Natus Vincere Final Matches in the DreamLeague S25 Eastern Europe Closed Qualifiers

On Jan 9, 2025, the final day of the closed qualifiers in Eastern Europe for DreamLeague S25 took place. Natus Vincere needed to win two matches to secure their invitation to the tournament. In the Lower Bracket Semifinal, they faced Virtus.Pro, who were equally determined to claim victory.

Match Against Virtus.Pro

In the first game, NAVI made superior hero picks compared to their opponents and showcased their readiness for aggressive gameplay. Their core positions achieved excellent farm, which gave them a significant advantage. The team claimed victory in 37 minutes with a score of 29-9.

In the second game, VP adjusted their strategy, allowing them to take control early. Their stable and methodical gameplay secured them the win, leveling the series at 1-1 and pushing the match to a decisive third game.

Both teams spent considerable time strategizing during the draft for the final game. NAVI’s key picks, Gyrocopter and Lina, proved decisive. While the match remained balanced for much of its duration, NAVI gradually gained the upper hand. Their late-game strength became overwhelming, leading them to a 2-1 victory. This triumph advanced them to the Lower Bracket Final for a chance to qualify for DreamLeague S25.

Final Match Against 9Pandas

In the decisive match of the closed qualifiers, NAVI faced 9Pandas, the team that had defeated them in the first round. The tension was palpable from the outset, with neither side willing to back down. NAVI opted for unconventional hero choices, and despite facing a significant disadvantage, they held on for an hour. However, 9Pandas ultimately claimed victory in the first game.

In the second game, NAVI needed a win to even the series and force a third game. Their draft showed promise, but early-game missteps allowed their opponents to gain the upper hand with several kills in the opening minutes. Despite their efforts, NAVI could not turn the game around and suffered defeat.

Conclusion

Natus Vincere’s journey ended in the final of the Lower Bracket qualifiers, falling short of qualifying for DreamLeague S25. However, the team displayed noticeable improvements, playing with greater confidence and skill compared to their previous performances.

This marks a step forward for NAVI as they continue to refine their strategies and grow stronger for future competitions.