The matchup between B8 and Natus Vincere at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 promises to be one of the most intriguing clashes of this stage. Both teams are in good form and have already made an impact in the previous phases of the tournament. B8 approach this match as a dark horse capable of creating upsets, while NAVI continue to prove they are one of the most stable and strongest teams in the region. In this article, we will analyse the current form of both teams, their map pools, head-to-head history, and try to determine who has the better chance of winning.
How the Bookmakers See It: Natus Vincere Are the Favorites
Analysts from betting companies view the upcoming match as one where the advantage clearly leans toward Natus Vincere. Their confident performance in the previous stages of the tournament, stable results over the past months, and their recent head-to-head victory against B8 create favorable conditions for them. Even though B8 are showing progress and can cause trouble for strong opponents, the factors in NAVI’s favor outweigh those on the B8 side. Bookmakers highlight NAVI’s deeper map pool, stronger individual level, and better stability against teams with diverse playstyles. Overall, the picture suggests that Natus Vincere have the higher chance of winning this matchup.
Current Form of B8: What to Expect from B8
B8 come into the match against Natus Vincere in solid tournament form. Over the past three months, the team has played 59 maps and won 31 — a stable, though not explosive, result. During the last month, they twice finished in the top-5 at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 and Stage 2, showing a competitive level against higher-tier opponents.
- B8 roster: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
The last five matches highlight a positive trend for B8: wins over paiN, Falcons, and 3DMAX show they can confidently handle teams of similar level. At the same time, losses to Vitality and MOUZ indicate that B8 still lack stability when facing top-tier competition. Overall, this is a team in good form, capable of causing problems for anyone.
Current Form of Natus Vincere: What to Expect from Natus Vincere
Natus Vincere are also delivering strong results. In the past three months, NAVI played 52 maps and won 32 — a better ratio than B8, showing higher stability. Over the last month, NAVI reached the top-2 at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament favorites.
- Natus Vincere roster: b1t, Aleksib, iM, w0nderful, makazze
In their last five matches, NAVI secured wins against paiN, PARIVISION, and B8, losing only to Vitality and FURIA — two teams currently in excellent shape. NAVI enter this match as clear favorites, backed by strong form and the psychological advantage of their recent victory over B8.
B8 Map Pool
B8 almost always remove Nuke first — their standard ban due to inconsistent results on the map. For their own pick, B8 prefer a map where they feel most comfortable and can exploit the opponent’s weaknesses. In this match, the most logical choice is Ancient — one of their strongest maps, where they show stability and confidence.
In the second ban phase, B8 typically remove a map where the opponent looks more dangerous. Against Natus Vincere, the logical choice is Train, as this map provides NAVI with a certain edge. This approach allows B8 to secure a comfortable pick while minimizing risks if the match reaches a third map.
Natus Vincere Map Pool
NAVI traditionally remove Overpass as their first ban — a map they rarely use and generally avoid. For their pick, NAVI choose a map where they feel most confident and can impose their tempo. In this matchup, Mirage appears to be the optimal choice — it fits their style and has brought them strong results.
In the second ban phase, NAVI aim to remove a dangerous map for them. Against B8, the logical ban is Dust2, since B8 often play aggressively and efficiently on it, creating unnecessary risks for NAVI. After all bans and picks, the most likely decider appears to be Inferno — a map where both teams feel relatively equal and which often remains last after mutual removals.
Head-to-Head History
In the past six months, the teams have faced each other once — at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2. Natus Vincere took a convincing 2:0 victory.
Mirage 13:8, Train 13:6 — NAVI looked significantly stronger on both maps, taking control early and not allowing B8 to impose their style. This also plays a psychological role, as NAVI enter the match fully aware of their previous dominance.
Match Prediction: B8 vs Natus Vincere — StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3
Taking into account the current form, map pools, and head-to-head results, Natus Vincere appear to be the clear favorites against B8. The team shows better stability, stronger individual performance, and has already defeated B8 on two maps that are likely to reappear in this series.
B8 may put up resistance on Ancient, but NAVI’s advantage on Mirage — combined with a deeper map pool — shifts the series heavily in their favor.
Prediction: Natus Vincere to win the series 2:1.
