The BLAST.tv Major 2025 in Austin is entering its most intense phase — the playoffs. One of the most anticipated quarterfinals promises a real spectacle for fans: Natus Vincere vs Team Vitality. Both teams advanced through three Swiss stages, demonstrating not only roster strength but also strategic flexibility, clutch composure, and deep map pools. Who will come out on top in this clash of titans?
Team Form at the Tournament
NAVI began from the first stage and gradually built momentum. They ended Stage 3 with a 3–1 record. Their most memorable match was a 2–1 win over G2 Esports, showing solid adaptation on Mirage and Inferno.
The main driving forces were jL and iM, while w0nderful held the AWP lines with consistency. b1t provided strong support in trades and showed solid control in positional duels.
Team captain Aleksib is the tactical core of NAVI. He manages rotations, micromanagement, and the team’s adaptation to the opponent’s dynamics.
Team Vitality – The French-European powerhouse also finished Stage 3 with a 3–1 record. In their playoff-deciding match, they confidently defeated Virtus.pro (13:6 on Train and 13:6 on Dust2).
ZywOo was brilliant in this match, dropping 38 kills across two maps. Alongside him, ropz and mezii showed consistent form, while apEX and flameZ ensured flexibility in executing game plans.
Vitality strikes a balance between explosive aggression and disciplined reactive play. Their key advantage lies in deep tournament experience and psychological resilience.
Previous Encounters Between the Teams
Over the past two years, these two teams have faced each other multiple times. Their first notable clash was in the Grand Final of IEM Cologne 2024, where Vitality claimed victory with a 3–1 scoreline. They met again at the CS Showmatch, and once again Vitality came out on top, this time winning 2–1.
So, statistically, Vitality hold the advantage, but NAVI’s hunger for revenge could play a decisive role.
Team Form and Playstyle
NAVI
- Structured and flexible playstyle, strong team coordination, and solid mid-round adaptations
- jL and b1t are primary fraggers
- w0nderful is a reliable sniper in anchoring and setups
- iM plays flex/trade roles, supporting risky entries
- Aleksib dictates timing and tactical flow
Vitality
- High pace, aggressive control, and strong map presence
- ZywOo is statistically the best player of the event
- ropz and mezii drive the mid-round engine
- apEX provides tempo control and leadership
- flameZ is the explosive entry in fast executes
Map Pool and Likely Vetoes
Strong maps:
- NAVI: Train, Inferno, Mirage
- Vitality: Anubis, Inferno, Nuke, Train, Dust2
Weak maps:
- NAVI: Dust2, Ancient, Nuke, Anubis
- Vitality: Mirage
Likely veto:
- NAVI bans Anubis
- Vitality bans Mirage
Possible maps: Inferno, Train, Nuke/Dust2 — all of which offer room for both aim duels and strategic depth.
Key Duels
- w0nderful vs ZywOo – AWP duel between rising structure and raw dominance. ZywOo is in top shape, but w0nderful can disrupt Vitality with smart positioning.
- b1t vs flameZ – Two aggressive riflers who often dictate pistol rounds and early momentum.
- jL vs ropz – Battle for mid control and entry-trade balance.
- Aleksib vs apEX – Duel of captains, adaptability vs aggression.
Mental Game
- NAVI is playing without the pressure of being favorites. Their calm, structured approach could give them the edge in tight clutches.
- Vitality is fueled by a peak-form ZywOo and the hunger to reclaim the top. They’re battle-tested under pressure but vulnerable when disrupted early.
Prediction
Favorite: Vitality
Vitality holds the edge in map pool stability, top-tier individual form, and team chemistry. If ZywOo maintains his current level, NAVI’s chances are slim. However, if w0nderful takes initiative and Aleksib controls the tempo, this could become one of the Major’s most memorable matches.
Predicted score: 2:1 for Vitality
NAVI can likely take Inferno. Vitality should secure Nuke and the decider thanks to clutch discipline and the ZywOo factor. This clash has all the ingredients to deliver fireworks — raw skill, strategic depth, and Major legacy on the line.
