Natus Vincere defeated 9INE 2:1 in the upper-bracket quarterfinal of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025. Despite dropping Ancient, the “Born to Win” squad confidently responded on Nuke and closed out the series on Inferno, securing their place in the tournament’s semifinal.
STARLADDER STARSERIES FALL 2025
StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 is one of the key tournaments of the autumn season, serving as an important stage in the qualification path to the Major. The upper- and lower-bracket format gives teams a second chance, but any loss makes the road significantly more difficult. For NAVI, this tournament is a chance to regain stability after disappointing performances, while for 9INE it is an opportunity to make their mark among the top teams.
ROAD TO THE MATCH
Before the series, both teams had contrasting streaks of results. NAVI had lost stability after defeats against FaZe and M80 but managed a confident 2:0 victory over fnatic. 9INE, on the other hand, entered with a three-match winning streak, beating Sangal, TPuCATb, and Johnny Speeds, though earlier they had suffered losses to ENCE and PARIVISION. The match against NAVI was set to be a real test of their readiness to face a top-10 team in the world.
MATCH TIMELINE
- Ancient (9INE pick) — 13:8 for 9INE
The Polish side started the series well, utilizing aggressive plays on Ancient. NAVI lacked confidence in map control, and even strong individual moments from w0nderful could not save them from defeat.
- Nuke (NAVI pick) — 13:4 for NAVI
On their own pick, the “Born to Win” squad displayed a completely different level. The combinations of b1t and makazze quickly cemented their advantage, leaving 9INE with no chance to recover.
- Inferno (decider) — 13:8 for NAVI
The deciding map became an arena of true battle. Despite 9INE’s early attempts to keep the score close, NAVI gradually adapted to their opponent’s style. The key moment came from a series of rounds by makazze and b1t in the second half, which finally broke the resistance of their rivals.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Drin “makazze” Shaqiri was the main hero of the clash. His consistent aggression and clutch plays in crucial moments secured the advantage for NAVI.
- K-D: 51–39 (+12)
- ADR: 95.6
- Rating 3.0: 1.31
- Won 79.1% of the fan MVP vote
TEAM PERFORMANCES
NAVI demonstrated discipline and depth of preparation. b1t and w0nderful provided shooting stability, Aleksib managed the tempo intelligently, and makazze took on the role of leader in decisive moments. Despite a weak map from iM, the rest of the roster compensated for his struggles.
9INE placed their bet on Ancient and delivered on it, but afterwards looked disoriented. raalz and MoDo tried to carry, but the inconsistency of cej0t and kraghen deprived the team of any chance of a comeback in the series.
WHAT’S NEXT
For NAVI, this victory means reaching the semifinal, where a stronger opponent awaits. The team now has the chance to rebuild confidence and reinforce their status as a contender for the final.
For 9INE, the loss is not the end — they drop to the lower bracket, where they must fight without the right to make mistakes. For the roster, this is an opportunity to prove they can compete even after setbacks.
