The MongolZ defeated NAVI and advanced to the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 playoffs

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 continues to deliver major surprises in the early stages of the tournament. In the playoff qualification match, Natus Vincere faced the Mongolian squad The MongolZ, who entered the series as underdogs. Despite NAVI’s confident start on Inferno, the series turned into a tense battle, highlighted by a comeback and dominance from The MongolZ on the deciding map. In the end, the Mongolian side secured a 2–1 victory and booked their spot in the playoffs.

Map veto:

1. The MongolZ removed Anubis
2. Natus Vincere removed Overpass
3. The MongolZ picked Inferno
4. Natus Vincere picked Nuke
5. Natus Vincere removed Dust2
6. The MongolZ removed Ancient
7. Mirage was left over

NAVI had a strong start, winning Inferno 13–3, with The MongolZ managing to secure only three rounds on the T side. On Nuke, however, the Mongolian team responded with a solid CT performance, finishing the first half 10–2. It seemed like it would be a comfortable win, but although NAVI tried to mount a comeback on their defensive side, they eventually fell short 7–13.

On the decisive Mirage, NAVI once again showed a strong defense and took an early 5–0 lead. In the sixth round, The MongolZ seized the momentum and narrowed the gap to 5–7. After the side switch, the Mongolian squad completely dominated from the very first round, putting together a seven-round streak that brought them to match point and ultimately secured a 13–11 victory without the need for overtime.

Match MVP

Despite the loss, NAVI’s makazze posted the best individual stats of the series, finishing with a 90.3 ADR and a 1.23 rating.

Despite their underdog status, The MongolZ managed to impress and advanced to the playoffs with a 3–1 record. NAVI, meanwhile, are forced to continue their campaign in the dangerous 2–2 bracket. The tournament runs from February 14 to 22, featuring 16 teams competing for $225,000 for first place, with a total prize pool of $1,250,000.