NiP dispatch B8, set to challenge NAVI in StarSeries Fall Grand Final

NiP dispatch B8, set to challenge NAVI in StarSeries Fall Grand Final

Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) have defeated B8 Esports 2-0 in the Consolidation Final of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, securing their spot in the Grand Final. The match, played in Bo3 format, capped off their run through the upper bracket and puts them in position for a rematch against Natus Vincere (NAVI), who already secured the first Grand Final berth. 

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Maps & key moments

• Train: NiP struck first, taking Train with a 13-7 score. They established control early, building a strong Terrorist-side start and maintaining momentum through aggressive mid-round plays and smart utility usage. B8 had moments of resistance but could not overcome the deficit.

• Dust2: A closer affair, but NiP again came out on top with 13-11. After a balanced first half (7-5 either way), NiP edged ahead in the second half with stronger gun rounds and clutch plays in high pressure moments. B8 pushed but couldn’t capitalize on rounds where they were favoured.

NiP’s map vetoes and pick-strategy benefited them: they removed Mirage, placed B8 to pick Dust2, then used their picks (Train, etc.) to control the pace. 

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Players & performance highlights

Several NiP players stood out in this match:

• xKacpersky was among the top performers, finishing with high ADR and being instrumental in several multikills. His impact rounds were key in shifting momentum.

• sjuush, another mainstay, contributed well in kill-differentials and closing critical rounds. While not always in the absolute highlight plays, his steady performance helped NiP maintain pressure.

• r1nkle also had strong moments, particularly in rounds where NiP reset B8’s momentum.

For B8, although the loss ends their hopes for the title in this tournament, certain players showed flashes. But overall, they were outgunned and out-paced in critical second-half rounds and could not match NiP’s synergy in close moments. 

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What this sets up

• Grand Final matchup: NiP advances to face Natus Vincere, who beat NiP in the Upper Bracket Final. This Grand Final is now a single opportunity for NiP to turn the tables and claim the StarLadder Fall trophy.

• NAVI’s position: NAVI already has one foot in the Grand Final and have avoided elimination. Their upcoming opponent will be either NiP or another team from the lower bracket. NAVI’s map pool and form will be put under scrutiny, especially if facing an opponent like NiP who has momentum.

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Broader tournament & ranking implications

• VRS / rankings: Wins like this help NiP maintain or improve their standings in various ranking systems (Valve Regional Standings etc.), especially with LAN performance. Beating strong teams like B8 adds more weight.

• Confidence & momentum: NiP’s ability to close maps strongly, especially on maps like Dust2 and Train, reinforces their claim as contenders. The mental edge of successfully navigating a key Bo3 without dropping a map could be vital in the finals.

• B8’s takeaways: They’ll look back at this match to see where they faltered — map vetoes, mid-round decision making, clutch moments. But they also gain that experience of playing high pressure LAN matches.

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Final thoughts

• Ninjas in Pyjamas’ 2-0 triumph over B8 in the Consolidation Final cements their place in the Grand Final of StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025. Their control of both Train and Dust2, along with standout individual performances, gave them the edge.

• NAVI await, having already locked in one final spot, setting up a coveted showdown. For NiP, this is a chance at redemption.

• For fans, the storyline will be how NiP adapts to NAVI’s map pool, whether they can maintain their current form under even greater pressure, and whether this will be the tournament where they reclaim top honors.