Natus Vincere are through to the semi-finals of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 after taking down tournament favorites, and current best CS2 world team FURIA in a thriller quarter-final series that delivered everything fans could hope for – comebacks, clutches, and a dominant decider.
Coming into the match as underdogs against the world’s top-ranked team, Natus Vincere showed resilience and composure to close out the series 2-1, ending FURIA’s Major run and keeping their own championship dreams alive.
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Mirage Sets the Pace
The series opened on Mirage, where NAVI immediately made their intentions clear. A structured T side and disciplined defensive setups allowed them to control the flow of the game, repeatedly shutting down FURIA’s aggressive tendencies.
Despite late resistance from the Brazilian side, NAVI held their nerve to close out the map 16-13, taking an early series lead and putting pressure on the Major favorites.
Inferno Collapse
On Inferno, Natus Vincere looked poised to wrap up the series after racing to a commanding 10-3 lead. However, a crucial turning point – highlighted by a momentum-shifting 1v3 clutch from Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo – reignited FURIA’s hopes.
The Brazilian squad mounted an impressive comeback, dragging the map into overtime and eventually securing a 16-13 victory. The collapse forced a third map and swung momentum firmly back in FURIA’s favor heading into the decider.
Train: One-Sided Finish
Any doubts about NAVI’s mental fortitude were erased on Train.
Winning the pistol round and converting early rounds, NAVI surged ahead with an explosive T-side performance that left FURIA struggling to find answers. Round after round, NAVI dismantled defensive setups with precision and confidence.
The map quickly slipped out of reach for FURIA, as NAVI closed the decider in emphatic fashion with a 13-3 win, sealing the series and booking their place in the semifinals.
makazze Shines as Rookie Steals the Spotlight
Despite being the least experienced player on the big stage, makazze emerged as the best player of the match, delivering a breakout performance under immense pressure.
The rookie consistently stepped up in crucial moments, showing composure well beyond his years and playing a key role in NAVI’s victory – particularly during the dominant Train decider. Against the world’s best team, makazze proved he belongs on the biggest stage and may have announced himself as one of NAVI’s most exciting prospects moving forward.
Next Up: FaZe in the Semi-Finals
With that win, Natus Vincere will face FaZe in the semi-finals – another underdog story of the tournament. FaZe earned their spot by stunning MOUZ in the quarter-finals, and their fairytale run continues with a chance at Major glory.
Natus Vincere’s journey has been defined by resilience and clutch performances, and their upcoming match against FaZe promises to be one of the must-watch showdowns of the Budapest Major.
Our prediction for the semi-final Natus Vincere against FaZe is already out; check it here at our prediction page.
