The match between Natus Vincere and FlyQuest at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting opening-round clashes, as both teams come in with different tournament momentum but high expectations from fans. The best-of-one format makes the meeting even more unpredictable, but NAVI enter the match as the clear favorites.
How the bookmakers see it: Natus Vincere are the favorites
Bookmakers view Natus Vincere as the favorites in this matchup, relying on their higher individual skill, a deeper map pool, and more stable play on key maps. Despite FlyQuest’s progress and their confident performance in Stage 1 of the Major, analysts believe NAVI’s experience, superior aim, and ability to adapt in crucial rounds give them a significant advantage in a best-of-one setting.
Natus Vincere Current Form: What to Expect From NAVI
Over the past three months, Natus Vincere have played 48 maps and won 27 — a sign of stable but not peak form. The team shows strong performances in individual matches but struggles to maintain consistent tempo. Their recent appearance at IEM Chengdu 2025 ended poorly, finishing 13–16. NAVI ran into challenges against strong opponents, which affected their results.
- Natus Vincere roster: b1t, Aleksib, iM, w0nderful, makazze
In their last five matches, NAVI secured wins against The MongolZ and Aurora, but lost to HEROIC, Astralis, and FURIA. Overall, their form heading into Stage 2 looks unstable, and their success in a best-of-one will depend heavily on the map pool and how well they start on the chosen map.
FlyQuest Current Form: What to Expect From FlyQuest
FlyQuest have played 33 maps in the past three months, winning 16 — an average yet competitive result. The team looks more cohesive than in the first half of the season and shows noticeable improvement. The last month was productive: FlyQuest finished 9–11th at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 and impressed at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1, where they finished 3–0. This run makes them a dangerous opponent in Stage 2.
- FlyQuest roster: INS, Vexite, regali, nettik, jks
In their last five matches, FlyQuest defeated Fluxo, Imperial, and Legacy, but lost to Legacy and Liquid. The team shows solid preparation and the ability to compete against stronger opponents.
Natus Vincere Map Pool
In a best-of-one, Natus Vincere will aim to secure the most comfortable map possible. Their likely first ban is Overpass, as it’s their most common removal and the weakest map in their pool. NAVI will then try to steer the veto toward a map where they hold a clear advantage.
Their most favorable maps include:
- Mirage – 67% win rate with a current streak of four wins
- Train – 67% win rate but played less frequently
- Dust2 – 60% win rate
Considering NAVI’s strengths and FlyQuest’s average performance on these maps, Mirage appears to be NAVI’s most desirable option.
FlyQuest Map Pool
In a best-of-one, FlyQuest will try to avoid maps where NAVI can dominate. Their most predictable first ban is Train — even with a 50% win rate, it’s the map they remove most often. After that, FlyQuest will try to direct the pool toward their strongest maps.
Their best options include:
- Inferno – 80% win rate and their strongest map
- Mirage – stable but not dominant at 50%
- Dust2 – 38% win rate but sometimes used to exploit opponent weaknesses
Given NAVI’s style and FlyQuest’s map strengths, the team will likely aim to leave Inferno as the final pick.
Head-to-head History
Natus Vincere and FlyQuest have not played against each other in the last six months. This means the match will unfold without any pre-existing tactical or psychological context, leaving current form and map pool as the deciding factors.
Prediction: Natus Vincere vs FlyQuest – StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2
The match will be played in a best-of-one format, where veto quality and the ability to perform under pressure are crucial. Despite FlyQuest’s recent results and their strong Stage 1 performance, NAVI still hold the advantage thanks to higher individual skill, a deeper map pool, and far greater big-stage experience.
NAVI look stronger on most potential remaining maps, especially if the veto reaches Mirage or Dust2 — both of which suit them far more than FlyQuest. Additionally, NAVI have significantly more maps played in the past three months, giving them broader practice and better adaptability.
Their stronger overall roster, better mechanical skill, and ability to control the pace make Natus Vincere the favorites, even if the final map turns out to be neutral.
Prediction: Natus Vincere win.
