Denis “electroNic” Sharipov assumed a new role as Natus Vincere’s in-game leader sometime in June. Although it is an entirely new experience for the Russian, he has led the team to outstanding runs.

ElectroNic’s promotion came after NAVI had to let go of their former IGL Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhaylov. Boombl4 was released on May 28, after a series of controversial events with his wife.

The former IGL’s ex-wife posted a photo with the Russian flag painted on her cheek amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With that seeming like a sign of support for Russia, the Ukrainian esports organization relieved Boombl4 of his duties, citing “reputational risks” as the reason.

Shortly after, electroNic was tasked with leading NAVI in the 2022 BLAST Premier Spring Finals which commenced on June 15. NAVI were the heavy favorites to win the grand final against Team Vitality, and they delivered.

In a recent interview with HLTV, electroNic was asked if he ever thought he would become an in-game leader in his career. Although the 23-year-old admitted to wanting the role sometime, he did not reckon it will be soon.

“I always had the idea that I wanted to become an IGL someday and try this, let’s say, position or role in the game. I just didn’t think it would happen so soon.”

When asked what challenges he is facing as the IGL, he said:
“IGL and calling in general depends primarily not on the captain, but on the players. And the way they would listen to the captain, whether he has authority, whether they want to follow him, even if it won’t always be the most correct ideas. I think that the team is trying to help me as much as possible. So far, anyway, they have not fully gotten used to my style of play, style of calling, but I think we’ll fix it as time goes on.

“But Andrey (B1ad3) also helps me in calling, he tells me what things I need to say more so that the team feels better.”

NAVI are currently participating in the Intel Extreme Master Cologne, and have continued their great form. The No.2 ranked Counter-Strike: Global Offensive have won their first two games of the tournament fairly easily.

Although they have come out guns-blazing, electroNic said the team did not set any goal coming into the competition.

“As far as I remember, we did not set any goals at all for this tournament. It is clear that the goal is always to win. As a player, I always set a goal for myself to perform at the maximum, to show the best both individually and as a team. We’ll see how far we’ll go at this tournament.

“We have confidence in our abilities. That is, we are confident, as a team and as individual players, that we can show a really cool result here, and we will do everything for this.”

NAVI’s next game is against the Movistar Riders in the Group A upper bracket final. A win in that matchup will catapult them to the playoffs semifinal.

While they are the heavy favorites across several betting platforms with a win odd of $1.22, there is no pressure to win. Although it will guarantee them better seeding, a playoff feature is guaranteed regardless of the outcome.

The event, which started on June 5, will run through to June 17. The winner will walk away with $400,000 of the $1 million prize pool.
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