NAVI has claimed its first Counter-Strike championship since 2024 after winning StarLadder StarSeries Season 19 in Budapest, Hungary.
The Ukrainian esports organisation defeated Ninjas in Pyjamas in the Grand Final, securing the trophy and $200,000 (~£148,229) in prize money.
NAVI’s Road To Victory
Thanks to its position in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS), NAVI began the tournament in the upper bracket and was put on the back foot immediately after conceding the opening map against 9INE.
The experience of NAVI shone through in the remainder of the series, as it defeated the European roster 2-1 to advance to the next round.
With momentum in its favour, NAVI swept aside a new-look Passion UA roster with ease, setting up a clash with Ninjas in Pyjamas in the upper bracket final. The Ukrainians continued to demonstrate clinical coordination, defeating the Ninjas 2-0 to secure the first Grand Final spot.
Ninjas in Pyjamas managed to battle past B8 in the lower bracket final, setting up an upper bracket rematch in the Grand Final. Despite Ninjas showing signs of life, NAVI’s superior defence made the difference, taking the series 2-0 to round off an impressive campaign.
Even with a rocky start, NAVI showed its dominance after heading into the event as a heavy favourite. The win is the first since the organisation won IEM Rio 2024.
A NAVI Resurgence?
After showing signs of improvement following the addition of Drin ‘Makazze’ Shaqiri to the starting lineup, NAVI has undergone a downward turn in form.
Failure to qualify for the LAN stages of BLAST Bounty Season 2 and BLAST Open London, combined with early elimination from the Esports World Cup 2025, led to calls for the organisation to make further roster changes.
After victory at StarLadder, NAVI turns its attention to ESL Pro League Season 22, beginning on September 27th. Another strong performance in CS2’s long-standing league will cement the team’s position in the top 32, securing a place at the StarLadder Budapest Major taking place in November.
