After an intense group stage at ESL Pro League Season 22, we’re set for one of the most exciting quarterfinals — MOUZ vs NAVI. This matchup features two teams with similar statistics but contrasting styles: the structured, disciplined approach of MOUZ against the individual brilliance and experience of NAVI. Both lineups have proven themselves as top contenders on the international stage, making this clash a true test of endurance, tactics, and mental fortitude.
How the Bookmakers See It: MOUZ as Favorites
Analysts and bookmakers lean toward MOUZ as the favorites going into this quarterfinal. Their consistency over recent months, strong showing at BLAST Open London, and confident performance in the ESL Pro League group stage portray a team currently in peak form. The previous victory over NAVI at IEM Cologne further boosts their confidence, while NAVI — despite their potential — still appear to be searching for the perfect balance between individual skill and team cohesion.
Current Form of MOUZ: What to Expect from MOUZ
MOUZ continue to prove themselves as one of Europe’s most consistent teams. Over the past three months, they have played 51 maps, winning 31 — a sign of strong team synergy and a deep map pool. In the last month, MOUZ finished 3–4th at BLAST Open London 2025 Finals, showing solid performances against top-tier opponents, and advanced through the ESL Pro League Season 22 group stage with a 3–1 record.
- MOUZ lineup: torzsi, xertioN, Jimpphat, Brollan, Spinx
In their last five matches, MOUZ secured wins over 3DMAX, Gentle Mates, and GamerLegion, but fell short against Team Vitality and Team Falcons. While these defeats exposed some weaknesses against aggressive teams, MOUZ still look composed overall — balancing youth and experience while maintaining one of the most refined tactical structures in the tournament.
Current Form of NAVI: What to Expect from NAVI
NAVI have an identical three-month record — 51 maps played, 31 wins — though their style differs significantly. Over the past month, the “Born to Win” squad became champions of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, proving they can adapt to any opponent, and progressed through the ESL Pro League group stage with a 3–2 record.
- NAVI lineup: b1t, Aleksib, iM, w0nderful, makazze
In their last five matches, NAVI have taken victories over The MongolZ, HOTU, and Aurora, while suffering defeats to 3DMAX and Team Falcons. The team showcases strong individual performances but occasionally struggles with mid-series consistency. Their tactical coordination has improved since the StarSeries triumph, making them a dangerous playoff opponent capable of punishing any mistake.
MOUZ Map Pool
MOUZ are expected to start the veto with a Dust2 ban, a map they avoid most often. It’s long been outside their comfort zone, making this ban the logical choice. Their likely pick will be Mirage, a map they’ve selected 15 times with a 60% win rate. It perfectly fits their aggressive and structured style, allowing torzsi and siuhy to dictate the pace while frozen and Jimpphat excel in late-round positioning.
In the second round of bans, MOUZ will likely remove Overpass, where NAVI tend to have more tactical depth and experience. Overall, MOUZ will look to leverage their strongest maps — Mirage and Train (with a perfect 100% win rate) — which could give them an edge if the series goes the distance.
NAVI Map Pool
On NAVI’s side, the first ban will likely be Ancient, a map that has long been a weak point for them. They often struggle on it against strong T-sided teams like MOUZ. Their primary pick should be Inferno, where their win rate remains consistently high. The map allows NAVI to showcase their synergy between electroNic and b1t, and gives w0nderful room to shine in clutch moments. Inferno has often been NAVI’s comfort pick in crucial playoff games.
In the second round of bans, NAVI are expected to remove Train to deny MOUZ access to their best map. That leaves Nuke as the most likely decider, a map where both teams share a similar win rate (around 50%) and a competitive head-to-head history.
Predicted Map Veto:
- MOUZ ban: Dust2
- NAVI ban: Ancient
- MOUZ pick: Mirage
- NAVI pick: Inferno
- MOUZ ban: Overpass
- NAVI ban: Train
- Decider: Nuke
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, MOUZ and NAVI have met only once — at IEM Cologne 2025, where MOUZ claimed a confident 2–0 victory, winning Nuke (13:10) and Mirage (13:10). That match highlighted MOUZ’s superior team chemistry and composure on key maps, particularly Mirage, which they’re expected to favor once again.
Match Prediction: NAVI vs MOUZ — Battle for the ESL Pro League S22 Semifinals
Both teams boast similar stats and three wins in their last five matches, but MOUZ appear more stable within the current event. They’ve already proven their edge over NAVI in Cologne, and their deeper map pool combined with sharper mid-round decision-making on Mirage and Nuke could be decisive.
NAVI, of course, have the firepower to fight back — especially if electroNic and w0nderful hit peak form — but their reliance on individual brilliance often undermines their consistency in best-of-three series.
Prediction: MOUZ win the series 2–1.
