These matchups were more than just battles—they raised big questions about where each team stands and how far they can go in this new stage of the tournament.
FNC vs NAVI
The orange machine returned to Stage 1 with an unchanged lineup, looking to secure their place as title contenders and qualify for Toronto. On the other hand, NAVI needed to prove they could still keep up with the best, entering the match with more doubts than certainties against a very experienced squad.
Map 1: Split
Fnatic opened their map pick with dominance, setting the pace from the start. A solid defensive side shut down NAVI’s early attempts, giving FNC a comfortable halftime lead. Their attack phase was just as clinical, and Crashies led the charge with 21 kills and a 297 ACS. NAVI never really found their footing—ANGE1 and Ruxic, in particular, underperformed. The difference in impact was reflected in the scoreline. Result: FNC 13 – 5 NAVI
Map 2: Fracture
NAVI showed a completely different face on their own map. After a tight early game, they pulled ahead thanks to a more coordinated and aggressive attack. KoalaNoob stood out with 26 kills and a 319 ACS. But when Fnatic went on offense, the tide turned again. Crashies was once more the star with another 26 kills and a 299 ACS, and Boaster became pivotal in the clutch. Fnatic rallied just in time to avoid a third map. Result: FNC 13 – 11 NAVI
TL vs M8
After placing second in the Kickoff, Team Liquid entered Stage 1 with a last-minute roster change—Kamyk out, replaced by Latvian player Maikls «Serial» Zdanovs, formerly of HGE in Spain. Meanwhile, the French squad wasted no time, picking up Kamyk for their starting five and benching RobbieBK.
Map 1: Split
Liquid started strong on their own pick, dominating from the outset. Their attack was sharp, and their defense left Gentle Mates no room to recover. Keiko led with 21 kills. On M8’s side, Minny gave it his best shot but couldn’t carry the squad alone. Result: TL 13 – 6 M8
Map 2: Haven
M8 looked like a whole new team on their map pick. Liquid had a decent start, but M8 grew into the game with well-coordinated plays and solid defense. Minny led the charge with 25 kills and a 263 ACS. Though Keiko and paTiTek tried to keep Liquid in it, M8 looked far more cohesive and confident, forcing overtime. They needed only two rounds to close it out and tie the series. Result: TL 12 – 14 M8
Map 3: Icebox
With the series tied, Icebox showed just how much Gentle Mates had evolved during the match. They took control early, with Kamyk and K4DAVRA both breaking the 20-kill mark and surpassing 230 ACS. Liquid never looked settled—perhaps their flashless comp cost them. After losing the pistol round post-side switch, TL went for a light buy, but M8 wiped all five players in an instant. Everything spiraled from there, and the Kickoff runner-up was sent packing. Result: TL 6 – 13 M8
