Ukrainian esports organisation NAVI has officially entered the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC).
The organisation has acquired the slot previously owned by European organisation Rogue.
NAVI will begin its LEC campaign in the Summer Split, which begins on August 2nd, 2025. Whilst this is the historic organisation’s first tenure at the top of League of Legends esports, the organisation is no stranger to the MOBA title.
Previously, NAVI fielded rosters across a range of smaller regional leagues from 2012 until 2017, when its roster disbanded.
The organisation is the first new addition to the League of Legends’ Tier-1 EMEA competition since French organisation Karmine Corp purchased the slot previously owned by Astralis in October 2023.
“Striving for the highest competitive results across all disciplines has always been integral to NAVI’s philosophy,” stated NAVI in a social media post.
“We will make every effort and utilise all of our experience and resources to perforom at the Tier 1 level and leave our mark on the history of the League of Legends competitive scene.”
The announcement of the organisation joining the LEC comes following a Sheep Esports report from March, revealing negotiations between NAVI and Rogue had entered an advanced stage.
As a result of NAVI entering the LEC, the organisation has acquired the former Rogue roster along with its coaching and analysis staff. According to a post from Riot Games, the organisation is “weighing up all their options” to build a roster capable of competing towards the top of the league table.
“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,” said Yevhen Zolotarov, CEO of NAVI.
“I can assure everyone that we are here to compete and will do what’s needed to become a real contender.”
Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Who Are NAVI?
Founded in 2009, NAVI is one of the longest-standing esports organisations in the world. In addition to League of Legends, the organisation competes across a range of esports titles, including Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Dota 2, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
The organisation will be primarily known for its time in Counter-Strike esports, having won a litany of Majors and S-Tier events. Its most recent Major was the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024.
