npl: "Maybe two years ago I could only dream about this, but now it is a reality"

Natus Vincere begin their road to the Spring Final against Ninjas in Pyjamas on Saturday.

Natus Vincere arrive in Copenhagen armed with Andrii "⁠npl⁠" Kukharskyi, yet another product of the NAVI Junior academy to break into the tier-one scene. The 17-year-old made his debut for the main team as a sixth player at the BLAST World Finals last year and played three maps.

While he didn't have the best performance in Abu Dhabi, he did enough to convince Andrey "⁠B1ad3⁠" Gorodenskiy and company to give him a permanent spot on the roster.

HLTV sat down with npl before his debut as a full-time member of the main team to reflect on his feelings in the team so far, as well as his clash with ex-teammate Daniil "⁠headtr1ck⁠" Valitov in the opening match of the tournament.

You've had some time to process everything, how are you feeling now about making the permanent move to the main team?

It feels amazing, I don't know what else to say. Really amazing feeling.

How does it feel coming into a practice server with names such as s1mple, electronic, and b1t? How is practice in general?

Maybe two years ago I could only dream about this, but now it is a reality. Now I'm just learning from them and getting experience. Practice is good, I am learning a lot. Sometimes I make a mistake, sometimes a lot of mistakes, but I'm trying to fix them.

You are now coached by B1ad3 who knows how to develop talent, how is it like working under him?

He is helping me not to make mistakes. He also helps me with macro situations, what I need to do when something on the map happens and how to react to information. He also watches demos with me.

Does seeing b1t, who came into the academy and now proved he is one of the best rifles in the world, motivate you to follow in his footsteps?

I mean we are different people, so it shouldn't give me confidence. Considering we are different players, his story doesn't matter to me, I need to make my own.

You stood in at the World Final for sdy on Inferno and Mirage. How did it feel to play at that tournament?

I was only feeling nervous at the start of matches, when I was on the server it was a lot better, I didn't feel pressure, maybe a bit (laughs).

You are meeting headtr1ck, your ex-teammate from NAVI Junior, in the first round of a really stacked group. How will that feel?

Of course I want to win against him, I will do my best in the game and help my team to get the victory.

And finally, what are the aims for NAVI this year?

Of course we want to win titles during the year, and also I want to put up consistent performances for my team. I'm also very excited for the first Major, we will see if we can make it.