M80 Pull off Major Upset, Eliminate Natus Vincere from BLAST Open London

M80 Pull off Major Upset, Eliminate Natus Vincere from BLAST Open London

31 August 2025 – In a surprising turn at BLAST Open London 2025, underdog M80 delivered a resounding 2–1 series victory over Natus Vincere (NAVI), knocking them out of the tournament. The North American team secured wins on Ancient (13–9) and Inferno (13–11), sandwiched around a convincing Train performance from NAVI (7–13) 

Map Breakdown & Key Performances

Ancient (13–9 to M80)

M80 dominated early, charging to an 8–1 lead on T-side fueled by clutch shots from Fritz “ slaxz‑ ” Dietrich and Jadan “ HexT ” Postma. Although NAVI rallied thanks to a pistol 3‑k from Mihai “ iM ” Ivan, slaxz‑ delivered a dramatic AWP collateral and 4‑kill to seal the map.
Statistical highlights show slaxz‑ finishing as M80’s heavy hitter: 26 kills, highest team rating on this map.

Train (13–7 to NAVI)

NAVI overturned M80’s aggression with strong, coordinated A-side executes. iM's continued pistol form and decisive strategies helped NAVI level the series. Match stats confirm the 13–7 scoreline in NAVI’s favor.

Inferno (13–11 to M80)

NAVI looked to be back in contention after iM pulled off an incredible 1‑v‑4 pistol clutch, followed by a key round win from Ihor “ w0nderful ” Zhdanov, giving NAVI control of four of their five T-side rounds. Still, M80’s clinical CT defense and offensive pressure pushed them ahead to 11–6. Though NAVI forced overtime with some force-buy success and multi‑kills from iM, back‑to‑back B‑site defenses from Drin “ makazze ” Shaqiri and w0nderful fell apart under M80’s smokes, allowing the upset to be completed.

NAVI's Worrying Slump

NAVI’s troubles run deeper than this single match. According to head coach Andrey “B1ad3” Gorodenskiy:

“I think we had a good game plan, but after the losses we have had, we lost confidence.” 

Since their strong showing at IEM Cologne, which hailed makazze’s debut, NAVI have managed just 2 wins in 6 series, exiting early in BLAST Bounty, Esports World Cup, and now BLAST Open London.

An external commentary adds:

“For NAVI, the loss is another alarm bell... the team lacks cohesion and consistency in clutch moments.” 

** Community Discussion**

Reaction on Reddit captured growing frustrations with NAVI’s roster dynamics:

“iM delivers stats‑wise but the CT mid rounding is often horrific... w0nderful delivers stats‑wise but crumbles when it’s time to hit that one key shot... Aleksib calls good T‑sides … but often lacks firepower.” 

This sentiment reflects the broader narrative: individual talent isn't enough—what's missing is consistency and synergy.

** What’s Next for M80 and NAVI**

M80 now advances to face fnatic in the lower-bracket final, with a LAN spot at stake.

NAVI, on the other hand, must regroup. Confidence appears shaken, and their string of disappointing exits highlights a need for reflection and adaptation if they are to reclaim their former stature.