NAVI vs. Everlasting Hearth in ESL Professional League S20’s Grand Ultimate produced among the finest CS2 matches of 2024. It was a gauntlet in each sense of the phrase, with NAVI finally grinding it out throughout an exhilarating 3:2 sequence. If ever there was an commercial for the best-of-five format in Grand Finals, this was it.
Everlasting Hearth might have gained 3:0
Credit score: ESLCS on X.
Whereas NAVI emerged 3:2 victors, it shouldn’t go unnoticed how shut we have been to Everlasting Hearth sweeping this sequence in a clear 3:0. EF gained the primary map, however misplaced each the second and third in heartbreaking 13:11 matches. These have been as shut as will be, and have been finally settled by the minute particulars. Everlasting Hearth even managed to lose towards a low purchase in the direction of the tip of the second map, an uncommon throw in a spherical they need to have been comfy in.
If Everlasting Hearth win map two, they probably have the momentum to edge out map three, too. It’s heartbreak for the Turkish group, who have been realistically simply a few large moments away from glory. It’s so shut, however while you’re up towards most likely one of the best CS2 group on this planet in NAVI, you’ll want to make each likelihood rely. It has tragically price Everlasting Hearth right here.
NAVI’s tactical superiority made the distinction
Credit score: ESLCS on X.
B1ad3 and Aleksib because the coach / IGL combo actually makes for some stunning Counter-Strike, doesn’t it? NAVI are deserved winners of ESL Professional League S20 due to their deep map pool and tactical superiority. It’s refreshing to see a squad depend on teamplay to win matches, fairly than brute-forcing it with sheer firepower (we’re you, G2). It needs to be famous that individually, NAVI simply weren’t all there at the moment. Each w0nderful and iM had sequence, however jL and b1t would agree it wasn’t their very own most interesting days on the workplace. But NAVI discovered the path to victory, nonetheless.
A second that stands out is at 11:10 on the ultimate map of Dust2. NAVI are successful, however Everlasting Hearth have gained a number of consecutive rounds and are gaining momentum quick. Through the 11:10 spherical, EF have a 4:3 man benefit, and NAVI have a single flashbang to their title. NAVI use it to flash jL, who at this level is having a tough map at 8:12, by means of a smoke, the place he’s in a position to kill three and safe the spherical. Contemplating the context of the spherical, it was a tournament-winning flashbang. See for your self.
It’s about complete belief in one another, irrespective of the state of affairs. That’s why NAVI are Champions of ESL Professional League S20. And that’s why we anticipate them to raise no less than another trophy all through 2024.
