Despite recent struggles, NAVI took down M08 in dominant fashion to kick off their PGL Astana campaign. Even after rumours of a roster shuffle, NAVI stands strong, and with big names out of the tournament, it presents an easier chance for them to go all the way.
VETO
- M80 removed Nuke
- Natus Vincere removed Ancient
- M80 picked Dust2
- Natus Vincere picked Mirage
- Natus Vincere removed Anubis
- M80 removed Train
- Inferno was left over
Map 1: Dust 2; Pick: M80; Winner: NAVI
After winning the pistol round, M80 fell to a NAVI force buy, giving NAVI control of the game back. NAVI then put up an impenetrable fortress on the CT side, which led to M80 dropping the ball and them winning all the rounds except the last one. With two rounds to their name, M80 started their defence, where they managed two more rounds before NAVI took back control. Winning all of the remaining rounds, NAVI walked into their map pick of Mirage, leading the series. With 119 ADR and 19 kills, b1t was the best player for NAVI by a mile.
Map 2: Mirage; Pick: NAVI; Winner: NAVI
Having won 2 rounds in the first half, NAVI completely dominated M80 on their offence. Winning 7 rounds in a row, NAVI went on to post a massive lead by the end of the first half with a massive 10-2 lead, then transitioned into their CT side. Winning the pistol, NAVI went on to win the pistol and reach the map point. M80 won a few rounds to cut the lead by NAVI took no time to close the map, thus starting their Astana campaign with a win.
With only Spirit playing the tournament and G2 lacking their star man, NAVI has been put into a prime position to win the tournament, which will see an improvement in the morale of the team heading into the Major.