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Hiro to reportedly join Natus Vincere for 2025 season
Kaustavmani Choudhury
Kaustavmani Choudhury
18 Aug, 2024, 06:59
|Last updated: 9 Apr, 2025, 12:18
Natus Vincere has reportedly made a significant addition to their VALORANT roster ahead of the 2025 VCT EMEA season. According to sources from journalist Alejandro Gomis, NA'VI has reached a verbal agreement with Emirhan "hiro" Kat, the Dutch prodigy who made waves with Fnatic earlier this year.
This comes just weeks after Fnatic decided to part ways with the rookie, after a disheartening end to their run at Champions 2024.
Hiro is set to join NAVI at a pivotal moment. The Ukrainian organization is looking to rebound after a rocky 2024 season. Where they failed to progress past the first round of playoffs in both Stages despite a promising start.
From Fnatic Rookie to VALORANT Sensation
Hiro’s remarkable performances in the Turkish Challengers League and then in the top tiers of VALORANT EMEA have solidified his reputation as one of the hottest prospects in the scene.
The young Dutch burst onto the scene with Fnatic mid-season in 2024. He stepped in for Leo "Leo" Jannesson, who was sidelined due to health issues. At the time, Fnatic was reeling from a poor showing at Masters: Shanghai, but Hiro’s arrival marked a turning point. He played a key role in the team’s resurgence, helping Fnatic dominate VCT EMEA Stage 2.
Under the leadership of Jake "Boaster" Howlett, Hiro and his teammates went on a tear. Ultimately beating Vitality to lift the EMEA Stage 2 trophy for the second time in the year.
However, it was not all good, as the EMEA giants had a disappointing exit from Champions 2024. After being sent into the lower bracket by Team Heretics, Fnatic faced a disappointing loss against Sentinels, which saw them eliminated from the tournament.
A New Chapter with NAVI
Hiro’s performances didn’t go unnoticed, and during the offseason, several EMEA teams reportedly pursued the 18-year-old. But with NA'VI securing his services, it would be a crucial move as the team looks to recover from a challenging year.
Hiro’s ability to shine under pressure could be just what NA'VI needs to regain its foothold in the upper echelons of EMEA. With Hiro on board, NAVI would be poised for a fresh start in the 2025 season.
There's still plenty of VALORANT action ahead in the OFF//SEASON. So, check in with Strafe to catch all of the latest VALORANT news.
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Featured Image Source: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games
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