We explore the current problems that might be plaguing Nao Tem Como and what changes could bring out the best in the lineup rumoured to be picked up by SK Gaming.

When the latest Nao Tem Como lineup came to existence, there was an air of excitement and expectancy around the stack. The duo of HEN1 and LUCAS1 reuniting with fnx was already enough firepower. But, the addition of felps added the potential of them exploding onto the scene.

bit was the only questionable name in the lineup. But, the 27-year-old has his fair share of experience in the Brazilian scene. At the time, the players did not have any IGL choice that would be better than bit.

Nao Tem Como though, stuttered from the get-go. The Brazilian stack finished the ESEA MDL Season 27 with a 5-11 record despite a strong start. Some of the defeats could be chalked down to the difference in ping, with the stack being in Germany for the bootcamp.

While in Europe, Nao Tem Como took part in the GG:Origin event. A spot at IEM Sydney was on offer at the event along with a $10,000 prize pool. fnx & co. though, bowed out of the competition, losing on 5 maps to Windigo. This was to be followed by a run of poor results.

Nao Tem Como soon crashed out of the ZOTAC Cup Masters 2018 South American Qualifier. The defeat to Furia raised questions over them being the second best team from their region.

The Brazilian stack soon took revenge on Furia. Nao Tem Como prevailed over 5 maps in a gruelling match to grab a spot at ESL One Belo Horizonte 2018. But, their performance in Brazil raised more questions.

bit’s inability to match upto the opponents on the server was more visible than ever. The Nao Tem Como IGL had a K/D difference of -42 over 5 maps as the team crashed out in the Group Stage.

Nao Tem Como has since failed to reach the Closed Qualifiers of DreamHack Stockholm while also bowing out of the ZOTAC Cup European regional finals. But, their biggest disappointment has been their torrid showing at the Americas Minor in London.

bit was again the worst fragger on the server. The IGL again put up a sub-par showing, with a K/D difference of -15 over 5 maps. Nao Tem Como’s inability to qualify for the FACEIT Major 2018 has put the stack’s future into question. We try to figure out the changes that might be necessary to make the lineup a competitive figure in the scene.

Nao Tem Como and the Need to Change!

The first and the most important change that Nao Tem Como need is a new IGL. bit has failed to be competitive on the server. But, what is even more concerning is that he has not been able to bring the best out of kNgV-, felps and fnx – three proven superstars.

HEN1 and LUCAS1 already chose to leave the NTC roster. Their performances for Luminosity at Dreamhack Open Valencia 2018 already hints at a better environment in their new team. Some have even suggested that the current Luminosity roster is what the fans wanted at Nao Tem Como.

Who’s to blame?

The problem with bit is that there are one of two reasons for such a disappointing set of losses. Either bit’s strategies clearly do not seem to be working given the current lineup.

Or, and this is the concerning part, the players just do not pay attention or follow bit’s directions properly. In either case, bit is someone that needs to be replaced. There are not many IGLs in the Brazilian scene. But, there has to be a change in the leadership of Nao Tem Como.

bit though, is not the only thing that seems wrong about the roster. The way HEN1 and LUCAS1 have been able to improve their form in Luminosity raises questions about the level of chemistry within the Nao Tem Como lineup.

There is no doubt that kNgV- is a wondrous talent. But, as often is the case with most competitive scenes, talent comes bundled with a hint of arrogance and other behavioural problems. Now, we do not know what is the reason for the underperformance of the current NTC roster.

But, lack of chemistry has been visible in their style of play under bit. To replace bit, i feel they need to bring in people who have experience of competing at the top level.

Out with the bold, in with the better?

This is where I would propose to add steel and boltz to the roster. steel can mitigate the need for shot-calling. His freestyle calling has already proven to bring the best out of stars. boltz on the other hand, is an interesting prospect.

While the player has been underwhelming for SK Gaming, he was a beast for Immortals. This clearly suggests that, while boltz is team-oriented, given the freedom, he can add more firepower to the lineup.

Bringing in steel and boltz for bit and kNgV- can make the Nao Tem Como complete in a sense. The only problem that might rear its ugly head is the lack of a primary Awper. But, the recent evolution of the scene has seen teams prefer a hybrid lineup rather than a devoted AWPer.

While Fnatic can be chalked down as an exception after their capture of draken, NiP, Liquid and even Navi, to an extent, are examples of teams who prefer a hybrid playing style. boltz and fnx can wield the big green gun at a level competitive enough to mitigate the need for a primary AWPer.

With the backing of an organisation like SK Gaming, securing steel and boltz should not be too much of a problem. I would also propose to buy zakk from Luminosity. All of the players have a history of being coached by zakk and it was under his tutelage that Immortals managed to reach the finals of PGL Major Krakow, 2017.

Brazilian fans may be infamous for their comments or expression of feelings on social media platforms.

But, they are up there amongst the most passionate of fan bases. And they deserve more than just mibr and TACO representing them at the big stage of the Counter Strike scene.

For that, Nao Tem Como needs to live up to its name. Under the SK Gaming organisation and with the changes i propose, i feel like they should be able to do just that; and perhaps, even more.