Drin makazze Shaqiri has won the HLTV x 1xBet Most Valuable Player award at ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals after helping Natus Vincere secure the title in Stockholm. The 19-year-old rifler earned the first MVP medal of his career and became the first player from Kosovo to receive the HLTV award, finishing the event with a 1.38 rating, 92.3 ADR, and 0.83 kills per round.
Strong performances throughout the playoffs
makazze delivered impact in every stage of the LAN playoffs. First, he started the bracket with a dominant showing against The MongolZ. His performance helped NAVI control the series early. Next came the semifinal against FUT Esports. Here, makazze played a crucial role on Dust2, the deciding map of the series. His kills and mid-round decisions helped NAVI secure the grand final spot.
Finally, NAVI faced Aurora Gaming in the championship match. The series was competitive, and several NAVI players delivered strong performances. However, makazze remained one of the most consistent players across the entire event. Because of this, he ultimately secured the MVP award. Teammate w0nderful also had an incredible tournament. In fact, his grand final performance was one of the best individual displays of the event. Nevertheless, makazze’s stability across all playoff matches proved decisive in the MVP race.
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Top 10 players at ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals
1. makazze (NAVI) — 1.38
9 maps, 190 rounds, +36 K-D, 1.30 K/D. The tournament MVP combined strong mechanics with consistent impact throughout NAVI’s title run.
2. phzy (Astralis) — 1.38
8 maps, 167 rounds, +35 K-D, 1.34 K/D. Astralis’ AWPer delivered an outstanding individual tournament and finished tied for the highest rating.
3. w0nderful (NAVI) — 1.25
9 maps, 190 rounds, +46 K-D, 1.44 K/D. A spectacular showing from the Ukrainian AWPer, especially in the grand final.
4. Staehr (Astralis) — 1.25
8 maps, 167 rounds, +19 K-D, 1.18 K/D. A strong rifling performance that helped Astralis remain competitive throughout the event.
5. Jimpphat (MOUZ) — 1.22
3 maps, 71 rounds, +10 K-D, 1.22 K/D. High efficiency despite limited map count.
6. b1t (NAVI) — 1.19
9 maps, 190 rounds, +20 K-D, 1.17 K/D. A reliable rifler who contributed crucial rounds during NAVI’s playoff run.
7. Spinx (MOUZ) — 1.17
3 maps, 71 rounds, +7 K-D, 1.15 K/D. Strong individual numbers during MOUZ’s campaign.
8. woxic (Aurora Gaming) — 1.16
10 maps, 206 rounds, +32 K-D, 1.27 K/D. A key player in Aurora’s deep tournament run.
9. Wicadia (Aurora Gaming) — 1.14
10 maps, 206 rounds, +25 K-D, 1.18 K/D. Provided consistent rifling support throughout the playoffs.
10. iM (NAVI) — 1.14
9 maps, 190 rounds, +24 K-D, 1.19 K/D. Delivered important mid-round impact and helped stabilize NAVI in difficult moments.
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A new NAVI star emerges
This MVP marks a historic milestone not only for makazze but also for Kosovo in professional Counter-Strike. At just 19 years old, the NAVI rifler has already proven he can perform on the biggest stage. More importantly, he played a key role in one of the most important victories of NAVI’s recent era. If his current trajectory continues, this MVP could become the first of many awards in a long and successful career.
