Natus Vincere is perhaps a curious case in Rainbow Six right now. The team was on an incredibly hot streak through Season 9 and 10, yet now, in Season 11, the team has failed to live up to expectations. While not unheard of -- Team Empire finished fourth after its Season 9 victory, and Mock-it Esports (now OrgLess) was relegated after its Season 8 second-place finish -- it is certainly unexpected.
The team burst onto the scene under the MnM Gaming banner, with DreamHack Winter 2018 being the first event for the team. A group stage exit there was followed up by a joint-third finish at the team’s first ESL Premiership Finals.
Afterwards though, MnM added eventual captain Luke “Kendrew” Kendrew and Szymon “Saves” Kamieniak and immediately found success. Qualifying to the Challenger League, the UK squad defeated Team Secret 2-0 to take its first ESL Premiership title, then slalomed through the Challenger League itself to finish second and subsequently beat Team Vitality in the playoffs to secure automatic promotion to the Pro League.
Natus Vincere celebrating the Season 10 Finals victory.
There, the roster was quickly acquired by Natus Vincere, and the added support did wonders for the team. Expected to face relegation at the end of the season, mid-table was where the team found itself at the halfway mark. However, a stunningly strong second split -- helped along by poor results from Rogue (then Giants Gaming), Team Empire, and Team Vitality -- meant that the team finished top in Europe.
Headed to its first international event as a roster together, Wildcard Gaming gave Natus Vincere a scare, but the European leaders recovered from facing match point to taking the game in overtime. Team Reciprocity was then dispatched, and so too was DarkZero Esports in the final, and Na’Vi had successfully followed Team Empire’s footsteps in winning the Pro League in its debut season.
The full statistics for Natus Vincere at the halfway mark of Season 11.
Season 11, though, has been far from a cakewalk for the team. At the halfway mark, the team finds itself in sixth place with a mere seven points from two wins, one draw, and four losses. The results come after the team parted ways with now-Giants Gaming coach Ellis “GiG” Hindle, though it is certain that the team is hiding some strategies for the Six Invitational, courtesy of analyst and stand-in coach Cyril “jahk” Renoud.
To know more about the team’s preparation, SiegeGG spoke to star player, Leon “neLo” Pesić:
Your team has been struggling in the Pro League so far. What has been the issue for your team so far?
Hiding strategies?
How has your team been preparing for the Six Invitational in the wake of GiG’s departure?
While Doki is banned from playing, how much of a contribution has he had in helping your team prepare for the event?
The closest game your team had last time out was in fact against Wildcard Gaming. What were the key things you learnt from your first-ever Pro League Finals?
Your group has been labeled the “Group of Death” by many. Do you agree with the assessment?
Much has been said about the seeding process for the groups. Does your team have any gripes with it?
How do you think that the double-elimination playoffs will change the dynamic of the event, and what is your opinion of the one-map advantage in the grand final?
Do you have anything else to say to your fans?
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Natus Vincere plays Spacestation Gaming as the opening match, with matches against either Team SoloMid or Rogue scheduled afterwards. Check back here at SiegeGG for more Invitational Insights and full coverage of the event as it comes.