Ukrainian Team NAVI Junior Qualifies for The International 2025 Dota 2 World Championship
NAVI Junior Secures Spot at The International 2025
The Ukrainian Dota 2 squad NAVI Junior has made a remarkable breakthrough by defeating the European powerhouse OG in the finals of the qualifiers for The International 2025, the most prestigious tournament in the esports scene for Dota 2. With this victory, NAVI Junior earns a direct spot in the main event, marking a significant milestone for the team and Ukrainian esports fans.
Unbeaten Path to Victory
Throughout the qualification process, NAVI Junior demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, advancing to the finals without suffering a single defeat. They successfully overcame notable opponents such as the Russian teams Yellow Submarine and 1WIN Team, as well as the Saudi Arabian squad Nigma Galaxy. Their consistent performance showcased their growing dominance and potential on the international stage.
The Final Series: A Closer Look
The final showdown between NAVI Junior and OG was a best-of-three series, played over three intense matches. The first game proved to be the most prolonged and challenging, lasting 40 minutes, with OG emerging victorious. However, the subsequent two games saw NAVI Junior display overwhelming dominance, winning both in quick succession and clinching the series with a 2:1 overall score.
Breaking Down the First Game
Team captain Artem “Niku” Bachkur explained the reasons behind their initial loss. According to him, the team simply made poor hero choices during the draft phase: “In the first game, we lost completely during the drafting. Usually, we struggle a bit at the start of each match or need some time to warm up, using the early games to gauge our opponents, then we get into a better rhythm in the second and third games.”
Looking Ahead to The International 2025
The International 2025 is scheduled to take place from September 11 to 14 in Hamburg, Germany, at the Hamburg’s Barclays Arena. The tournament will feature the top 16 Dota 2 teams from around the world, competing for the coveted Aegis of Champions and a multi-million dollar prize pool.
Recent Success in Esports
Earlier this year, NAVI showcased their versatility by winning a Counter-Strike tournament held in Brazil, where they claimed a prize of $100,000 after defeating the German team MOUZ with a final score of 3:1. This achievement further highlights NAVI’s rising prominence across multiple competitive titles and solidifies their status as a top-tier esports organization.
Alex "Pixel" Petrov
Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.