Apeks will face Natus Vincere in a match as part of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1. Both teams started their campaign with a loss in the first match. This encounter will determine who earns their first victory and who continues to search for their form with a score of (0-2). Let's assess the form of both teams and predict the winner of this match.

Current Team Form

Apeks continues to search for consistent gameplay. After a disappointing performance at the VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, where the team finished only 9th–12th, Apeks has not found a winning rhythm—only one win in their last five matches. Their start in VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 was also unsuccessful with a loss in the first round. The recent transfer—signing Governor on March 19—has not been a significant boost, and it remains unclear how he can improve the results.

A similar situation is seen with NAVI: the team also finished the EMEA Kickoff in 9th–12th place, winning only one of their last five matches. However, unlike Apeks, NAVI underwent a major roster overhaul in December 2024—adding three new players and completely rebuilding the coaching staff. While this hasn't yielded immediate results, it could play a decisive role in the future. In Stage 1, the team also started with a loss, and the upcoming match against Apeks could be crucial for overcoming their crisis.

Team Map Pool

Apeks Ban: Split — the team often removes this map and has weak performance on it.

NAVI Ban: Haven — Apeks' most unsuccessful map (0-2), but NAVI aims to prevent their opponents from being comfortable.

Apeks Pick: Pearl — one of the team's most frequently chosen and successful maps (1 win out of 2).

NAVI Pick: Fracture — the best map in their current map pool (1-1) and a frequent choice.

Apeks Ban: Lotus — a map where NAVI hasn't won, but Apeks also lacks confidence.

Decider: Ascent — a balanced map, both teams have rarely played it, but Apeks won their only game, while NAVI has yet to feature it.

Head-to-Head

The teams have not previously met in official matches. This will be their first face-off, and it promises to be crucial in the battle to advance from the group.

Match Prediction

Given the unstable form of both teams, the upcoming match will be an opportunity to break their losing streaks. Apeks, despite recent roster changes, shows no progress in their gameplay and loses key rounds in the endings. NAVI, after restructuring, appears slightly more organized despite the lack of stability.

The map pool slightly favors NAVI: Fracture is a comfortable pick, and the chances on Pearl are roughly equal. If it comes down to the decider Ascent, NAVI's players' higher individual form, enhanced by fresh coaching approaches, could be an advantage.

Prediction: Natus Vincere to win with a score of 2-1.

VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1 runs from March 26 to May 18. During the event, teams compete for three slots at the VCT 2025: Masters Toronto and EMEA Points, which are necessary for further qualification for VALORANT Champions. Find out more about the match schedule and tournament results by following this link.