NAVI faced off against Eternal Fire in the Grand Final of ESL Pro League S20, producing one of the most intense CS2 matches of 2024. The thrilling series went the distance, with NAVI emerging victorious in a nail-biting 3:2 showdown. The match served as a testament to the excitement and competitiveness that a best-of-five format brings to Grand Finals.
Eternal Fire came close to a clean sweep
Credit: ESLCS on X.
Despite NAVI emerging as the 3:2 winners, it’s worth noting how close Eternal Fire came to sweeping the series with a 3:0 victory. After winning the first map, EF narrowly lost the following two maps in heartbreaking 13:11 matches, with the outcome hinging on minute details. A costly mistake, such as losing against a low buy in the second map, proved to be a turning point in the series.
If Eternal Fire had secured the second map, they might have had the momentum to clinch the third as well. It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Turkish team, who were just moments away from glory. Against a formidable opponent like NAVI, every opportunity had to be seized, and the missed chances ultimately cost Eternal Fire the victory.
NAVI’s strategic brilliance was the key
Credit: ESLCS on X.
The coaching prowess of B1ad3 and Aleksib, the coach / IGL duo, shone through in NAVI’s victory at ESL Pro League S20. Their deep map pool and tactical superiority set them apart, showcasing a reliance on teamwork rather than individual firepower. While some players, like w0nderful and iM, had standout performances, others like jL and b1t faced challenges. Despite this, NAVI found a way to claim the championship.
One defining moment occurred on the final map of Dust2, with NAVI strategically using a flashbang to turn the tide in a crucial round. It exemplified their trust in each other and their ability to capitalize on key moments. This level of teamwork and strategic acumen propelled NAVI to victory, solidifying their status as the Champions of ESL Pro League S20 and raising expectations for future successes in 2024.
