The European roster Natus Vincere took another step toward the title, defeating The MongolZ in a tense semifinal of the Thunderpick World Championship 2025. After three maps and a closely contested series, NaVi showcased composure, experience, and confidence that carried them to the tournament’s decisive match.
Tournament context
The Thunderpick World Championship 2025 is a major LAN tournament held in Malta from October 15 to 19, with a total prize pool of $850,000. The event is part of the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) system, the results of which influence team qualification for the next Major tournament of the season.
The playoff format is Single Elimination, where every loss means elimination. The champion will receive $200,000, 300,000 club VRS points, and a significant boost in the regional ranking.
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How the match unfolded
This was a classic semifinal thriller, with each map demanding maximum focus and adaptability from both teams.
- Mirage (The MongolZ’s pick) — 13:9. The Mongolian team started confidently, but Natus Vincere quickly adjusted, taking key rounds in the second half. The balanced play of w0nderful (46–35, rating 1.23) and makazze (46–43, rating 1.22) secured NaVi the first lead in the series.
- Nuke (Natus Vincere’s pick) — 13:3. This time, The MongolZ dictated the pace, winning duels and confidently closing the map. Their disciplined defense prevented NaVi from executing their attacking setups, evening the score at 1:1.
- Ancient (decider) — 13:10. On the deciding map, NaVi regained control and sealed the victory thanks to the individual brilliance of makazze and the precise decisions of Aleksib. Although The MongolZ fought until the end, NaVi’s experience ultimately prevailed.
Player of the Match — Drin “makazze” Shaqiri
Natus Vincere once again proved they have players capable of taking responsibility in crucial moments.
- K–D: 46–43
- ADR: 93.7
- Rating 3.0: 1.22
- KAST: 75.4%
Makazze was the driving force of the team, providing consistency across every map. His excellent game sense, confident aim, and crucial multikills made him the main reason behind NaVi’s advance to the grand final.
VRS rating after the match
- Natus Vincere gained +34 VRS points (1825 → 1859), rising from #7 to #4 in the world rankings.
- The MongolZ lost –16 points (1865 → 1849), dropping from #4 to #6.
This victory allowed NaVi to secure their position in the top 5 worldwide and restore their status as one of the most stable European teams ahead of the Major window.
What’s next for the teams
Natus Vincere advance to the grand final, where they will face FURIA, the Brazilian representatives who are also showing phenomenal form. Up next is a clash of two distinct styles: NaVi’s structured discipline versus FURIA’s aggressive tempo. The winner will take home $200,000 and the maximum number of VRS points — a result that could prove decisive in the race for the next Major.
Meanwhile, The MongolZ, despite the loss, are not finished yet. They move into the 3rd Place Decider Match, where they will face Aurora. This match will determine the bronze medalists and award additional ranking points.
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Match summary
Natus Vincere once again demonstrated their competitiveness on the international stage. The team showed mental resilience, tactical flexibility, and strong individual performances, which allowed them to overcome the powerful lineup of The MongolZ.
For the Mongolian squad, this defeat is painful but far from fatal. They remain among the elite of world Counter-Strike, and their stability throughout the season proves that the team has not yet said its final word. Ahead lies their chance to finish the championship on a high note in the third-place match.
