The semifinal of the Thunderpick World Championship 2025 between NAVI and The MongolZ promises to be a true clash of styles — the experience and structure of the Europeans versus the aggression and high tempo of the Asian lineup. Both teams are in great form, have shown strong results in recent months, and have already faced each other several times at major events. Despite NAVI entering as the favorite, this match could easily become one of the most intense encounters of the tournament.
How the Bookmakers See It: NAVI Are the Favorites
Bookmakers see NAVI as the favorite, though in reality, the teams are quite evenly matched. The MongolZ have proven they can challenge even the strongest opponents, and their recent performances suggest this series will be close. Still, NAVI hold a slight edge — thanks to their consistency, deeper preparation, and greater experience on big stages. If the Ukrainian side maintains composure and prevents The MongolZ from dictating the pace, they have every chance to advance to the grand final.
Current Form of NAVI: What to Expect from NAVI
NAVI approach the semifinal of Thunderpick World Championship 2025 in excellent shape. Over the past three months, they have played 60 maps and won 36, demonstrating both stability and depth. In September and October, the team impressed — winning StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 and finishing in the top 8 at ESL Pro League Season 22.
- NAVI roster: b1t, Aleksib, iM, w0nderful, makazze
Out of their last five matches, the “Born to Win” have claimed four victories — against Aurora, Imperial, The MongolZ, and HOTU, with the only loss coming versus MOUZ. This record reflects confidence and strong adaptation to their opponents’ playstyles.
Current Form of The MongolZ: What to Expect from The MongolZ
The MongolZ continue to solidify their reputation as the strongest Asian team of 2025. Over the last three months, they’ve played 71 maps and won 43. In October, they finished 2nd at FISSURE Playground 2 and 9th–11th at ESL Pro League Season 22, a highly respectable result for a team from a region once underestimated at the top level.
- The MongolZ roster: bLitz, Techno4K, 910, mzinho, Senzu
In their last five games, The MongolZ secured three wins — twice over 9z and once against Gentle Mates, while losing to NAVI and FURIA. Despite the mixed results, their aggressive and unpredictable style can still trouble even elite European squads.
NAVI Map Pool
NAVI will likely start by banning Overpass, their weakest map. For their pick, they’ll probably go with Nuke, where they hold a 56% win rate and maintain solid performances on both sides. Inferno could serve as a secondary option, as NAVI often use it in best-of-three series against aggressive teams.
Their second ban may be Train, preventing The MongolZ from pulling off surprises on a map where NAVI themselves have a strong 86% win rate but rarely play in tournaments.
Expected NAVI vetoes and picks:
- Ban: Overpass
- Pick: Nuke
- Second ban: Train
- Decider: Mirage
The MongolZ Map Pool
The MongolZ usually remove Train first, but since NAVI will likely do that, they may adjust their strategy and ban Dust2, where NAVI boast an 80% win rate.
Their preferred pick will almost certainly be Ancient, their strongest map with a 69% win rate. The team is particularly effective on the T side here, often using fast rotations and creative utility setups.
For their second ban, The MongolZ might remove Inferno to deny NAVI one of their most comfortable maps, leaving Mirage as the potential decider.
Expected The MongolZ vetoes and picks:
- Ban: Dust2
- Pick: Ancient
- Second ban: Inferno
- Decider: Mirage
Head-to-Head History
Over the past six months, NAVI and The MongolZ have met three times, with the Europeans currently holding the upper hand.
The first encounter at PGL Astana 2025 ended in a 2-0 victory for The MongolZ, who shocked NAVI with wins on Inferno (13:11) and Mirage (13:11).
However, NAVI made adjustments in their next meetings:
- At IEM Cologne 2025, NAVI won 2-0 (Inferno 22:18, Ancient 13:6).
- At ESL Pro League Season 22, they were even more dominant, winning 2-0 (Nuke 13:3, Ancient 16:12).
The overall record stands at 2–1 in favor of NAVI, showing clear progress and tactical adaptation against the Mongolian playstyle.
Match Prediction: NAVI vs The MongolZ – Thunderpick World Championship 2025 Semifinal
Both teams enter the semifinal in great form, but NAVI appear more structured and composed, especially on a map pool that favors them. They’ve already adapted to The MongolZ’s fast-paced aggression, as proven in their two most recent victories.
While The MongolZ will certainly put up a fight — particularly on Ancient, their signature map — NAVI’s discipline, consistency, and big-stage experience give them the edge in a long series.
Prediction: NAVI to win 2–1.
