NAVI won’t be gracing the BLAST Open London stage with its presence after a shock CS2 defeat to large underdogs M80 within the on-line Group Stage.
Sixteen groups competed on-line with one purpose in thoughts: to earn a podium end of their respective group (eight groups, every with a GSL-style format) and thereby qualify for the BLAST Open London Finals, set to happen from September 5 to 7 on the OVO Enviornment Wembley in London.
M80 pulled off a large upset in opposition to NAVI. Picture Credit score: BLAST.television
NAVI’s run has ended prematurely, whereas one other favourite, Workforce Spirit, is preventing for one of many last two spots within the LAN Finals.
M80 Stuns NAVI: One other Regarding End result
After ending in Third/4th place at IEM Cologne 2025, NAVI has had consecutive disappointing outcomes, with a Ninth-Sixteenth place end at BLAST Bounty Season 2 and the Esports World Cup. Nonetheless, few followers may have anticipated that NAVI can be eradicated so early in Group A, on condition that the squad is at the moment ranked sixth on the Valve Regional Standings (VRS).
NAVI obtained off to a stable begin, swatting apart Fnatic 2-0 earlier than falling to the decrease bracket by the hands of a powerful FaZe Clan. M80, ranked thirtieth on the VRS, put up a unbelievable exhibiting in opposition to Workforce Vitality, with the #1 crew on the earth digging deep to provide a surprising reverse-sweep comeback to ship M80 to the decrease bracket.
Within the decrease bracket of Group A, M80, with German IGL Elias “s1n” Stein on the helm, got here from behind to dispatch Virtus.professional and arrange a match in opposition to NAVI.
M80 took the lead within the collection, successful their map choose of Historic (13-9). NAVI bounced again on their map choose, Practice, with a convincing 13-7 victory.
On the third and deciding map, Inferno, M80 took a slight lead within the first half and narrowly averted time beyond regulation because the groups traded blows within the second half of play, leading to a 13-11 scoreline.
With the win, M80 strikes on to the Group A decrease bracket last.
NAVI couldn’t full the comeback. Picture Credit score: BLAST.television
NAVI is eradicated in Ninth-Twelfth place, incomes solely $7,500 for his or her efforts. With a string of poor outcomes, one can’t assist however surprise if roster upheaval is imminent.
Regardless of NAVI’s latest outcomes, let’s not take something away from M80. The squad has carried out effectively above expectations and proven robust kind in opposition to Vitality and Virtus.professional, placing themselves in critical competition for a spot within the LAN Finals.
Which Groups are Set to Compete at BLAST Open London LAN Finals?
4 of the six groups that may compete on LAN in entrance of a crowd on the OVO Enviornment Wembley venue in London have already been confirmed.
In Group A, Workforce Vitality and FaZe Clan secured a top-two end, and in Group B, MOUZ and FURIA are assured top-two finishes. The highest groups in every group will face off for the 1st-place seed heading into the Playoffs Stage.
Two extra groups will quickly safe spots in London. In Group A, M80 seems to proceed its miracle run in opposition to Fnatic.
In Group B, Workforce Spirit is preventing for survival in opposition to G2 Esports. Workforce Spirit was knocked right down to the decrease bracket by Brazilian powerhouse FURIA, whereas G2 fell by the hands of MOUZ.
The highest crew from every group earns a spot within the semifinals. The 2nd-place groups advance to the quarterfinals as the upper seeds, and the Third-place groups because the decrease seeds.