Natus Vincere will face off against GIANTX in a match as part of VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1. If GIANTX loses this match, their chances of qualifying for the playoff stage become extremely slim, while NAVI aims to solidify their position in the group stage as much as possible. Let's assess the form of both teams and predict the winner of this match.

Current Team Form

NAVI continues to perform inconsistently following their setback at VCT 2025: EMEA Kickoff, where they finished only in 9th–12th place. In their last five matches, they managed to secure just one victory. In the current VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1, the team has a record of 1:1. They lost their first match against Fnatic, who finished 5th–6th at the Kickoff, but managed to defeat Apeks in the second match—another team from the lower part of the standings. There have been no roster changes; the team is still seeking stable form.

GIANTX started 2025 slightly more confidently, finishing 7th–8th at the EMEA Kickoff, but they are also showing a decline at the moment. In their last five matches, the team has secured only one victory. In the group stage of Stage 1, they have yet to win a match (0:2), but their opponents were significantly stronger: Team Vitality, who are the champions of the EMEA Kickoff and placed top-4 at the VCT 2025: Masters Bangkok, and Team Heretics, who finished 3rd at the Kickoff. The team plays with the same lineup, with no substitutions.

Team Map Pool

Predicted map draft:

• NAVI Ban: Ascent — they haven't played on it once and might remove it to avoid future risks.
• GIANTX Ban: Icebox — they traditionally don't play this map and consistently ban it.
• NAVI Pick: Fracture — a balanced choice, good stats (1:1), and an uncomfortable map for GIANTX.
• GIANTX Pick: Lotus — the team often chooses this map despite weak stats (1:3), as it's their most played pick.
• NAVI Ban: Pearl — the team played this map once and lost, preferring to avoid it.
• Decider: Split — both teams have experience on this map, albeit with negative stats, but it remains more neutral among the remaining options.

Head-to-Head Matches

In the history of head-to-head encounters, NAVI and GIANTX have met only once—during the VCT 2024: EMEA Stage 2. GIANTX emerged victorious in that match. While this result isn't definitive, it could boost GIANTX's confidence in the upcoming match.

Match Prediction

The match appears to be a clash between two teams searching for stability. Both have shown weak results in recent matches, but GIANTX has been up against the league's strongest teams, while NAVI lost to more average opponents. GIANTX also has confidence on the Lotus map and a win in their previous head-to-head match.

Prediction: NAVI wins 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 essential for further qualification to VALORANT Champions. You can find more details about the match schedule and tournament results by following this link.