Following a challenging match against
Team Liquid in the Second week of
VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA Stage 2,
Natus Vincere finds itself at a pivotal point in its competitive journey. Defeat on the newly introduced map, Corrode, exposed strategic shortcomings and the need for stronger team cohesion. Following the match,
Emirhan "Hiro" Kat offered a candid reflection on the team's struggles, his own performance, and the areas in which the roster must improve.
Natus Vincere played Team Liquid today. How would you reflect on the match outcome and your personal performance? And what were the key factors that could have influenced NAVI's performance in this match to secure the win?
Emirhan "Hiro" Kat: "During the game, I think we struggled quite a bit, to be honest. It was fairly evident that we lacked experience as a team, and that impacted us in multiple areas. In terms of my individual performance, I wouldn’t say it was great. I know I’m capable of playing much better. I’d describe it as somewhere in the middle, just average. Definitely not my best showing.
As for the key factor, I believe communication within the team was crucial. Improved comms could have significantly impacted the outcome, potentially helping us to secure the win and perform more cohesively.
You're playing Cypher on Corrode. Some people don't favor this agent on this map. For you, who is the best Sentinel on the new map?
Hiro: On this new map, I wouldn’t consider Cypher as a traditional pick. I’d actually say Viper is probably the strongest. Her wall and orb allow for immense pressure and map control, which is incredibly impactful. So while she’s technically classified as a Controller rather than a Sentinel, you can definitely play her with a Sentinel-like approach due to the utility she brings.
You joined NAVI on December, 2024. How has your integration into the team been since then?
Hiro: It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, some ups and downs. But overall, it's been trending upwards. I’ve made significant progress since joining, although there’s still plenty of room for improvement. That said, I can confidently say I’ve grown a lot.
This season, you’ve mainly played Sentinels and Duelists. Which agents do you primarily specialize in, and do you prefer playing Sentinel or Duelist and why?
Hiro: I genuinely enjoy both roles, Sentinel and Duelist. They’re both relatively aggressive, and I tend to approach them with that mindset. In terms of specialisation, I’d say I’m most comfortable on Killjoy and Cypher; those two are probably my go-to agents. Role-wise, I think I prefer playing Sentinel, even though Duelist is fun to play.
Now that you’re competing at the highest level in EMEA, how do you approach your growth as a player?
Hiro: My main focus is always on improvement. I take it step by step, day by day, constantly trying to refine my gameplay. I’ll keep working hard until I reach a point where I feel satisfied with my level, or where I believe I can confidently compete against any team in the region.
You had a stint with Fnatic in mid-2024. How does playing on NAVI differ from your time with previous teams?
Hiro: I think I have to think a lot more now. Back at Fnatic, I was surrounded by four very experienced players who had won multiple international tournaments. I mostly listened to their calls and followed their lead. Now, it’s a bit different. I have more responsibilities, and I often need to take initiative and lead in certain situations. I do support ANGE1 occasionally, particularly in clutch situations or tight moments, offering small inputs, not heavy IGL duties, but situational leadership when needed.
Photo by Michal Konkol/Riot Games
In NAVI, you play alongside veterans like ANGE1. What have you learned from your teammates about competing at the top level?
Hiro: I’d say the biggest thing I’ve learned is to stay composed to play with calm and patience rather than rushing. That’s something I’ve been focusing on a lot lately: maintaining a collected mindset and not letting pressure affect my decisions.
How do you prepare yourself mentally and strategically for big matches in general?
Hiro: In terms of preparation, I usually warm up with aim trainers, some Deathmatch sessions, and occasionally a few ranked games. Physical preparation is important to me too. I like to work out, get proper rest, and maintain a solid sleep routine. That’s the foundation of my pre-match routine.
What are your personal goals and expectations for NAVI in this Stage, and how do you plan to contribute to achieving them?
Hiro: My personal goal is definitely to qualify for Champions. That would be a dream come true. To make that happen, I’m just going to work as hard as I possibly can, give everything I have, and hope it proves to be enough.
If we look at the stats, you're one of the biggest clutch players on the team! What makes you so clutch in general? Do you have any advice for young players trying to improve their aim and macros?
Hiro: I think the key to clutching is staying calm. Remaining composed and not panicking is what helps avoid making rushed, careless mistakes that’s probably my best advice.
When it comes to improving aim and macro understanding, I find that Deathmatches are incredibly useful. From my experience, they’re more effective than aim trainers or even ranked games. Playing Deathmatch, especially against high-level players or even tier 1 pros, allows you to test yourself against stronger opponents. That helps identify where your aim is lacking and what aspects you can work on. For me, Deathmatch has been one of the most valuable tools for improvement.
Header Photo Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
