FURIA defeated Natus Vincere 2:1 in the Group A upper-bracket semifinal at IEM Beijing 2026, securing a place in the playoffs. After losing Ancient in overtime, FURIA recovered from a 3:9 halftime deficit on Nuke and completed the series with a victory on Cache.
Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato was the highest-rated player of the match with a 1.32 Rating 3.0, helping FURIA continue their winning run following the PGL Masters Bucharest 2026 title.
Tournament context
IEM Beijing 2026 features 16 teams competing in two double-elimination groups, with three teams from each group advancing to the playoffs. The winner of the upper-bracket semifinal secures a playoff spot, while the losing team drops into the lower bracket.
FURIA entered the match after defeating FaZe 2:1 in their opening series, while NAVI advanced with a 2:0 victory over Falcons. Both teams were one victory away from qualifying for the playoffs.
The series featured two overtime maps, with FURIA recovering from a difficult start to secure their second victory at the tournament.
How the match unfolded — FURIA vs NAVI
Series score: 2:1 in favor of FURIA
- Ancient (pick NAVI) — 16:12 in favor of NAVI
NAVI started strongly, securing an 8:4 advantage in the first half. FURIA recovered after switching sides, winning eight rounds to force overtime at 12:12. However, NAVI took all four overtime rounds and secured the opening map.
- Nuke (pick FURIA) — 16:12 in favor of FURIA
NAVI appeared close to winning the series after building a 9:3 halftime lead on the second map. FURIA responded with a 9:3 second half to force another overtime. The Brazilian team then won four consecutive rounds to complete the comeback and level the series at 1:1.
- Cache (decider) — 13:10 in favor of FURIA
FURIA carried their momentum into the deciding map and established an 8:4 lead in the first half. NAVI fought back after switching sides, winning six rounds, but were unable to complete another comeback. FURIA closed the map 13:10 and secured the series.
Player of the Match — Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato (FURIA)
- K–D: 63–54
- ADR: 88.9
- KAST: 82.3%
- Rating 3.0: 1.32
Key contribution: KSCERATO was the highest-rated player across the three maps, recording 63 kills and an ADR of 88.9. His 82.3% KAST was also the highest in the match, helping FURIA recover after losing the opening map.
Danil “molodoy” Golubenko contributed with 60 kills, 49 deaths and a 1.13 rating. For NAVI, Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy finished with a 1.28 rating, while Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov recorded 64 kills and a 1.26 rating.
VRS results
- FURIA — +4 pt → 1,927 pt, #3 → #3
The victory earned FURIA four ranking points, allowing the team to retain third place in VRS. More importantly, the result secured their qualification for the IEM Beijing 2026 playoffs.
- Natus Vincere — -7 pt → 1,648 pt, #9 → #11
The defeat cost NAVI seven ranking points, with the team dropping from ninth to eleventh place in the projected VRS standings. NAVI remain in the tournament but must continue through the lower bracket.
These figures are based on the provided VRS projection rather than an official Valve ranking update.
What’s next?
FURIA advance to the Group A upper-bracket final, where they will compete for a direct place in the playoff semifinals. Even if they lose their next series, the team are guaranteed to begin the playoffs in the quarterfinals.
NAVI move into the Group A lower-bracket semifinal. Their next match will be an elimination series, meaning another defeat would end their tournament run.
Match summary
FURIA recovered from losing Ancient 12:16 and overturned a 3:9 halftime deficit on Nuke to force a deciding map. On Cache, the team maintained control for most of the match and secured a 13:10 victory to complete the 2:1 series win.
KSCERATO led the match with a 1.32 rating and 88.9 ADR. The victory earned FURIA four projected VRS points and a place in the playoffs, while NAVI dropped to the lower bracket and lost seven projected ranking points.
