Fresh off NAVI's 3-0 sweep of GamerLegion in the IEM Atlanta 2026 Grand Final, captain Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen delivered a press appearance that balanced confidence with respect. His comments framed NAVI's championship run as a proof of concept rather than a coronation.
The core quotes
Aleksib's central message emphasized that NAVI's win said nothing about anyone else in the CS2 hierarchy: "We let our game speak for us," he said. "People respect how we play, but we understand that Falcons, Spirit, MOUZ — every top team is dangerous. We need to be ready for everyone."
The Vitality subtext
NAVI's quarterfinal win over Vitality ended a 21-event top-four streak for the French squad. Aleksib refused to declare psychological victory over ZywOo's team. Instead, his coach B1ad3 provided the more nuanced framing: "Even though Vitality were not at their absolute peak, defeating a roster led by ZywOo still gives NAVI confidence."
The mental hurdle
Aleksib returned repeatedly to the mental dimension of the Vitality series. NAVI's 1-21 all-time map record against Vitality before Atlanta had created what he described as a psychological block. He credited his own preparation and B1ad3's tactical adjustments for finally breaking through.
What it means for Cologne
- NAVI enter the Major with genuine momentum
- The Vitality result removes years of psychological baggage
- Aleksib's IGL calling has been validated at the top level
- w0nderful's MVP form heading into a Major peaks the AWP position
Facing MOUZ
Aleksib specifically named MOUZ as a threat, an interesting choice given MOUZ's struggles in early 2026. MOUZ's absence from BLAST Rivals and the roster adjustments including Brollan's return with xertioN taking IGL suggest a team in transition heading into Cologne, but Aleksib refused to write anyone off.
Setting expectations
NAVI's captain closed his interview cycle by tempering expectations. Winning IEM Atlanta was significant, but Cologne is the Major. His refusal to over-celebrate offered a preview of the discipline NAVI plans to bring to the Cologne stage.
