Natus Vincere confidently became the second team to secure a spot in Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. The black-and-yellow squad dismantled B8 with a clean 2–0 victory, dominating Train and closing out Mirage in all crucial moments. The match for the “golden” qualification slot turned into a showcase of NAVI’s strength: the team looked prepared for both map scenarios and left their opponent without a chance.
Teams’ Path Through the Tournament
NAVI entered the decisive matchup after victories over Imperial (13–10) and FlyQuest (13–2), which established them firmly in the 2–0 pool. B8, on the other hand, had an impressive day: they defeated fnatic (13–11) and Liquid (13–7), coming into the Stage 3 qualifier with confidence and a five-match win streak. But NAVI were the team that stopped their momentum.
Train — 13:6. NAVI obliterate B8 on their map pick
Train became a stage for complete NAVI dominance:
- 7:5 in the first half thanks to iM’s explosive entries and Aleksib’s steady trading
- 6:1 after the side switch — perfect rotations, cold-blooded retakes, and full control of every key lane
NAVI gave B8 no chance to attempt a comeback: tempo, economy, timing — everything favored the Kyiv-based organization. w0nderful and b1t consistently shut down any attempt by B8 to establish presence on the map.
Mirage — 13:8. B8 resist, but NAVI are stronger
Mirage was B8’s pick, and they looked better here than on Train — but NAVI adapted seamlessly:
- 7:5 in the first half through stable CT setups and mid control
- 6:3 after switching sides — NAVI read B8’s structure perfectly and won every clutch
iM stepped up in critical rounds, b1t kept winning opening duels, and Aleksib dictated the tempo with near-perfect control. Despite headtr1ck’s attempts to create momentum, B8 simply didn’t have the tools to keep up in the second half. Final score — 13:8, completing a 2–0 series for NAVI, who now look ready for even tougher challenges in Stage 3.
Team Statistics
w0nderful — Match MVP. A display of confident AWP dominance
Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov became the unquestioned MVP of the series, earning 81.9% of viewer votes:
- KPR: 0.95
- DPR: 0.53
- KAST: 82.5%
- Swing: +6.03%
- ADR: 96.9
- Rating 3.0: 1.60
w0nderful consistently won opening duels, shut down key angles, and formed the backbone of NAVI’s structure on both the CT and T sides. His confidence was evident in every round.
NAVI hit peak form, B8 stall before the leap
NAVI opened their Major week with a crucial win over Imperial and then demolished FlyQuest — and now they’ve converted that momentum into a Stage 3 berth. The team looks composed, structured, and mentally sharp.
B8 delivered their best day in months with wins over fnatic and Liquid, but in the match for Stage 3 they faltered specifically in discipline and tempo management — the areas where NAVI excelled.
VRS Results
- Navi: 1727 → 1745 pt (#7, +18)
- B8: 1635 → 1624 pt (#12, –11)
This solidifies NAVI inside the VRS top 8 and knocks B8 back ahead of the crucial 2–1 matches.
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?
NAVI officially reach Stage 3, gaining two opportunities to qualify for the playoffs. B8 fall into the 2–1 pool, where their next match will determine whether they stay in contention in Budapest.
![Dastan Exclusive Interview: “In around 3 years we can realistically contend [for the Major title]”](https://community.skin.club/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/54955046176_c1c354c836_k-2.jpg.webp)
