The MongolZ defeated Natus Vincere 2:0 in the semifinals of IEM Beijing 2026, securing a place in the Grand Final. The Mongolian team won Cache 13:10 and recovered from a halftime deficit on Inferno to close the second map 13:11, ending NAVI hopes of reaching the championship match.
Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren was the highest-rated player of the series with a 1.49 Rating 3.0, recording 42 kills and 96.2 ADR across the two maps.
Tournament context
IEM Beijing 2026 features 16 teams competing for $1,250,000 in total winnings. The playoffs use a single-elimination bracket, with the semifinal winners advancing to the Grand Final and the losing teams competing in a separate third-place match.
The MongolZ entered the semifinals directly after defeating FURIA 2:1 in the Group A upper-bracket final. NAVI took a longer route, advancing through the lower bracket before eliminating PARIVISION 2:1 in the quarterfinals.
The result secured The MongolZ a place in the championship match, while NAVI will have to settle for the third-place decider.
How the match unfolded — The MongolZ vs NAVI
Series score: 2:0 in favor of The MongolZ
- Cache (pick NAVI) — 13:10 in favor of The MongolZThe MongolZ started strongly on their opponents’ map pick, building an 8:4 advantage before halftime. NAVI improved after switching sides and won six rounds, but the Mongolian team maintained their lead. Anarbileg “cobrazera” Uuganbayar delivered four M4A1-S headshot kills in the 22nd round to put The MongolZ on map point, and the team closed Cache 13:10.
- Inferno (pick The MongolZ) — 13:11 in favor of The MongolZNAVI responded with a stronger opening half on Inferno, securing a 7:5 lead and putting themselves in position to force a third map. However, The MongolZ recovered after switching sides, winning eight of the next twelve rounds. The Mongolian team completed the comeback with a 13:11 victory, securing the series without needing to play Mirage.
Player of the Match — Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren (The MongolZ)
- K–D: 42–26
- ADR: 96.2
- KAST: 76.6%
- Rating 3.0: 1.49
- Round Swing: +4.29%
Key contribution: bLitz was the highest-rated player across the two maps, finishing with a +16 kill differential and the highest ADR in the series. His performance helped The MongolZ secure their opponents’ map pick before completing the victory on Inferno.
Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold also contributed with 35 kills, 79.9 ADR and a 1.20 rating. For NAVI, Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov finished as the highest-rated player with 37 kills and a 1.14 Rating 3.0.
VRS results
- The MongolZ — +45 pt → 1,757 pt, #9 → #8The victory earned The MongolZ 45 projected VRS points, allowing the team to climb one position in the standings. The result also secured their place in the Grand Final of IEM Beijing 2026.
- Natus Vincere — -12 pt → 1,731 pt, #8 → #9The defeat cost NAVI 12 projected VRS points, dropping the team from eighth to ninth place. Although NAVI missed the Grand Final, they remain in the tournament for the third-place match.
These figures are based on the provided VRS projection rather than an official Valve ranking update.
What’s next?
The MongolZ advance to the Grand Final of IEM Beijing 2026 on November 8, where they will compete for the championship in a Bo5 series. Their opponent will be determined by the semifinal between MOUZ and BetBoom.
NAVI will compete in the third-place match against the losing team from the other semifinal. The result will determine which team finishes the tournament in third place.
Match summary
The MongolZ secured a 13:10 victory on Cache after building an 8:4 halftime lead, before recovering from a 5:7 deficit on Inferno to win 13:11. NAVI were unable to force a deciding map and missed their opportunity to reach the Grand Final.
bLitz led the series with a 1.49 rating and 96.2 ADR, helping The MongolZ secure a place in the championship match. The victory earned them 45 projected VRS points, while NAVI lost 12 projected points and moved into the third-place decider.
