The upper bracket semifinals of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 delivered two very different matches in terms of storyline, but both ended the same way — with confident victories for the favorites. Ninjas in Pyjamas demolished PARIVISION, leaving no chance for the Russian squad, while Natus Vincere overcame Passion UA in a derby with dramatic elements. Now NiP and NAVI will face off in the upper bracket final for a spot in the tournament’s grand final.
PARIVISION vs Ninjas in Pyjamas — 0:2
- Train (2:13, NiP’s pick)
NiP made it clear from the very start who the favorites were. The first half ended with a crushing 10:2 score: r1nkle delivered with the AWP, while sjuush shut down every attempt from PARIVISION. In the second half, NiP calmly closed the map 13:2.
- Ancient (9:13, PARIVISION’s pick)
On their own pick, PARIVISION started more collected — Belchonokk tried to take the initiative, and xiELO won several important duels. The first half ended 4:8, leaving some intrigue. However, after the side switch NiP maintained full control: Snappi orchestrated rotations, kXcspersky added stability, and the final rounds sealed the European squad’s dominance. Final score — 13:9 and 2:0 in the series.
Match MVP — Kacper “kXcspersky” Gabara
- K-D: 36–23 (+13)
- ADR: 112.6
- Rating 3.0: 1.41
The Polish sniper took on the lion’s share of responsibility and once again proved that NiP have a true weapon in him. His composure in decisive moments crushed any hope of a PARIVISION comeback.
Team performance
- NiP: cohesion, control, and structure from Snappi, individual brilliance from r1nkle, and stability from sjuush were the keys to victory.
- PARIVISION: they never recovered after the Train blowout. Jame and AW played one of their weakest matches of the tournament, while Belchonokk looked like a shadow of himself against a dominant NiP.
Passion UA vs Natus Vincere — 0:2
- Train (6:13, Passion UA’s pick)
The Ukrainian derby began on Passion UA’s map, but the first rounds already showed the gap in class. NAVI took the opening half 10:2 thanks to iM and b1t, who repeatedly dismantled the attacks. After the switch, Passion UA tried to fight back, but the 13:6 final score left them without chances.
- Inferno (10:13, NAVI’s pick)
The second map was much closer. Passion UA regrouped and, after a shaky first half (2:10), managed to reduce the gap to 10:10 thanks to hallzerk and Kvem. But in the decisive rounds, NAVI showed their quality: makazze won key clutches, and w0nderful sealed the final round with the AWP. Final score — 13:10 and 2:0 in the series.
Match MVP — Drin “makazze” Shaqiri
- K-D: 34–24 (+10)
- ADR: 112.0
- Rating 3.0: 1.54
The Albanian rifler of NAVI finally showcased his potential, becoming the driving force in crucial moments. His entry duels and clutches on Inferno were the true key to victory.
Team performance
- NAVI: looked composed and disciplined. b1t and iM provided consistency, Aleksib directed the team effectively, and makazze emerged as the standout of the series.
- Passion UA: showed some fight but the instability of Grim and JT in key moments cost them dearly. The team displayed spirit, but they are not yet ready to compete at the top level.
Conclusion
Ninjas in Pyjamas and Natus Vincere are the first finalists of the StarSeries Fall 2025 upper bracket.
- NiP proved their current form makes them serious title contenders.
- NAVI finally showed the maturity and balance fans have been waiting for.
The upper bracket final will feature a true European derby between the two squads, where the first ticket to the grand final will be at stake.
