Ahead of the match between Natus Vincere and B8 at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2, the intrigue is higher than ever — especially since this is a clash of two Ukrainian teams, adding symbolic weight and emotional intensity to the matchup. On one side stands the experienced NAVI roster, accustomed to performing under the pressure of big arenas; on the other — a motivated and rapidly improving B8 lineup showing steady progress in recent months. Both teams have their strengths, but the combination of current form, map pool, and tournament experience forms the basis of this prediction.
How Bookmakers See It: NAVI Are the Favorites
Bookmakers consider Natus Vincere the clear favorites in this matchup. Their advantage lies in higher individual skill, greater experience on major stages, and stable results on their strongest maps. Analysts note that NAVI possess a deeper map pool and better adaptability in bo3 series, making them a more predictable and reliable team from the betting perspective.
While B8 have shown progress and are coming in with a strong winstreak, bookmakers still expect NAVI to have the edge in high-pressure moments. The experience and structure of “the born to win” squad are expected to be decisive factors in this match.
Natus Vincere Current Form: What to Expect From NAVI
Natus Vincere enter the match in mixed form. Over the last three months, they have played 48 maps and won 29 — a stable but not outstanding result. Their most recent major event, IEM Chengdu 2025, ended disappointingly with a 13–16th place, highlighting issues with adapting to the meta and inconsistency against top-tier opponents.
- NAVI roster: b1t, Aleksib, iM, w0nderful, makazze
In the short term, results also haven’t been ideal. NAVI have lost two of their last five matches — to Imperial and FlyQuest — and previously also fell to Heroic, Astralis, and FURIA, pointing to a slump. The team can still perform strongly on their best maps, but they lack stability across full bo3 series.
B8 Current Form: What to Expect From B8
B8, unlike NAVI, show steady improvement and convincing results. Over the last three months, they have played 54 maps and won 29 — nearly the same number of victories but across a wider map pool, reflecting consistent practice and stable performance.
- B8 roster: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
In the past month, B8 played two major events: PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 (5–8th place) and StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 (3–5th place). They have won all of their last five matches — against fnatic, Liquid, Legacy, PARIVISION, and The Huns, showing strong form and confidence. B8 come into the match fully charged.
Map Pool: Natus Vincere
Natus Vincere almost always ban Overpass, and this match should be no different. Their likely pick is Mirage, their strongest map with an 83% win rate and a five-map win streak. Alternatives could be Nuke or Inferno, but Mirage is the most logical choice against B8. For their second ban, NAVI will likely remove Dust2 to avoid chaotic play and reduce risks on a map where B8 tend to experiment. As for the decider, NAVI should be comfortable leaving Inferno, a stable and balanced map for them.
Map Pool: B8
B8 traditionally ban Nuke, and this will undoubtedly be their first move in the series. Their pick will almost certainly be Ancient, where they maintain a 62% win rate, strong recent results, and consistent map usage. Despite playing Dust2 frequently, their low 27% win rate makes it an unlikely pick. For their second ban, B8 will likely remove Train, as NAVI have a strong win rate and stylistic advantage there. This leaves Inferno as the natural decider — a comfortable, neutral map for both teams.
Head-to-Head History
NAVI and B8 have not met each other in the past six months. This adds extra intrigue: neither team has recent head-to-head data to rely on, meaning preparation, analysis, and in-match adaptation will play a crucial role.
Match Prediction NAVI vs B8: StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — Stage 2
Despite B8’s strong recent form, Natus Vincere enter the match as the favorites. They have significantly more experience at tier-one events, a stronger map pool, and a highly convincing pick in Mirage, where they hold an 83% win rate and consistent performance in key rounds. Even if B8 secure their Ancient pick, NAVI should feel confident heading into a potential decider: Inferno suits them well, and their individual firepower helps them close tight late-game situations.
Overall, NAVI’s advantage in class, preparation, and map pool stability makes them the favorites in this series.
Prediction: Natus Vincere win 2–1, taking their own pick convincingly and closing the series on the decider with discipline and superior structure.
