The Story of makazze: From 322 Scandal to the Main NAVI CS2 Roster

Drin "makazze" Shakiri is one of the most talked-about young talents in Counter-Strike 2. At just 18, he’s gone from scandal and controversy to joining the main NAVI roster, one of the most legendary organizations in CS history. His journey isn’t just another rise of a talented rifler — it’s a story of redemption, determination, and pure skill.

Early Days: How makazze Became a FACEIT Star, The 322 Scandal: Reputation on the Line, Redemption at NAVI Junior, From Controversy to Consistency, makazze Promoted to the Main NAVI CS2 Lineup, What's Next: Talent Overcomes Controversy

Early Days: How makazze Became a FACEIT Star

Born in Kosovo, makazze discovered CS:GO in his early teens. In a country where esports is still emerging, he quickly became a local star thanks to his sharp aim and aggressive style. By the age of 15, he was already playing for semi-pro teams like M1X and KS, attracting attention from scouts with his consistent HLTV ratings and FACEIT grind.

With hours spent in ranked games, he was soon labeled as one of the best FACEIT players of 2025, standing out among other young talents in CS2.

The 322 Scandal: Reputation on the Line

But in 2022, his career nearly collapsed. makazze’s former team, BNE AC, was accused of match-fixing — the infamous “322” scandal. The team was suspected of throwing matches for money in Tier-3 tournaments. The controversy escalated when teammate Karim “mugiwara” Shelghorn from Kazakhstan received an official ban for cheating, dragging the whole roster into the spotlight.

Though makazze wasn’t banned, his name became tied to the scandal. For many, this was enough to write him off. But instead of fading away, he decided to let his in-game performance speak louder than the rumors.

Redemption at NAVI Junior

In 2024, makazze joined NAVI Junior, a massive step toward rebuilding his reputation. Under the leadership of coach Andras “coolio” Ferenczák, he became a key player in the academy project. Within months, the team climbed into the Valve Regional Rankings Top 30, an impressive feat for a junior squad.

Playing alongside rising stars like Krabeni and dziugss, makazze showed he could adapt his raw aggression into structured teamplay. His standout performances at YaLLa Compass Qatar 2025 and Thunderpick World Championship EU Series proved he could handle pressure and deliver on big stages.

From Controversy to Consistency

The 322 scandal could have ended his story — but instead, it fueled his grind. makazze doubled down on practice, demo reviews, and mechanical drills. Within six months, he hit a staggering 6.5 FACEIT rating, surpassing even some Tier-1 players and becoming one of the best FACEIT players in 2025.

His mindset, work ethic, and in-game impact made him one of the most promising young talents in CS2, and eventually led NAVI to make a bold move.

makazze Promoted to the Main NAVI CS2 Lineup

In June 2025, NAVI officially promoted makazze to their main CS2 roster. The team had struggled during the first half of the season and needed a fresh direction. Bringing in a high-impact, fearless rifler like makazze sent a clear message: NAVI is ready to trust in raw talent and rebuild around aggressive firepower.

However, this decision raised eyebrows. makazze shares a similar entry-fragging role with Mihai “iM” Ivan, one of NAVI’s key players. Coach Andrey “B1ad3” Gorodenskiy acknowledged the internal role clash but emphasized that roster changes were not about blame — they were about growth and evolution.

makazze’s debut will take place at IEM Cologne 2025, one of the most prestigious events in CS2. He’ll face the world's best teams and be tested not only in aim duels but in how well he fits into NAVI’s more structured, tactical system.

The question is simple: can a player known for unrestrained aggression adapt and become a key piece in NAVI’s CS2 rebuild?

jL Leaves NAVI and Takes a Break from His Career

What's Next: Talent Overcomes Controversy

makazze’s journey is more than a comeback — it’s a symbol of how the CS2 scene is evolving. Mistakes and rumors didn’t stop him. His performance, resilience, and relentless grind have earned him another chance — this time on the world’s biggest stage.

Today, makazze is not just the new NAVI CS2 player. He’s part of a new generation that’s ready to take over the game, rewrite narratives, and rise — not despite the past, but because they’ve learned from it.