Natus Vincere (NaVi) once again proved their dominance in Counter-Strike 2, capturing the ESL Pro League Season 20 title after a nail-biting best-of-five series against Eternal Fire. The grand final, held in Malta, kept fans on the edge of their seats as NaVi claimed a 3-2 victory in a dramatic showdown that showcased the highest level of Counter-Strike.

The Road to the Final

NaVi’s journey to the grand final began with an impressive run in Group A, where they went undefeated, never dropping a single map. Their group-stage performance highlighted the team’s depth and versatility, with wins against teams like Lynn Vision and NIP setting them up for success in the playoffs. 

In the quarterfinals, NaVi faced Team Spirit, who had been a thorn in their side with four consecutive victories in previous matchups. However, this time, NaVi turned the tables with decisive wins on Dust2 (13-5) and Mirage (13-9), ending their losing streak against Team Spirit and securing a spot in the semifinals. In the next round, they met G2 Esports, a team known for their firepower. The semifinal clash saw NaVi outsmart G2 in a 2-1 series, winning on Inferno and Ancient, setting the stage for the grand final against Eternal Fire.

A Grand Final for the Ages

The grand final lived up to the hype, with both teams delivering an epic battle that went the full distance. Eternal Fire, who had shocked many by reaching the final after defeating TheMongolz, Team Vitality, and MIBR, came into the match ready to challenge NaVi.

On Nuke, Eternal Fire’s map pick, the Turkish squad came out strong, leveraging sharp shooting and coordinated plays to take the map 13-8. NaVi appeared rattled, but Aleksib, NaVi’s in-game leader, rallied the team, and they responded with a gritty performance on Anubis. In a closely contested map, NaVi edged out a 13-11 win, leveling the series.

The third map, Ancient, was another nail-biter. NaVi, capitalizing on their momentum, again secured a 13-11 victory. Mihai “iM” Ivan and Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov stepped up during critical moments, particularly in the second half, where their individual brilliance helped NaVi close out key rounds. With a 2-1 lead, NaVi seemed poised to take the series, but Eternal Fire roared back on Inferno with a commanding 13-4 win, forcing the match into a fifth and final map.

Dust2: The Decider

The championship came down to Dust2, where both teams had everything to play for. Eternal Fire started strong, but NaVi’s experience and teamwork shone through as they mounted a comeback. Aleksib’s strategic calls and well-coordinated flashes helped NaVi secure crucial rounds. One standout moment occurred in a pivotal round when NaVi was down in numbers, but jL’s triple kill after a well-timed flash turned the tide.

Despite Eternal Fire’s best efforts, NaVi held firm, closing out Dust2 with a 13-10 win, sealing their 3-2 series victory. NaVi’s victory marked their third major title of 2024, reaffirming their position as one of the top teams in CS2.

MVP Honors and What’s Next

Justinas “jL” Lekavičius was named the MVP of the tournament for his consistent and impactful performances throughout the event. His contributions, particularly in high-pressure moments, were instrumental in NaVi’s success.

NaVi now looks ahead to their next challenge at the BLAST Premier: Fall Final 2024, with their sights set on continuing their winning streak. With this ESL Pro League victory, they’ve also positioned themselves as strong contenders for the Intel Grand Slam, a title they last claimed in 2021.

NaVi’s triumph at ESL Pro League Season 20 not only solidifies their legacy in the Counter-Strike 2 era, but also sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 esports season. 

Congratulations to NaVi, Eternal Fire, and every other team that made ESL Pro League Season 20 thrilling and unforgettable! Did you watch the final? What were your favorite moments? Let us know on our socials, and see you in the next post!