Vitality defeat NAVI to clinch fifth straight Major playoff at StarLadder Budapest

Vitality defeat NAVI to clinch fifth straight Major playoff at StarLadder Budapest

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Vitality secure fifth straight Major playoff

Team Vitality have qualified for the playoffs of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 after defeating Natus Vincere (NAVI) in a tight 2-map series (Inferno 13–11, Train 13–11). 

This marks Vitality’s fifth consecutive Major playoff appearance — following their runs at Paris (1st), Copenhagen (3–4th), Shanghai (5–8th), and Austin (1st). 

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How the maps played out: clutch moments and swings

• Inferno (Map 1): NAVI’s start looked promising, aided by a 1-vs-2 clutch from makazze, and a strong showing from NAVI’s AWP-er w0nderful, who delivered two key clutches. Despite their advantage late, NAVI couldn’t close — Vitality’s risky push through Middle in the final round paid off, sealing a 13–11 map win.

• Train (Map 2): NAVI again started solid, reaching 6–6 on their map pick. However, Vitality, boosted by ropz’s 1-vs-3 clutch and a decisive low-buy A-site execute, outmaneuvered NAVI in force-buy fights to close the map 13–11 and the series.

Despite NAVI’s individual moments of brilliance — particularly from w0nderful, who posted a 1.43 rating — Vitality’s steady coordination under pressure proved the difference. 

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Context & broader picture: Vitality’s dominance continues

Vitality’s qualification comes as part of a larger pattern of consistency: after lifting the trophy in Paris 2023, and strong showings in Copenhagen, Shanghai, and Austin, they continue to be a reliable force at Majors. 

Their recent success also includes a commanding run at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 — where they defeated NAVI 2–0 in the quarterfinals and eventually won the tournament. 

As a result, heading into Budapest, Vitality are not just back in playoffs — they reaffirm themselves as one of the top contenders.