Boombl4 Talks About His Future in CS:GO With NAVI After Antwerp Major
There is uncertainty with regards to the future of NAVI's CS:GO roster.
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The Ukrainian esports organization, Natus Vincere (NAVI), one of the most renowned and respected names globally in competitive gaming was forced to implement certain changes recently due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Yevhen Zolotarov - CEO of NAVI, in a month old interview with The Washington Post while speaking about the company's future had stated, "We (NAVI) are not going to work with people who live in Russia and who pay taxes to the Russian Federation".
Ever since there has been looming concern over the future of NAVI's main CS:GO roster which comprises of three Russian and three Ukrainian players, including the coach.
On 5th May via a statement on his official Telegram channel, Kirill "Boombl4" Mikhaylov - In-Game Leader of NAVI, opened up about his future in CS:GO along with the Ukrainian organization prior to the PGL Antwerp Major 2022.
Boombl4 future in CS:GO with NAVI is undecided at this point in time
It has been more than two months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began and things have only gotten worse for the two countries embroiled in this disastrous conflict. The situation has had a clear impact on the esports industry also, with teams and organizations facing unprecedented disruption in operations and management.
NAVI has had to make a few tough calls itself with its founder, Alexander "ZeroGravity" Kokhanovskyy, serving his country by joining the fight on the frontlines for Ukraine.
Following through on the strong statement delivered by Zolotarov, the organization has already cut ties with all the Russian CS:GO players that were a part of its academy team, NAVI Junior.
The future of all Russian players who are a part of NAVI's main roster is still shrouded in uncertainty, making many in the community nervous with regards to what lies ahead for one of the strongest CS:GO lineups in the world.
Zolotarov had said earlier that NAVI is ready to help relocate players who do not share the Russian Federation's politics, but this does not seem enough to wholeheartedly convince some of the players as Boombl4 came forward to state the following through a post on his Telegram channel,
In May it will be 3 years since I captained NAVI. I have experienced a lot of emotions during this period. I love my team and club and now have mixed feelings. I want to apologize for being silent for so long about everything that has been going on and for Lika's (Boombl4's wife) inappropriate posts. I have spent many bootcamps in Ukraine, never been disadvantaged in any way and always felt at home. I am sorry that some of my fellow citizens believe the TV and because of this many adequate people find it difficult to call things by their proper names, including me now. I understand that many people will not be satisfied with this message, but I want to say that I am for peace and against bloodshed, and so far that's all I can say. Now the Major [Antwerp], and then the club [NAVI] and I will decide how to be further. I hope for your support in the tournament.Kirill "Boombl4" Mikhaylov - Statement on Telegram
This comes just two days before the PGL Antwerp Major 2022 which is scheduled to kick off from 9th May onwards. While his current focus lies on competing at the Major, Boombl4 has gone through a rough phase recently, involving a divorce announced by his wife on 21st April followed by their reconciliation a few days later on 26th April.
As for his future with NAVI, it is up in the air for now and will be discussed and decided upon post the Antwerp Major as stated by the player himself. NAVI will be seen in action from the legends stage onwards which will be taking place from 14th to 17th May.
