Natus Vincere’s run to the semi-finals of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 following their victory over FURIA became one of the defining moments of the playoffs. A team that looked inconsistent earlier in the season delivered a mature and composed performance in the quarter-final, and Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov made it clear after the match that the result was no coincidence.
Yes, I was expecting this. We were preparing for this match for around four days, so of course I was expecting this kind of game, w0nderful said after the series.
Preparation as the key to revenge
NAVI approached the match against FURIA with a clear plan. The teams’ previous meeting at the tournament ended in a loss for the Ukrainian side in a best-of-one, but the best-of-three quarter-final told a completely different story. According to w0nderful, the length of the series allowed NAVI to fully execute their preparation.
That was only a best-of-one, and we played Nuke really badly. But in a best-of-three, especially in a Major quarter-final, everything can change, he explained.
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w0nderful’s personal resurgence
w0nderful also commented on his individual form, which has been one of the highlights of the tournament. Despite a difficult season and a troubled preparation period, it was at the Major that he managed to regain his confidence.
This year was quite tough for me, but now I’m feeling amazing, the AWPer admitted. To be honest, it was probably the worst bootcamp of my life, he added with a laugh.
According to the player, the key factor was not mechanics or a change in playstyle, but work on his mentality.
The reason is simple — my mentality, w0nderful said briefly. What exactly did I do to change it? That’s a secret.
“The magic of the Major” and the power of belief
When speaking about the playoffs, w0nderful repeatedly emphasized the unique atmosphere of Major tournaments. In his view, belief in yourself and in the team becomes the decisive factor in matches of this magnitude.
In a Major quarter-final, everything can change. It’s just the magic of the Major, he noted. You always need to believe in yourself — and that belief will help you.
According to w0nderful, the experience of winning the PGL Major Copenhagen also plays an important role.
Yes, that experience helps. You just need confidence, he stressed.
Up next — FaZe
In the semi-finals, NAVI will face FaZe, a team that has also hit strong form in the playoffs. Nevertheless, w0nderful is looking forward to the matchup with optimism.
It will be an amazing game. I already know it, the sniper concluded.
For NAVI, this match will be another test of maturity and consistency. But if w0nderful’s words are anything to go by, the team is entering the decisive stage with what matters most at Majors — confidence, belief, and a cool head.
Community reaction: skepticism, irony, and support
w0nderful’s comments after the victory over FURIA sparked lively discussion within the community. Some fans reacted skeptically to his confidence, pointing to NAVI’s inconsistent season and their earlier loss to FURIA at the tournament. In the comments, doubts were raised about whether the team truly expected such a result.
At the same time, many fans came to his defense, emphasizing that reaching a Major semi-final is already NAVI’s biggest achievement of the year, and that the players’ confidence is a natural result of their playoff breakthrough, only fueling anticipation for the upcoming series against FaZe.
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.
What’s next — a battle of character in the semi-final
The semi-final against FaZe promises to be one of the most intense series of the entire StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. Both teams reached this stage through statement wins in the quarter-finals, showcasing not only individual class but also the ability to turn series under playoff pressure. FaZe displayed disciplined, composed Counter-Strike against MOUZ, while NAVI dismantled FURIA through preparation, patience, and confidence in key moments. With that background, the semi-final looks not just like a fight for a Grand Final spot, but a clash between two teams at their peak — capable of delivering truly elite Counter-Strike, where every map could become a story of its own.
