Natus Vincere (NAVI), an Ukrainian esports organization has generously donated $125,000 (~£98,000) from prize money after its first-ever CS2 Major win at Copenhagen this March, aiming to support unmanned robotic complexes in Ukraine. This donation, made in collaboration with the charitable organization MK Foundation, is followed by many initiatives taken by NAVI to support its home country, Ukraine amid war.
NAVI secured this sum as their share of the $500,000 (~£392,000) prize pool from their victory at the first-ever CS2 Major held in Copenhagen this March. This triumph marked NAVI’s second Counter-Strike Major win, solidifying their legacy in esports while also providing them the opportunity to give back to their community. The organization and its players also earned additional revenue from sticker sales, although the exact figures remain undisclosed by Valve.
Since the onset of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, NAVI has actively supported Ukraine through various initiatives, including donations and fundraisers. The organization swiftly cut all ties with Russian companies in March 2022, in response to the invasion. NAVI's latest donation is a direct response to the escalation on the frontline, highlighting their ongoing dedication to their country's defense and humanitarian efforts.
The esports landscape has been significantly impacted by the conflict, with restrictions affecting Russian organizations. For instance, Virtus.Pro had to compete under the name "Outsiders" at the IEM Rio Major due to branding restrictions, although they were reintegrated into ESL and BLAST in March 2023. The invasion also led to the postponement of the WePlay Academy League and created numerous other challenges for the esports community.
NAVI's commitment to Ukraine is shared by the broader esports community, with many professional players and organizations showing support. In 2022, NAVI hosted the "Born to be Brave" tournament, featuring players from Astralis, Vitality, Fnatic, ENCE, FaZe, Liquid, MOUZ, BIG, and NAVI, all united in their support for Ukraine.
