In this age of digital sports, Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) is the closest thing the Dota 2 scene has ever had to a bonafide sports dynasty.

The NBA’s own crowd darling Los Angeles Lakers holds a record 60 Playoff appearances and 31 Finals appearances. The Lakers legacy started way way back in 1948 when it first won a championship in the National Basketball League (NBL). The Lakers continued their dominance into the present day, bagging a historic three-peat championship behind Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant in 2000-2002 seasons.

On the other hand, Na’Vi rocketed to fame right after winning the first ever International way back in 2011. They then secured back-to-back runner-up podium finishes in the succeeding editions of The Internationals (2012 and 2013). That’s three solid showings in a row — something that no other team has ever achieved in the history of Dota 2.

The International is for the cream of the crop across all of Dota 2 and Na’Vi has appeared in all five editions, making it to the grand finals thrice.

The smiles of champions back in 2011. Ages ago. (Source g4tv.com)

But much like the Lakers, Natus Vincere have been terribly under-performing as of late. The question ‘Are the best days of Na’Vi behind them?’ begs to be answered.

Natus Vincere was eliminated early in this year’s edition by a formidable Vici Gaming team.

In the do-or-die match up against Vici, Natus Vincere were primed to go all in. The draft started out well with Na’Vi going for the aggressive line up with Dazzle, Tusk, Lina and Anti Mage picks while Vici went for a more-team fight oriented line up with heavy magic damage in Luna, Shadow Fiend, Queen of Pain, Earthshaker and Rubick. What shocked everyone was Na’Vi’s decision to draft a surprise Io, notably one of Akbar “Sonneiko” Butaev’s better heroes.

But with the amount of nukes Vici possessed, it was going to be hard for them to keep that Io alive. Maybe there were better picks other than Io at the time.  In true Na’Vi fashion, even while behind in gold majority of the game, they found ways for team fights to go their way. Na’Vi was eventually overpowered by the Vici side who, despite Na’Vi’s best efforts, grabbed hold of a lead and never let go.

With the loss, fans dejectedly looked back to the golden years of Na’Vi’s dominance. Is the magic gone?

A dejected Na’Vi side left Key Arena early in the tournament’s main event. This is the lowest (13th-16th) they’ve ever finished in their whole TI history.

Though Dendi seems oddly upbeat. You gotta love the guy.

The past couple of years have not been kind to Danil “Dendi” Ishutin and company with tournament wins simply eluding them.

The departure of Clement “Puppey” Ivanov from Navi saddened many fans. (Source: IndoGamers.com)

Reunited and it feels so good.

Despite their loss, Dendi returned to Key Arena as a surprise entrant to the All-Star match. Disguised as a fan in a Pudge cosplay, Dendi joined former teammate and long time friend  Clement “Puppey” Ivanov.

Dendi and Puppey’s history together is one of heart break and absolute euphoria. Dendi was made an instant celebrity after winning the first ever TI in Cologne, Germany. His captain at the time, Puppey, was never one for the spotlight. Together, the two led Na’Vi in tournaments. Their mix of calculated plays and high-risk maneuvers won over fans and paychecks in the four years that Puppey stayed in Na’Vi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0iSGFLzICg

But in late 2014, Puppey announced that he would leave Na’Vi to form his own team — Team Secret. With his departure, Dendi had to carry the brunt of spiritual leadership for the Ukrainian squad.

Since then, Na’Vi has been on a steady downward spiral, culminating to their worst exit in TI history.

What’s next for Navi?

A roster shake up is looming for this team and it may just be for the better.

Many fans ridicule Na’Vi for what they consider is their weakest link — their carry player. Alexander “XBOCT” Dashkevich is a risk taker and when he overextends, Dendi and the others are forced to pay for the consequences. But when XBOCT’s high-risk plays pay off, the results can be magical.

Would XBOCT’s leaving rejuvenate Na’Vi? Or should other shakeups happen for the team?

More than anything: A true dynasty needs a leader — something Na’Vi is sorely lacking. Other than strategy and draft picks, a good leader keeps a clear vision and motivates a team to bigger and better things.

Since Puppey’s departure, Na’Vi has been plagued with high-risk takers that needlessly places the team in jeopardy. A strong leader can rein in Na’Vi’s undoubted talent to produce a more stable performance for the once world champions.

With Na’Vi in dire need of a wake up call, the looming question on everyone’s mind is who will be leaving the team? A Dendi departure would ensue a riot for devoted fans. On the other hand if XBOCT leaves some fans will rejoice. Will they retain stellar newcomer Akbar “SoNNeiKo” Butaev? A future of uncertainty is definitely in front of them.

In the past few months leading up to The International, Na’Vi has been plagued with roster changes. This indicates an unstable quality in the team, one that could be a result of different perspectives clashing inside the organization. For Na’Vi to regain its former glory, the organization itself has to decide how it wants to proceed in a post-TI world…and this means asking some hard questions that might lead to the removal of franchise players.

But for better or for worse, Na’Vi should make some changes now. A proper captain, new talent and a more stable performance that retains their exciting playstyle.

Like all good dynasties, Na’Vi represents a style of Dota 2 that people relate to. For the Na’Vi dynasty to return to power, the team needs to look inside of its members to find the answers. The fans deserve it.

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