Natus Vincere advanced to the semifinals of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 after defeating FURIA 2–1 in a tense quarterfinal series. The Brazilians confidently took Mirage, but NAVI quickly adapted, leveled the series on Inferno, and closed out the decider on Train without giving their opponents a chance. FURIA’s reliance on pace and raw firepower failed over the distance of a Bo3 — NAVI’s structure and discipline proved decisive.
Group Stage Paths — progress versus inconsistency
NAVI entered the playoffs without an aura of dominance, but with a clear sense of steady improvement. Stage 3 became a period of fine-tuning roles, tempo, and late-round decision-making. Their group-stage run looked like this:
- an opening loss to FURIA;
- a controlled win over PARIVISION — structure over chaos;
- a defeat against Vitality — painful, but instructive;
- confident victories over B8 and paiN — growing cohesion;
- qualification for the playoffs with a feeling of stability.
By the quarterfinals, NAVI looked composed and ready for long, demanding series.
FURIA, meanwhile, reached the playoffs through aggression and strong individual form. Early on, their style overwhelmed opponents, but across longer series, weaknesses began to surface. Their road to the playoffs included:
- convincing wins over Imperial and NAVI — a powerful start;
- strong individual performances in the middle of the stage;
- recurring issues in structured Bo3 series.
FURIA arrived in the quarterfinals dangerous, but heavily dependent on tempo.
Mirage — 13:5. NAVI immediately dismantle FURIA’s game plan
The series opened with total control from Natus Vincere on Mirage. NAVI imposed a relentless pace from the outset, shutting down every key area of the map. FURIA tried to rely on individual plays and fast decisions, but NAVI’s disciplined defense consistently neutralized those attempts.
NAVI were especially dominant in mid control, which allowed them to read rotations and force favorable trades. The first half alone all but decided the outcome — FURIA never found a stable way into rounds.
Inferno — 13:16. FURIA equalize the series through tempo
On Inferno, the initiative shifted to FURIA. The Brazilian side significantly increased the pace, forcing NAVI to play reactively. Aggressive executes and effective utility usage gradually destabilized NAVI’s defense.
NAVI had chances to close the map in regulation, but in the crucial rounds, FURIA converted key duels more efficiently and pushed the series to a decider. Inferno was the only map where FURIA successfully imposed their style and punished NAVI for a few timing mistakes.
Train — 13:3. NAVI shut down the series without mercy
The deciding map turned into a clear demonstration of NAVI’s class. On Train, they looked fully composed and ruthless, completely neutralizing FURIA’s strengths. NAVI’s defense was nearly flawless: rotations were sharp, trades perfectly timed, and control of key positions left FURIA with no room to maneuver.
FURIA lost their economy early and were unable to mount a comeback even in favorable situations. Train was NAVI’s emphatic response to the loss on Inferno — a confident, structured finish with no compromises.
Player statistics
Match MVP — Drin “makazze” Shaqiri
- 1.40 rating
- 93.2 ADR
- +4.12% swing
- 77.8% KAST
makazze delivered an exceptionally mature performance, consistently winning key trades and providing NAVI with reliability in the most critical rounds.
Teamplay — NAVI’s adaptation vs. FURIA’s loss of tempo
NAVI showcased a mature and flexible approach. After dropping Inferno, the team quickly adjusted, improved map control, and punished FURIA for every overextension. FURIA, on the other hand, lost effectiveness once their initial pressure stopped working. Individual flashes from KSCERATO and FalleN could not compensate for the overall breakdown in structure.
VRS changes
- Natus Vincere: +45 pt (#6 → #6) — an important boost to their position
- FURIA: –21 pt (#1 → #1) — a painful hit without losing the top spot
NAVI move on, FURIA exit with questions
Natus Vincere advance to the semifinals, proving their ability to win difficult series through adaptation and composure. The team looks increasingly dangerous as the Major reaches its decisive phase. FURIA exit the Major in disappointment. The firepower and potential remain high, but a lack of stability and adaptation against elite, structured opponents once again proved fatal.
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Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge
Running alongside the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — an interactive feature where fans predict match results, choose advancing teams, and earn points throughout the tournament. By making accurate picks, participants unlock rewards ranging from premium skins to rare gloves and knives, with the ultimate prize being the iconic AWP | Dragon Lore.
