As part of the PGL Major Astana 2025, a decisive match between Ninjas in Pyjamas and G2 Esports is set to take place. This match is part of the Swiss stage, and both teams currently have two wins and two losses. That means this is the last chance for either team to qualify for the playoffs — the loser is eliminated from the tournament.
Road to the Match
Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) began the tournament with a 2–1 victory over Virtus.pro. In the second round, they fell to Team Spirit 0–2. The third round brought another loss, this time to Aurora with a 1–2 score. However, in the fourth round, NiP bounced back with a confident 2–0 win over HOTU, keeping them alive in the competition and bringing them to this do-or-die match.
G2 Esports started with two consecutive losses: first to MIBR (1–2), then to ODDIK (1–2). Facing elimination, they regrouped and claimed back-to-back wins — defeating M80 2–1 and then BIG 2–0. These victories evened their score and led them into the final 2–2 matchup against NiP for a playoff spot.
Read More: MIBR defeat G2 with a comeback on the decider — Snax shines on Ancient
Team Form Ahead of the Decider
Ninjas in Pyjamas, also known as NiP, are currently in some of their best form over the past year. The team has undergone significant changes and gained new energy with the arrival of young talents — especially Ukrainian AWPer r1nkle, who has recently emerged as a key player. His standout performance against HOTU, where he posted a rating above 1.70, shows his consistent aggressive style and high skill ceiling.
G2 Esports, in contrast, are going through a turbulent period. Due to visa issues, they’re playing without their star huNter-, and veteran TaZ has stepped in as a stand-in. While his experience is invaluable, his mechanical form is no longer top-tier. Nevertheless, G2 managed to defeat BIG, proving they can still perform at a high level. Much of the credit goes to malbsMd, whose aggression and ability to open rounds has given G2 a fighting chance even in tough scenarios.
Mindset, Motivation & Experience
This match is especially intense because of what’s at stake: the winner qualifies for the playoffs, while the loser goes home. In such games, player form matters — but so does mental endurance.
NiP have a younger lineup, full of players eager to prove themselves against top-tier opponents. That hunger fuels their motivation but can also lead to nerves in high-pressure moments. G2, on the other hand, have extensive experience in top-level competition, though recent roster changes have disrupted their synergy.
Map Pool Dynamics
Map selection will be one of the key battlegrounds in this series. G2 will likely try to play on their strongest maps — Dust2 or Inferno, where they’ve looked most comfortable during the tournament. However, NiP are expected to ban Dust2 early on, denying G2 their best option.
NiP, in turn, will aim for Nuke or Train, maps on which they show both strategic depth and consistency. Their performance on Nuke has been particularly solid, thanks to strong coordination and disciplined setups on the CT side.
If the match goes to a decider, Ancient seems like the most likely third map — one that both teams know well and play often. In such a scenario, tempo control and winning key opening duels will likely decide the outcome.
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Key Matchups to Watch
- r1nkle vs hades – A classic AWPer duel. If r1nkle can outplay hades early on, it could significantly disrupt G2’s game plan.
- Snappi vs Snax – A clash of IGLs where strategic decisions and mid-round calls will be crucial.
- malbsMd vs sjuush – Both thrive in flank and entry positions; one misstep in positioning could be fatal here.
Prediction
Both teams deserve to win, but considering current form, roster stability, and mental resilience, NiP seem slightly favored. If they avoid G2’s strongest maps and r1nkle performs at the level he showed against HOTU, this mixed Swedish-Ukrainian roster has a great chance of advancing.
Prediction: NiP win 2–1.
The NiP vs G2 matchup is a golden opportunity for both teams to prove they belong in the playoffs. The road here wasn’t easy, and often it’s matches like this that show which team is truly ready — not just tactically, but mentally. We’re expecting a close battle where preparation and composure under pressure will decide the winner.
