Natus Vincere secured a confident 2–0 victory over The MongolZ in the ESL Pro League Season 23 quarter-final, advancing to the semifinals after a controlled performance across both maps. The Ukrainian organization showed strong structure and superior mid-round coordination, closing the series on Ancient (13–11) and Mirage (13–4). With the win, NAVI move one step closer to the title, while The MongolZ see their EPL playoff run come to an end.
The MongolZ 0–2 NAVI
Ancient — NAVI edge a close opener (13–11)
The series began on Ancient, NAVI’s map pick, where the Mongolian side initially looked competitive. The MongolZ managed to keep the early rounds close through aggressive fights and individual plays from Anarbilguun “cobrazera” Uuganbayar. However, NAVI’s structure gradually began to take control of the map. Drin “makazze” Shaqiri consistently found opening duels, while b1t and iM provided strong trading in late-round situations. Despite The MongolZ pushing the scoreline late, NAVI held firm and closed the opener 13–11.
Mirage — NAVI dominate the decider (13–4)
The second map Mirage quickly turned into a one-sided affair. NAVI’s defensive setups completely shut down The MongolZ’s executes, repeatedly forcing the Mongolian side into low-time situations. With w0nderful controlling key angles and makazze continuing his dominant performance, NAVI rapidly built a large lead. The MongolZ struggled to find openings throughout the map, allowing NAVI to comfortably close the game 13–4 and secure the 2–0 series victory.
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Match statistics
Player of the Match — Drin “makazze” Shaqiri
Across two maps:
- 43–22 K-D
- +8.95% swing
- 115.9 ADR
- 82.9% KAST
- 1.87 rating
The NAVI rifler delivered one of the most dominant individual performances of the playoff stage, consistently winning opening duels and controlling the tempo of the series.
VRS impact
The result also affected the Valve Regional Standings (VRS). With the victory, Natus Vincere gained +40 VRS points, strengthening their position near the top of the global rankings. Meanwhile, The MongolZ earned +5 VRS points for their quarter-final finish at ESL Pro League Season 23.
Team reactions
Both teams quickly reacted on social media after the match. NAVI celebrated their qualification for the semifinals with a confident message, highlighting their performance on Mirage:
Any questions about our Mirage? WE ARE HEADING TO THE ESL PRO LEAGUE S23 SEMIFINALS!
The MongolZ, meanwhile, acknowledged the end of their playoff run and thanked fans for their support during the tournament:
Our run at EPL has come to an end. Thank you to everyone who supported us.
The team also noted that they will return to competition soon at upcoming events in Stockholm.
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What comes next
With the victory, Natus Vincere advance to the ESL Pro League Season 23 semifinals, moving one step closer to the title. The Ukrainian organization continues its strong playoff run and will now face even tougher opposition as the remaining contenders battle for a place in the grand final.
For The MongolZ, the loss marks the end of their EPL Season 23 campaign. Despite the quarter-final exit, the team once again demonstrated its ability to compete with top international squads and will now shift focus to upcoming tournaments as the season continues.
