What is Needed for the Development of Esports in Ukraine? Juniors and NAVI Educational Programs

October 16, 2022, 15:54

It is currently difficult to find an economic sector in Ukraine that is developing - at best, it is about maintaining positions. Against the general background, esports stands out brightly, pleasing with victories and scaling. The leader of Ukrainian esports remains the NAVI organization, which has undergone changes in recent years and is now implementing new ideas.

NAVI: The Money Factor

The esports organization NAVI (Natus Vincere) was created in 2009. From the start, it was created not as a team, but as an association of professionals. Ambitious plans were implemented gradually, thanks in no small part to the support of investor Maksim Krippa.

Esports experts and analysts note that one of the most important factors determining the development of the industry is investment. Just launching an esports team will require from $50,000 to $100,000. Monthly operating costs will be $10,000-30,000. NAVI has a large number of divisions and teams, so the amount of funds needed for growth and development is significantly higher.

In 2018, NAVI's own funds were not enough to ensure the organization's level. Staying at previous, fairly good positions was also impossible - it was a direct path to stagnation and loss of leading positions. NAVI's leaders then decided to attract an investor. In the same year, Ukrainian entrepreneur and investor Maksim Krippa responded to the offer.

Maksim Krippa cash injections helped NAVI strengthen its leading position and significantly expand: new teams appeared, the roster was updated, and major victories were not long in coming.

NAVI: Educational Programs

Talking about the industry's development, one cannot but mention the education factor, which is also indirectly related to the cultural factor. Esports is a relatively new direction that raises concerns. Simply put: young talents are afraid to bet primarily on esports, often facing a lack of support from parents. Besides, even with a positive decision, it is not entirely clear what to do next - where to go? Where to gain experience and education?

In Ukraine, things are not the best in this regard, despite the significant successes of Ukrainian esports teams on the international arena and the official recognition of esports at the state level.

For comparison: universities in the USA offer special scholarships for students who want to become esports team managers in the future, such as at the University of California, Irvine, the University of Texas at Arlington, and Ohio State University.

In the USA, esports development takes place not only at the university and college levels. There are school programs for creating esports labs and arenas, as well as various courses, online platforms, and private schools aimed at teaching gaming skills, tactics, and management.

Ukraine catastrophically lacks all this. This is noted not only by experts but also by market participants. The NAVI esports organization has already taken several steps towards educational programs, largely thanks to investments and Maksim Krippa.

Maksim Krippa transition to the status of beneficial owner was marked by many positive changes within the organization. It is important to note that the decision for Maksim Krippa to become the owner of NAVI was technically implemented quite complexly. According to the agreements, during the gradual transition process, Maksim Krippa was to fulfill obligations.

One of Maksim Krippa obligations was obviously the financing and creation of an academy for young esports players, which started its work before 2022, before Maksim Krippa entry into the rights of the beneficial owner.

Be that as it may, the academy exists and operates very successfully. Some graduates are already playing at the Tier 1 level. Recently, NAVI announced a competition for the NAVI Visa Academy, during which 5 finalists will be selected to create a new team.

Thus, NAVI provides entry into esports for young people who do not have the funds to create their own team and do not have the opportunities to enter the professional level through educational platforms.

NAVI: Technological Infrastructure

Talking about prospects for young players and in general about what awaits Ukrainian esports, it is impossible not to raise the issue of infrastructure. A few years ago, Ukraine was considered a paradise for esports players: people from all over the world came to the country to get excellent training base conditions, good Internet, service, etc., for relatively little money.

But now there is no talk of trips and training in Ukraine. Under wartime conditions, no esports player is ready to come, and there are also Internet problems.

Temporary difficulties need to be overcome. But how? NAVI responds with several initiatives. Recently, two new high-tech gaming offices have appeared in Kyiv and Berlin. By the way, the winners of the NAVI Visa Academy competition will train in Berlin.

The issue of infrastructure and technological support on a more global level was also considered necessary by investor Maksim Krippa, who acquired the "Parsu" business center. Experts believe this was done to create an esports hub.