The lower bracket final of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 will be a true battle for the right to play in the grand final, where NAVI are already waiting. For NiP, this is a chance to confirm their status as an experienced European team, while B8 aim to cause an upset and break into the decisive match. The tension promises to be at its highest, as a spot in the grand final against the tournament’s top favorite is at stake.
Bookmakers’ View: NiP as Favorites
Bookmakers see NiP as the favorites in the lower bracket final against B8 at StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025. The arguments in favor of the Swedes are clear: greater experience on the international stage, a deeper and more stable map pool, as well as victory in the only head-to-head encounter between the teams this year. Despite mixed results at recent events, NiP have strong performances on Nuke and Ancient and adapt better to their opponents, while B8 remain a more inconsistent side. That’s why the “ninjas” approach this match with confidence and rightfully look like the favorites.
NiP’s Current Form: What to Expect from NiP
Over the past three months, NiP have played 55 maps, winning only 29 — a statistic that points to instability. Their results in the last month have also been mixed: 7-8th place at DraculaN Season 1, a strong 2nd place at Fragadelphia Fragville 2025, but a disappointing 9-16th finish at the Thunderpick World Championship 2025 Closed Qualifier.
- NiP roster: r1nkle, ewjerkz, sjuush, Snappi, xKacpersky
From their last five matches, NiP secured two wins (against PARIVISION and OG) but suffered defeats to Venom, NRG, and NAVI. This suggests the team can handle mid-tier opposition but struggles against stronger opponents.
B8’s Current Form: What to Expect from B8
B8 have played far fewer maps in the last three months — just 27, with 13 wins. In the past month, the team competed at the Perfect World CS Challenge Series 1, gaining valuable experience against both Asian and European lineups.
- B8 roster: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
Their last five matches look slightly better: three wins (over OG, Passion UA, and Gentle Mates) and two losses (to PARIVISION and Lynn Vision). This shows B8 can challenge even more renowned opponents but remain inconsistent overall.
NiP’s Map Pool
NiP usually ban Mirage first, avoiding one of their weaker maps. Their main trump card is Nuke, where they’ve shown excellent results (75% win rate across 16 games). If this map gets banned, NiP may look to Train (50% win rate) or Ancient (56%). They also have relatively solid numbers on Inferno (50%).
For their second ban, NiP are expected to remove Overpass, where B8 currently boast a 100% win rate. This strategy helps minimize risks in key moments.
B8’s Map Pool
B8 traditionally ban Nuke, NiP’s strongest battleground. When it comes to picks, they prefer exploiting their opponent’s weaknesses, often going for Mirage (71% win rate) or Dust2 (75%), and occasionally Ancient (25%).
For their second ban, B8 are likely to eliminate Inferno, where they lack consistency. This leaves Ancient or Train as the most probable decider maps, both of which are familiar but tricky for each side.
Head-to-Head Record
In the past six months, NiP and B8 have faced each other only once — at the PGL Astana 2025 Europe Closed Qualifier. NiP secured a convincing 2-0 victory: 13-9 on Inferno and 13-10 on Train. This result could give the Swedes a psychological advantage, as they’ve already proven they can handle B8.
Prediction for the Match: NiP vs B8 for a Spot in the Final of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025
This matchup promises to be close: B8 have a few strong maps that could trouble NiP, especially Dust2 and Mirage. However, NiP’s stability on Nuke and Ancient gives them the upper hand in a best-of-three.
A three-map battle looks likely, but NiP’s greater experience and broader map arsenal tilt the balance in their favor.
Prediction: NiP to win 2-1.
