Sometimes even a confident start does not guarantee an easy finish. Series that go through all three maps best reveal a team’s character and depth.
Tournament context
BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 is held in a group stage format (GSL, Bo3) with subsequent advancement to the playoffs. In the upper bracket, each win opens the path to the upper semi-finals, while a loss immediately sends a team to the lower bracket.
In the Group A upper bracket quarter-final, Natus Vincere faced B8 — a principled Ukrainian derby for a better position in the bracket.
read more
How the match unfolded — Natus Vincere vs B8
Series score: 2:1 in favor of Natus Vincere
- Mirage (pick B8) — 13:9
NaVi confidently outplayed their opponent on Mirage. The team controlled the map better and executed key rounds more consistently, not allowing B8 to capitalize on their own pick. - Ancient (pick NaVi) — 17:19
The most intense map of the series. B8 managed to impose a close contest and pushed the game into overtime. Despite being NaVi’s pick, it was B8 who showed more composure in the decisive rounds. - Dust2 (decider) — 13:7
On the deciding map, NaVi regained control of the game. The team won the majority of opening duels and left no chance for a B8 comeback, confidently closing out the series.
Player of the Match — Dritan “makazze” Shaqiri (Natus Vincere)
- K–D: 70–57
- ADR: 101.3
- Rating 3.0: 1.32
Key contribution: consistently high impact throughout the entire series and dominance in gunfights, especially in key rounds.
VRS results
- Natus Vincere — +14 pt → 1822 pt
The victory allows the team to solidify its position at the top of the rankings and continue competing for high placements. - B8 — +8 pt → 1399 pt
Despite the loss, the team gains a minimal increase but drops to the lower bracket and loses the margin for error.
What’s next?
Natus Vincere advance to the upper semi-finals, where they will have the opportunity to move closer to the playoffs without the risk of elimination.
B8 drop to lower round 1, where every next match becomes an elimination series.
read more
Match summary
Natus Vincere won the series thanks to more consistent play across all three maps. Despite losing Ancient, the team quickly adapted and confidently closed out Dust2. B8 showed resilience and put up a fight, but it was not enough to secure the win. As a result, NaVi move forward through the upper bracket, while B8 are forced to begin their run through the lower bracket.
