make it into the top 4. Of course, Spirit and Vitality are the top favorites. Aurora put up a good showing at the last tournament. <...> Spirit is in incredible form right now, but I think Vitality will win.
Earlier in the podcast, Alexey “NickelBack” Trofimov spoke about the roster changes at BC.Game Esports for Counter-Strike 2 and the decision to switch regions in order to qualify for the Major, as well as sharing his thoughts on media teams.
Photo — PGL.
