The landscape of professional esports demands not just raw mechanical skill, but also mental fortitude, strategic depth, and unwavering discipline. Leading the charge for the revitalized NAVI Dota 2 squad, which now features talent transitioned from their successful junior program, is experienced captain Bakyt “Zayac” Emilzhanov. Recently, Zayac shed light on his approach to integrating and molding these young prospects, revealing a rather pragmatic, and perhaps a touch unconventional, strategy focused on tackling modern-day distractions head-on.
According to Zayac, working with younger players presents distinct advantages. Their inherent flexibility in playstyle and hero pool is a significant asset in Dota 2`s constantly evolving meta. Unlike veterans who might be more set in their ways or reliant on signature heroes, these newcomers are often more open to adapting, learning new roles, and expanding their champion repertoire. This adaptability makes them highly coachable.
However, raw talent needs structure. Zayac identifies discipline as a paramount contribution he brought to the team. Young individuals possess abundant energy, and the key is to channel it effectively. His solution? A straightforward, non-negotiable rule: significantly less time spent on short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. The logic is simple: redirecting attention away from potentially passive consumption towards active engagement with the game and teammates.
Instead of endless scrolling, players are encouraged to utilize downtime for constructive interaction. This means more discussions centered purely on Dota 2 – talking through heroes, dissecting strategies, analyzing map movements, and understanding team synergy. Zayac noted the tangible impact of this rule; following their first significant LAN outing together, the players themselves remarked that they had begun talking about the game significantly more off-stage. This increased communication fosters a deeper collective understanding of how they intend to approach matches and execute their game plan effectively.
Zayac`s emphasis on discipline extends beyond digital hygiene. It encompasses the foundational pillars of professional athleticism, including ensuring adequate sleep, maintaining proper nutrition, and incorporating physical activity. These elements, while seemingly basic, are crucial for sustaining focus, reaction time, and overall well-being required to perform at the highest level in demanding competitive environments.
While Zayac imparts valuable veteran experience, he also acknowledges a reciprocal learning process. The younger players bring fresh perspectives on the game and specific heroes. And yes, working closely with the younger generation has its inevitable cultural exchanges – reportedly, Zayac has even picked up a new meme or two along the way, a perhaps less critical, though amusing, byproduct of team bonding.
The effectiveness of Zayac`s methodology appears to be reflected in the team`s performance trajectory. Since his integration, the squad has achieved notable results, including winning CCT Series 6, securing top placements at PGL Wallachia Season 4 (Top 8) and DreamLeague Season 26 (Top 12), and successfully qualifying for prestigious future events like Riyadh Masters 2025 and The International 2025. This string of successes ultimately paved the way for the formal promotion of the junior roster members to the main NAVI lineup.
Zayac`s tenure illustrates a compelling lesson for nurturing talent in the digital age: even in the fast-paced world of esports, fundamental discipline remains a cornerstone of success. By strategically limiting time spent on distracting platforms and fostering a culture of focused communication and professional habits, NAVI appears to have found a potent formula for unlocking the potential of their young stars, proving that sometimes, winning requires consciously choosing less scrolling for more strategy.