NAVI’s CS2 team kicked off their Esports World Cup campaign with a victory over the French team 3DMAX. Interestingly, this was the same team they faced in the opening match of last year’s tournament—a game NAVI lost.
This year, the organizers changed the competition format. Unlike last year’s version, where a single loss could immediately end a team’s run, teams now play best-of-one (BO1) series during the playoff qualifiers.
Fans were eagerly awaiting NAVI’s return to official CS2 matches after a nearly two-month hiatus. Following a disappointing Major, there was a lot of speculation surrounding the roster, particularly regarding possible changes. However, it appears the organization was unable to sign a new player due to high transfer demands and the existing contracts of potential candidates.
As a result, following jL’s departure, NAVI’s roster remained unchanged. Whether “Born to Win” has managed to regain its optimal form during this time will be revealed at the Esports World Cup.
NAVI snatched victory on Inferno in 3DMAX
The opening match against 3DMAX took place on Inferno. NAVI started the map on attack and immediately won the pistol round, which allowed them to quickly seize the initiative. The Ukrainians extended their lead to 4–0, after which the French began to force the pace aggressively. Despite 3DMAX’s attempts to get back into the game, NAVI took the first half, 8–4.
After the sides switched, the situation changed. This time, 3DMAX won the pistol round, and NAVI found themselves under pressure. However, the French team didn’t have time to capitalize on their advantage: in the next round, w0nderful unleashed a veritable barrage with his shotgun, scoring a triple kill. NAVI not only won the firefight but also managed to defuse the bomb.
Throughout the rest of the map, 3DMAX continued to hold the lead in terms of economy. With the score at 11-9, the French were very close to completing a comeback, but NAVI found the strength they needed and took the 12th round.
The final round was a real test of nerves. A mistake by 3DMAX’s sniper allowed NAVI to take the early lead, after which the teams traded several kills right in the smoke. The French team still managed to plant the bomb, but b1t won a crucial duel against the opponent’s AWP sniper. iM sealed the deal.
This time, NAVI also surprised everyone with their style of play. Instead of their usual caution, they often played as aggressively as possible, forcing their opponents into close-quarters firefights. This approach paid off—NAVI took Inferno with a score of 13–9.
Next up, the team faces a much tougher test—The MongolZ. The match is scheduled for August 15, so NAVI has a few days to prepare.
Meanwhile, another Ukrainian team—B8—successfully played its match at the Esports World Cup. The team defeated PARIVISION.