Navi breaks from Russian esports organisation ESForce Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Navi breaks from Russian esports organisation ESForce "Employees and players now spend their days in bomb shelters." News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 1 Mar 2022 Leading eSports team Navi, also known as Natus Vincere, has cut ties with Russian esports conglomerate ESForce. The Ukrainian-based group announced its decision in a Twitter post today, and said ESForce had denied "the horror that is now happening" in its country. ESForce is a holding company which includes Russia's top esports team Virtus.pro, esports media organisation Cybersport.ru, and the Moscow-based esports complex Yota Arena. pic.twitter.com/hmXpoElphi- NAVI (@natusvincere) March 1, 2022 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings "It is the sixth day of war in Ukraine," Navi wrote in its statement. "The Russian army continues to attack civilian areas: hundreds of thousands of residents have left their homes, the others continue to fight for the future of our country. When people are dying and thousands of destinies are getting destroyed irreversibly, there is no time for esports. "While Navi employees and players now spend their days in bomb shelters, ESForce Holding publicly denies the horror that is now happening in Ukraine. "We consider this position unacceptable and inhumane. Navi breaks off every cooperation with the holding company, including RuHub, Epic Esports Events, Cybersport.ru and Virtus.pro. "We would like to express our gratitude towards all of the holding company employees who were not afraid of the pressure and expressed their position. Thank you!" Navi is comprised of several teams which compete in top esports games under the same brand - such as, Dota, League of Legends, PUBG, World of Tanks and Rainbow Six Siege. But Navi is most famous for its successes with Counter-Strike, and last November became world champions of CS:GO. Over the past week, messages posted to the Navi account have discussed Russia's invasion of the country, and revealed how staff had been keeping their spirits up by watching esports matches held elsewhere. A few boys from my shelter were watching the match and seems like it helped a bit. It already means that it was totally worth it.Proud of our team.- NAVI (@natusvincere) February 26, 2022 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settings Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted large donations from video game companies to humanitarian organisations as the conflict escalates, as well as statements of solidarity from developers based in Ukraine itself. Earlier today, World of Tanks fired its creative director for publicly supporting Russia. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store