Natus Vincere have secured a spot in the playoffs of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, confidently defeating B8 in the decisive 2–2 elimination match. What was expected to be one of the most intense Ukrainian derbies of the tournament instead turned into a showcase of total control from NAVI: discipline, individual form, and absolute dominance on Ancient immediately knocked B8 out of rhythm. For the second Major in a row, B8 fall just one step short of the top 8 — this time unable to regain momentum even on their signature Train.
Tournament Paths — two completely different routes
NAVI moved through Stage 3 with a level of stability rarely seen at this point of the tournament. They opened with a heavy loss to FURIA but then restored full control of their structure:
- 2–13 vs FURIA — difficult loss early
- 13–6 vs PARIVISION — confident reset
- 13–8 vs paiN — disciplined, composed win
- 0–2 vs Vitality — second defeat to a Major favorite
- 2–0 vs B8 — experience and quality on full display
The team looks fully prepared for playoffs: strong synergy, a stable system, and players who consistently win key duels.
B8 once again reached the doorstep of the top 8, but repeated the story of the previous Major:
- 13–10 vs Falcons — important win through tempo
- 6–13 vs MOUZ — first setback
- 2–13 vs Vitality — harsh loss to an elite team
- 2–0 vs paiN — composure under pressure
- 0–2 vs NAVI — final stop
Their biggest issue remained inconsistency and a lack of adaptation against highly structured opponents. When the pressure peaked, B8 often struggled to maintain their tempo.
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Ancient — 13:4. NAVI destroy B8 on their own map pick
B8 failed to impose their tempo from the very first round: NAVI immediately seized control of mid and A-long, forcing B8 into reactive play for the entire half. NAVI’s defense read every approach before it even developed, while their attacks opened sites effortlessly thanks to consistent duels won by w0nderful and makazze.
B8 repeatedly lost opening duels, collapsed economically, and never managed even a minimal streak. By the midpoint of the half, it was clear NAVI were winning on every front — and the finish was merely a formality.
Train — 16:14. Even in a tense finish, NAVI stand stronger
Train gave B8 a chance to fight, but NAVI maintained control throughout. B8 produced a few strong defensive streaks and stayed competitive thanks to individual highlights, but in the decisive rounds NAVI were sharper: precise rotations, confident retakes, and ice-cold clutches allowed them to take over when it mattered most.
B8 tried increasing the tempo, but NAVI punished every predictable timing. In the final stretch, structure and makazze’s composure made the difference — NAVI closed out the map and the series.
Player Stats
Best Player of the Series — Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov
- 1.46 rating
- 88.6 ADR
- 89.4% KAST
- +3.98% swing
w0nderful was the most impactful and consistent player of the entire series, outperforming everyone statistically and setting the tone for NAVI’s victory. On Ancient, his AWP presence completely shut down B8’s attempts to take control of mid and long. On Train, he dictated the pace of key rounds with clean positioning, confident duels, and flawless awareness in late-rounds.
While makazze won the fan vote, the stat-based MVP is unquestionably w0nderful — he provided NAVI with early-round advantages, stabilized the team in retakes, and delivered the kind of reliability that defines elite playoff-level performances.
Team Play Breakdown — two different approaches, one inevitable outcome
- Natus Vincere — controlled tempo, calculated decisions, complete opponent read
NAVI were composed from the opening round: on Ancient they imposed a suffocating tempo, denying B8 every key position. Their rotations were clean, mid control airtight, and late-round play polished. On Train, NAVI anticipated B8’s attacking routes, shut down the sites early, and consistently won duels that defined the flow of the map. They looked cohesive, calm, and structurally superior.
- B8 — strong flashes, but a lack of structure in critical moments
B8 tried to impose aggression early, but their game plan collapsed under NAVI’s pressure. Fast hits and early duels brought no stability, and their economy constantly fell apart. On Train, B8 had bright moments and fought hard, but lacked a secondary game plan. After several reads from NAVI, their tempo stalled and the defense couldn’t withstand the pressure in decisive rounds.
Final Note — NAVI march into playoffs with confidence
NAVI advance to the playoffs of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 and reaffirm their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders. Their discipline, structure, and individual consistency are exactly what define championship-caliber teams.
B8’s run ends once again just shy of the top 8. The team continues to grow, but still lacks stable adaptation and deeper attacking variation. Yet one thing is clear — at the next Major, top teams will need to be careful. B8 are getting closer, and soon they’ll be right on their heels.
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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.
