NAVI has triumphed at the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Counter-Strike 2, overcoming G2 Esports in a thrilling 2-1 grand final to lift the trophy. This historic victory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw NAVI crowned champions, with standout performances from MVP B1t, and earned them a $400,000 prize.
Journey to Victory
The Esports World Cup brought together the best teams across various disciplines, including Fortnite, Teamfight Tactics, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike 2.
Starting on July 4, the event kicked off with an Opening Stage to determine the first playoff qualifiers. Teams that missed initial qualification had a second chance through the Resurrection Stage, with FURIA clinching the last playoff spot.
Path to the Final
G2 Esports entered the grand final with a renewed roster, having defeated The MongolZ (2-0), Team Spirit (2-1), and Virtus.pro (2-0). On the other side, Natus Vincere (NAVI) made their way to the final by besting FURIA (2-0), FaZe Clan (2-0), and MOUZ (2-1), aiming for their second title of the year.
The Grand Final Showdown
The grand final began with G2 Esports choosing Ancient as the first map. Despite a strong start on the Terrorist side with an 8-4 lead, NAVI forced the match into overtime. G2 ultimately secured a narrow 16-14 victory. The second map, Nuke, was NAVI’s pick, and they dominated with a 13-6 win, leveling the series.
The decider map, Inferno, saw NAVI display their superiority once more, closing out the game with another 13-6 scoreline to clinch the series 2-1.
Historic Win for NAVI
NAVI’s victory over G2 Esports marked their first EWC title and their second major win of the year, following their triumph at the Major in Copenhagen. The team’s performance in the final, particularly by MVP B1t, underscored their dominance and determination.
Conclusion
NAVI’s success at the Esports World Cup highlights their resilience and skill in the competitive CS2 landscape. As they celebrate this monumental win, the team looks poised for continued success in future tournaments. The EWC victory not only adds to their trophy cabinet but also cements their reputation as one of the top teams in the world.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how NAVI builds on this momentum in upcoming events. With their impressive track record and formidable roster, the future looks bright for the Ukrainian organization.
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