FUT’s rapid ascent proves academy squads can serve as effective talent pipelines for major CS:GO organizations, and shows that strategic coaching can accelerate competitive breakthroughs.
The CS:GO ecosystem relies on academy teams to nurture future pros, and FUT’s 2026 performance shows how quickly a well‑structured junior roster can become a contender. After rebranding from NAVI Junior, FUT nearly upset FURIA at BLAST Bounty and earned a top‑12 slot at IEM Krakow, tournaments traditionally dominated by established line‑ups. This push lifted the squad to #14 on the VRS, a dramatic leap from its predecessor’s #237 ranking. The rapid rise highlights the growing importance of youth development programs for major esports brands, making FUT a benchmark for future academy success.
Coach András “coolio” Fercsák’s disciplined system is a core driver of FUT’s success. Coolio emphasizes role clarity and adaptive tactics, enabling players like dem0n (18) and Krabeni (20) to maintain rating‑1.0 scores above 1.01, while 17‑year‑old dziugss posts solid map numbers with a 0.66 KPR and 0.64 DPR. This coaching creates a cohesive unit capable of executing complex strategies against seasoned opponents, as seen in their tight matches versus top‑tier teams. A podcast with former pros Dempz, NER0 and Nohte reinforced the impact of strategic mentorship on young talent.
FUT’s next hurdle is converting raw skill into consistent wins against elite teams. Analysts argue that adding veteran experience—through signings or mentorship—could provide the stability needed for deeper tournament runs. For sponsors, FUT’s trajectory offers a case study of how academy squads generate brand exposure and ROI without the overhead of a full‑scale roster. As more organizations adopt this model, the CS:GO talent pipeline will become more competitive, reshaping roster construction across the industry.
by NER0cs
13‑02‑2026 17:21
NAVI's old academy roster was the topic for NER0, Nohte, and Dempz as they tried to uncover what makes the team tick.
FUT are causing a stir in 2026, after nearly shocking FURIA in BLAST Bounty and making it to the top 12 of IEM Krakow. The roster made their name as NAVI Junior but, even after losing star opener Drin “makazze” Shaqiri, the András “coolio” Fercsák‑led roster have made it to 16th on the VRS.
Starlets Dmytro “dem0n” Myroshnychenko and Džiugas “dziugss” Steponavičius have been praised heavily, but the whole enterprise plays its role, with the stock of young skipper Aulon “Krabeni” Fazlija also sky‑high.
The system of coolio — who was a target for 100 Thieves — also played a big part in discussions, given the coach's key role in defining the young guns' roles and creating a tactical environment within which they have been able to thrive.
With guest Arron “King Dempz” Dempsey, Harry “NER0” Richards and Danish “Nohte” Allana broke down what makes the team so able to compete against top teams — and also what they might need to make the next step.
Age: 17
Team: FUT
Rating 1.0: 0.99
Maps played: 520
KPR: 0.66
DPR: 0.64
Age: 19
Team: Natus Vincere
Rating 1.0: 1.04
Maps played: 492
KPR: 0.74
DPR: 0.70
Age: 25
Team: No team (free agent)
Rating 1.0: –
Maps played: 0
Age: 18
Team: FUT
Rating 1.0: 1.02
Maps played: 624
KPR: 0.68
DPR: 0.66
Age: 20
Team: FUT
Rating 1.0: 1.01
Maps played: 662
KPR: 0.71
DPR: 0.70
Age: 25
Team: FUT
Age: 29
Team: No team
Rating 1.0: 0.77
Maps played: 1
KPR: 0.00
DPR: 0.05
FUT – #14 (February 2026)
NAVI Junior – #237 (February 2026)
FURIA – #2 (February 2026)
End of article.
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