NAVI’s elimination in the quarterfinals of PGL Astana 2025 following a 1:2 loss to Astralis came as a surprise to many fans and analysts. The match, played on May 16, ended with Astralis claiming victories on Nuke (16:13) and Ancient (13:6), while NAVI managed to win Mirage (13:8).
Match Breakdown
- Nuke: Astralis started strong on the T-side, securing early momentum. While NAVI managed to fight back in some rounds, Astralis maintained control and closed out the map.
- Mirage: NAVI responded confidently, especially on their CT-side, leveling the series with solid rotations and map control.
- Ancient: From the first round, Astralis dominated. NAVI never found their rhythm, and the Danish side closed out the map convincingly.
A standout performance came from Victor “Staehr” Staehr, who finished the series with a 1.51 rating. Nicolai “device” Reedtz also delivered consistent and crucial impact across all maps, playing a key role in Astralis’ victory.
Community Reaction
Social media and Reddit exploded after the match with reactions ranging from shock to frustration:
“Na’Vi disband after major, surely”
“Surely, if they not reach semis in major, I am sure there will be 1 or 2 change in the roster”
Many fans pointed to iM’s inconsistency and lack of presence during crucial rounds, especially on Ancient. Others framed the loss as more than just a defeat — calling it “a wake-up call for NAVI.”
On NAVI’s official account on X (Twitter), the team posted a short message:
“Thank you for your support throughout the tournament. We’ll come back stronger.”
However, the replies under the post were mostly critical, echoing disappointment and concern:
“Too many promises, zero consistency.”
“When will this team finally learn how to play decisive rounds?”
“Stop wasting w0nderful’s prime years.”
Analyst Opinions
HLTV noted that Astralis not only defeated NAVI but imposed their own pace, effectively dismantling the strategic structure NAVI is known for:
“Astralis have continued their surprise run in PGL Astana by taking down Natus Vincere 2-1, securing their semi-final berth with wins on Nuke and Ancient.”
Astralis’ early T-side momentum on Nuke set the tone for the series, forcing NAVI into reactive play rather than their typical structured setups. Despite NAVI’s individual talent, Astralis consistently outmaneuvered them in mid-round decisions and utility usage.
Observers also noted that NAVI lacked a clear in-game response during high-pressure situations, particularly on Ancient, where they lost multiple full-buy rounds with little map control. The loss raised questions about NAVI’s mid-round leadership and overall cohesion compared to Astralis’ sharper execution and discipline.
This wasn’t just a surprising defeat — it was a wake-up call for Natus Vincere. Exiting the tournament in the quarterfinals falls short of the expectations set by their recent success, including a Major win in Copenhagen.
Astralis, despite recent roster changes and a new in-game leader, displayed the cohesion and team play required to succeed at the highest level — and they delivered when it mattered most.
Now, NAVI faces an off-season that likely won’t pass without internal changes. The only question is: Who stays, who leaves, and can they keep w0nderful while he’s playing the best Counter-Strike of his career?
