In the lower bracket final of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, Gentle Mates and B8 will face off in a decisive clash for survival in the tournament. Both teams come into the match with similar recent results — three wins in their last five games — which promises a highly competitive series. However, B8 appear more confident thanks to a stronger map pool and the ability to challenge even the top favorites of the event.
Bookmakers’ View: B8 as Favorites
Bookmakers give the edge to B8 in the lower bracket semifinal against Gentle Mates at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025. The Ukrainian squad has victories over strong opponents such as OG and Passion UA, boasts a flexible map pool with solid results on Mirage and Dust2, and shows adaptability to different playstyles. In contrast, Gentle Mates’ inconsistency in key matches makes them a less reliable contender for victory.
Current Form of Gentle Mates: What to Expect
The Spanish squad has played 25 maps over the last three months, winning 13 of them. Their recent results are mixed: 5–6th place at DraculaN Season 1, 7–8th place at ESL Challenger League Season 50 Europe Cup 1, and a runner-up finish at the Radio Popular Roman Imperium Cup II.
- Gentle Mates roster: mopoz, dav1g, sausol, alex, Martinez
In their last five matches, they secured three wins — against PARIVISION, 9INE, and Rhyno YNG — but suffered defeats to Passion UA and SAW. This suggests they can compete with mid-tier European teams but still struggle to maintain stability against stronger opponents.
Current Form of B8: What to Expect
B8 have played 24 maps in the past three months, winning 11. Their main event last month was the Perfect World CS Challenge Series 1, where they gained valuable experience against both Asian and European opponents.
- B8 roster: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
In their last five games, B8 have the same record as Gentle Mates: three wins (against OG, Passion UA, and Kaleido) and two losses (to PARIVISION and Lynn Vision). This shows that the team is competitive and capable of beating recognized opponents, even if their overall stats don’t look too impressive.
Gentle Mates Map Pool
In a bo3 series, Gentle Mates almost always start by banning Dust2. Their likely pick is Inferno, one of their strongest maps: 22 times played with a 68% win rate, peaking at 83% in their best periods.
In the second ban phase, Gentle Mates could remove Ancient to deny their opponents a comfortable option. Another important note is their perfect record on Overpass (100% win rate), which could serve as a hidden weapon if it reaches decider.
B8 Map Pool
B8 typically ban Nuke, and this series is expected to follow the same pattern. Their most probable pick will be Mirage, where they hold a solid 67% win rate across six games — their most reliable map to pressure any opponent.
In the second ban phase, B8 will likely remove Overpass, to avoid facing Gentle Mates on one of their strongest battlegrounds. As a result, the decider map is expected to be Train, where individual form and in-game adaptation will decide the outcome.
Head-to-Head Matches
This will be the first meeting between Gentle Mates and B8 in the past six months. With no prior direct encounters, both squads enter the series without concrete knowledge of each other’s playstyle, adding intrigue as preparation could become the deciding factor.
Prediction for Gentle Mates vs B8 – Lower Bracket Final of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025
Gentle Mates approach the match with fairly balanced stats and strong maps like Inferno and Overpass. They are capable of putting up a fight but remain inconsistent against higher-tier opponents, which could hold them back in a decisive series.
B8, on the other hand, show a more structured approach and confidence on their preferred maps, especially Mirage. This gives them an edge in a potential three-map battle. The Ukrainian team looks like the favorite here, with the predicted outcome being 2:1 in favor of B8.
Prediction: 2:1 for B8.
