The Thunderpick World Championship 2025 concluded with a grand final that will be remembered as one of the most intense matches of the year. FURIA completed a spectacular comeback to defeat Natus Vincere 3–2 (6–13 Mirage, 9–13 Inferno, 13–8 Nuke, 13–5 Dust2, 13–1 Train), becoming the champions of the tournament. It was a victory that restored FURIA to the top of global Counter-Strike 2 and cemented their reputation as one of the strongest teams in the world.
Context: Two Giants, Two Philosophies
The final of Thunderpick 2025 brought together two entirely different approaches to the game. Natus Vincere, led by Aleksib, continued their consistent form after a series of semifinal appearances at major tournaments. Entering the final as favorites, NAVI relied on b1t’s experience, iM’s aggression, and w0nderful’s stability with the AWP.
FURIA, on the other hand, began the event as underdogs. But thanks to the brilliance of KSCERATO and yuurih, the Brazilians climbed their way to the top. For them, this final was not just a series—it was a battle to regain the trust of their fans after a difficult start to the year.
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Road to the Thunderpick World Championship 2025
The Brazilian squad delivered an almost flawless run, displaying both discipline and team chemistry. In the group stage, they started with a confident 2–0 win over OG, followed by a dominant 2–0 against The MongolZ, securing a top seed for playoffs. In the semifinals, they faced Aurora once again and triumphed 2–0, confirming their status as favorites. The grand final then became their defining moment, as FURIA defeated Natus Vincere 3–2 in one of the most thrilling series of 2025.
NAVI opened the tournament with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Imperial, followed by another intense 2–1 against Aurora to secure first place in their group.
In the semifinals, Aleksib’s roster faced The MongolZ and prevailed 2–1 after a tough three-map battle. Despite their strong start in the final, NAVI couldn’t hold their momentum, falling 2–3 to FURIA in a dramatic five-map showdown.
Map-by-Map Breakdown
- Mirage — NAVI Dominate Early
The series began in NAVI’s favor. From the first rounds, b1t and iM took control, dictating the pace and exploiting FURIA’s defensive gaps. The Brazilians couldn’t find their rhythm, losing 6–13.
- Inferno — NAVI Extend Their Lead
The second map followed a similar pattern. w0nderful’s AWP work and Aleksib’s tactical precision kept FURIA under pressure. Despite FalleN’s attempts to adapt, NAVI took Inferno 13–9, moving one map away from the title.
- Nuke — The Brazilian Awakening
FURIA finally came alive. Their offensive side was on point, with yuurih and KSCERATO tearing through NAVI’s defenses. molodoy delivered key retakes, and the Brazilians took the map 13–8, igniting their comeback.
- Dust2 — The Comeback Becomes Real
On Dust2, FURIA played with confidence and freedom. FalleN dictated the tempo perfectly, while NAVI struggled to respond to their fast-paced attacks. A clean 13–5 victory brought the series to a 2–2 tie.
- Train — A Historic Finish
The final map was a statement of dominance. FURIA crushed NAVI in the first half 11–1, showing flawless aim and tactical execution. The Europeans looked broken mentally; Aleksib couldn’t find solutions. Two quick rounds later, the scoreboard read 13–1 — and FURIA were crowned champions of the Thunderpick World Championship 2025.
Player Stats
Grand Final MVP — Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato
- K–D: 74–60 (+14)
- ADR: 88.6
- Rating 3.0: 1.21
KSCERATO was the undeniable leader of the final. His consistency across all five maps, confident entries, and clutch performances under pressure were the difference between defeat and an unforgettable victory.
Valve Regional Standings (VRS) Impact
The grand final significantly shifted the global ranking:
- FURIA: +9 points (1916 → 1925) — maintaining #2 worldwide.
- Natus Vincere: −20 points (1859 → 1839) — dropping to #6.
This result solidified FURIA as a top contender for the next Major, while NAVI will need to rebuild confidence heading into future events.
Symbolism of Victory
FURIA’s triumph represents more than a trophy — it’s proof that the Brazilian Counter-Strike scene remains the beating heart of global CS. FalleN and KSCERATO’s squad combined experience and youthful energy to deliver a modern, disciplined, yet emotional brand of play. For NAVI, this final was a painful but valuable lesson. Despite their structure and talent, they fell short against a team driven by passion and belief.
FURIA are the champions of the Thunderpick World Championship 2025.
This victory marks the rise of a new Brazilian era — intelligent, aggressive, and unbreakable. They didn’t just beat NAVI — they rewrote history.
