Hold up, did you see this?! In a result that has sent shockwaves through the Counter-Strike world, The MongolZ absolutely dismantled the powerhouse Natus Vincere (NAVI) in the ESL Pro League (EPL) Season 21 quarter-finals yesterday, March 14, 2025. They didn’t just win; they crushed NAVI with a clean 2-0 victory to secure their spot in the semifinals. The Mongolian squad looked unstoppable on both Mirage and Ancient, taking both maps with identical 13-6 scorelines. This is HUGE – it’s their first-ever win against NAVI in competitive CS! This incredible performance in Stockholm sets up a mouthwatering semifinal clash with Vitality.
Mirage Massacre: The MongolZ Come Out Swinging
The series kicked off on Mirage, typically NAVI’s comfort pick. As expected, they started strong, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead with their aggressive playstyle. But then, The MongolZ flipped the switch. Led by a clutch Molotov play from Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold, the Mongolians went on an absolute tear, winning nearly every CT round from that point on.
The only exception? A fantastic 4K from NAVI’s Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov with a Deagle. However, a crucial second-round force-buy victory for The MongolZ completely shifted the momentum, propelling them to a dominant 13-6 finish. You could practically hear the jaws dropping in the arena!
Ancient Ends NAVI’s Run with Authority
The struggles continued for NAVI on Ancient, where their economy seemed to hamper their ability to use utility effectively. The MongolZ capitalized early, racing to a commanding 6-2 lead with precise and aggressive plays.
But the real star of the show on this map was Ayush “mzinho” Batbold. This guy was unstoppable, racking up a ridiculous 23 kills and a 1.97 rating! He even pulled off a highlight-reel spray transfer that left NAVI’s Mihai “iM” visibly frustrated. The MongolZ kept their composure and closed out the map with another 13-6 victory, leaving no doubt about who the better team was on the day.
A Massive Moment for Mongolian CS
This win is a monumental achievement for The MongolZ. It marks their second top-four finish at a Big Event in 2025, solidifying their status as a rising force in the Counter-Strike scene. While they’ve struggled with consistency against top-tier teams in the past, their composure and dominance against NAVI feel like a true turning point. Their next challenge is massive: a semifinal showdown against Vitality, who are riding a nine-game win streak, spearheaded by none other than Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut. Talk about a clash of titans!
Questions Arise for a Struggling NAVI
On the other side, this loss raises serious concerns for NAVI. Despite their IEM Rio victory earlier this year, recent performances have been inconsistent. Frustrations seemed to boil over during the group stage, and their body language in this match didn’t go unnoticed by fans. Coach Andrey “B1ad3” Gorodenskiy tried to downplay any major issues, but losing two maps by a combined score of 26-12 is hard to ignore. Now, the question remains: can NAVI regroup and bounce back in time for the Austin Major?
What’s Next in EPL Season 21?
So, what’s next? The MongolZ are set to face Vitality tomorrow (that’s Saturday, for those keeping track!) in what promises to be an electrifying semifinal matchup. Can their incredible momentum carry them past one of the world’s best? Meanwhile, NAVI’s elimination means their hopes for a third consecutive semifinal appearance this year are over. The ESL Pro League Season 21 playoffs are heating up, and with results like this, every match promises to be packed with surprises!