The quarter-final between Vitality and NAVI feels like a grand final happening too early. The world’s #1 and #2 teams are set to clash in a series where not only a semi-final spot is on the line, but also the question of dominance in 2026. Vitality enter as the clear tournament favorites, while NAVI remain one of the few teams capable of breaking even the strongest systems.
Current Form — stability vs searching for consistency
Vitality, despite being the #1 team, do not look completely untouchable:
- 1–2 vs Falcons
- 2–1 vs G2
- 2–0 vs RED Canids
They continue to win series, but occasionally show vulnerabilities — especially against aggressive opponents. Still, their biggest strength remains control and depth.
NAVI show a more inconsistent but dangerous form:
- 2–1 vs Aurora
- 2–0 vs HOTU
- 1–2 vs FURIA
- 2–1 vs B8
They can look shaky, but often elevate their level against top-tier opponents.
Key matchup — ZywOo vs makazze
This is a clash of two very different AWP styles.
ZywOo (Vitality):
- Rating: 1.39
- ADR: 86.1
- KAST: 78.0%
makazze (NAVI):
- Rating: 1.20
- ADR: 84.3
- KAST: 74.9%
ZywOo represents consistency and control. He rarely drops off and delivers impact every round. makazze plays a more aggressive style — capable of taking over a map or disappearing under pressure.
Map pool & veto — the deciding factor (Bo3)
Stats (last 3 months):
- Dust2: Vitality 100% | NAVI 67%
- Mirage: Vitality 44% | NAVI 47%
- Inferno: Vitality 83% | NAVI 54%
- Nuke: Vitality 86% | NAVI 60%
- Overpass: Vitality 100% | —
- Ancient: — | NAVI 70%
- Anubis: Vitality 100% | NAVI 40%
Expected bans:
- Vitality remove Ancient (NAVI comfort map)
- NAVI remove Overpass (100% Vitality)
Expected picks:
- Vitality: Inferno / Nuke / Dust2
- NAVI: Mirage or Ancient (if available)
Decider: Anubis or Dust2 — maps where individual impact will be crucial
Vitality have a massive advantage in the map pool, with multiple maps showing 80–100% win rates.
Head-to-Head — complete dominance by Vitality
Vitality 16 — 1 NAVI
This is one of the most important factors. Vitality don’t just win — they dominate this matchup. Recent matches have often been one-sided (13-7, 13-10, etc.), and in a previous Bo5, NAVI failed to take a single map (0–3).
Prediction
NAVI are capable of putting up a fight, especially if they find their game on Mirage or Ancient. However, the reality is that Vitality currently look like a more balanced and consistent team. Considering map pool, form, and head-to-head history, the favorite is clear.
Expected score: Vitality 2–0 NAVI
There is a scenario where NAVI can take a map, but to win the series they would need to play nearly a perfect game. Vitality, on the other hand, can afford mistakes — and still come out on top.
