Ahead lies a tense bo3 showdown between NAVI and HOTU, with continued participation in ESL Pro League Season 22 at stake. This is an elimination match, meaning both teams will enter the server fully focused and motivated. For NAVI, it’s a chance to reaffirm their status as favorites and move closer to the playoffs, while HOTU will try to create a sensation by defeating the StarLadder StarSeries champions.
How the Bookmakers See It: NAVI the Favorites
Bookmakers view NAVI as the clear favorite in this matchup. Following their triumph at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, the team has shown confidence, consistency, and meticulous preparation for every opponent. HOTU, despite being in solid form, still lag behind in experience and individual skill. Analysts expect NAVI to control the game from the first rounds and secure a confident win, though HOTU might put up resistance on specific maps.
Current Form of NAVI: What to Expect
NAVI enter ESL Pro League Season 22 in strong form. Over the past three months, the team has played 47 maps, winning 27 of them — a stable result for a squad that recently underwent a phase of adaptation. In September, NAVI became champions of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, showcasing dominant play across all stages of the event.
- NAVI roster: b1t, Aleksib, iM, w0nderful, makazze
In their last five matches, the “black-and-yellow” have claimed three victories — twice against NiP and once against Aurora, while suffering losses to 3DMAX and Team Falcons. The team displays stability on its preferred maps and strong team coordination, suggesting they are well-prepared for a confident start in the group stage of EPL.
Current Form of HOTU: What to Expect
HOTU continue to impress with their activity — over the past three months, they have played 93 maps and won 56. The team has maintained a packed schedule: in the last month alone, they competed at Winline Pro League Season 3 (5–8th place), CCT Season 3 Europe Series 6 (9–16th place), and ESL Challenger League Season 50 Europe Cup 2 (5–6th place). They also advanced through the first stage of ESL Pro League with a 3-0 record.
- HOTU roster: mizu, lampada, kade0, dukefissura, frontales, n0rb3r7
In their last five matches, HOTU defeated The MongolZ and ENCE, but lost to Sangal, Team Spirit, and Team Vitality. The team looks competitive, but still lacks the consistency and experience needed to take down elite-level opponents.
NAVI’s Map Pool
NAVI are expected to remove Dust2 first — their most frequent ban, despite a respectable 67% win rate. Their likely map pick will be Nuke, where they’ve played 13 times with a 54% win rate, showing strong structure and coordination. Alternatively, they could go for Inferno (11 maps, 64% win rate) if they prefer a classic and familiar option.
In the second ban phase, NAVI will most likely remove Ancient, as HOTU boast an impressive 86% win rate on that map. Should the series go the distance, NAVI can rely on Train, where they currently hold a perfect 100% win rate.
HOTU’s Map Pool
HOTU usually start by banning Inferno, which has become their standard first removal. Their preferred pick is Mirage, played 15 times with a 67% win rate — their most reliable map. Occasionally, they opt for Overpass (20 maps, 55% win rate) when trying to exploit opponents’ weaknesses.
In the second ban round, HOTU are likely to remove Train, preventing NAVI from using their strongest map. This leaves Overpass as the potential decider — a map where both teams have similar performance levels, setting the stage for a balanced and tense finish.
Head-to-Head Record
In the past six months, NAVI and HOTU have not faced each other. This adds an element of intrigue — neither side has direct experience against the other, making preparation and map choices decisive factors in this encounter.
Prediction for NAVI vs HOTU — ESL Pro League Season 22, Elimination Match
Although HOTU have shown impressive activity and solid form, the gap in class and experience clearly favors NAVI. Their championship at StarLadder StarSeries and the stability of their core players suggest they are ready for a confident victory. HOTU might contest their own map pick, but over a bo3 series, the favorite remains obvious.
Prediction: NAVI 2–0 HOTU
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