In the video analysis of the playoffs for the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, Danil "Zeus" Teslenko and Mikhail "Kane" Blagin discussed not only the upcoming matches of the tournament but also pressing internal issues within NAVI. One of the most notable segments addressed potential roster changes as the team continues to search for its form after a series of unstable performances.

However, the conversation quickly expanded beyond a single organization. The discussion centered on fundamental issues of the modern scene: the lack of regulation in the transfer market, the growing influence of money, and teams being assembled not on a sporting principle but a financial one.

In Search of Stability and Ambition

After a successful start in 2024 and mixed results from late 2024 to the present at major tournaments, NAVI continues to look for a working formula. In his conversation with Zeus, Kane did not shy away from tough topics and openly stated whom he would replace first.

Back in the day, I would probably have replaced w0nderful with Jambo first, because NAVI has a big budget. They should be gathering the best players in the world to aim for the top spot. But you have to understand that any other place is not acceptable for NAVI.

jL has always been likable to me. iM also did well with his role. B1t somehow falls short. But what's the issue? And to replace Valera. B1t was like something sacred. So honestly, I wouldn't want to be in B1ad3's shoes in this situation. It's a tough choice. I can't say for sure. But the first one who looks the weakest among all these legends is probably iM.

Mikhail "Kane" Blagin

A Million for Jambo — A Logical Step?

During the discussion about transfers, Kane emphasized that Jambo is not just a replacement but a player capable of taking NAVI to a new level. In Kane's opinion, his stability is higher than that of the team's current sniper.

Right now, I think he's worth a million dollars. And my opinion is that in the team, he will provide more stability than w0nderful.

Mikhail "Kane" Blagin

Kane on Transfer Anarchy and the Influence of Big Money

Beyond the transfer topics within NAVI, the discussion expanded to a more global level — Kane and Zeus touched on the problem of the lack of regulation in the esports scene. Kane spoke harshly about how the chaotic market hinders healthy competition and affects players' morale.

We have no regulators. So, of course, those people who have big money and want to enter...

I'll say the first thing I don't like — there are no transfer windows. Transfers from club to club can happen at any moment. If someone wants to buy your player, they can come to you. This creates discomfort because even if you don't release the player, it can unsettle him.

Some team like Falcons might come and say, "the salary will be such and such," and that's it. There's no regulation. Transfers can happen anytime — that's already a downside.

The second point — in football, they introduced the financial fair play rule, where some investments must be matched with the club's income. We don't have that.

On one hand, it's not so bad when big money comes in. Because, after all, it's an investment in our sport. These millions that Falcons distributed, they distributed to other teams. For example, they bought the HEROIC core, and HEROIC passed it on to other smaller teams. It's a normal practice. They spread the money in our field.

Mikhail "Kane" Blagin

Kane's opinions are not only the perspective of an experienced coach but also a reason to reflect on the current state of affairs in esports. The market is rapidly changing: major organizations are increasingly resorting to expensive transfers, and a system lacking clear rules and restrictions raises important questions about competitive balance.