Natus Vincere vs. 9INE Pusulabet Prediction on September 18, 2025

Match info

The StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 is one of the major European LAN-style (or at least LAN-format) tournaments on the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) circuit. As teams ramp up toward bigger events (including Majors and qualifiers), performances in such tournaments contribute to momentum, reputation, team cohesion, and region/regional ranking/ Valve Regional Standings (VRS). This makes the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals, including the one we decided to focus on, which will kick off on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 8 p.m. CEST (Central European Standard Time – local time) at a yet-to-be-known venue in Budapest, Hungary, particularly high stakes: both for prize money and for a smoother path through the knockout.

For Ukraine’s Natus Vincere, a perennial top team, this is about reaffirming dominance, proving consistency, and avoiding early pitfalls. For Sweden’s 9INE Pusulabet, this is more about upsetting expectations, building their credentials, and showing they can compete with the more established names. As it seems right now, almost not a single reputable site for CS2 eSports betting gives them any chance at all.

Meeting statistics

Current form & playstyle: Natus Vincere

NAVI come into this match with a strong recent record. Over their past 10 matches (give or take a few), they’ve won a majority, showing they still have high-level consistency. However, there are indications of occasional slip-ups — games or maps where their decision-making or momentum faltered. Part of that can be attributed to shifts in opponent style, map vetoes, or just off-days.

In terms of playstyle, Natus Vincere are usually methodical. They often rely on strong defaults, map control, good utility usage, and capitalize on mistakes. Key players like Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen and Valerii “b1t” Vakhovskyi are expected to deliver individually. Their leadership plays a role in structuring mid-round adaptations. They tend to be proactive on T-side, trying to set the pace early, especially on favored maps, and on CT-side, make defensive setups that can punish aggressive pushes or overextensions. Their strength isn’t only raw aim but also map knowledge, rotations, and mental resilience.

The downside: when NAVI are forced into chaotic or fast-paced engagements, or when opponents disrupt their default timings, they sometimes struggle. Also, if their economy is shaky, they are more vulnerable on less forgiving maps.

Current form & playstyle: 9INE Pusulabet

9INE is more of a dark horse in this match. Their recent form has been weaker compared to NAVI. Over the past three months, their win rate has been significantly lower. They’ve shown flashes — some impressive wins here and there — especially when allowed to dictate tempo or catch opponents off guard. But consistency has been the issue.

Their playstyle tends to lean more aggressive or reactive. They are willing to take risks: early entries, pushing timing, trying to exploit gaps in the opponent’s map control. On their good days, this can catch more established teams unprepared; on their off-days, however, those risks backfire, leading to map control losses or round swings. Also, 9INE seem more comfortable in maps where they can use individual skill and aim duels rather than ones requiring rigid, structured CT setups or slow-paced, tight rotations. Their utility usage is decent, but sometimes less polished than that of the top teams. They may struggle in mid-round adjustments under pressure.

Another factor is roster stability: 9INE have had some changes during the early 2025, and building consistency among players, coach strategies, and such is still something they are working on.

Head-to-head

The two teams haven’t played one against the other in official matches, so there’s no track record of head-to-head results between them.

Match analytics

Given NAVI’s stronger recent form, more polished structure, and experience, it enters as the favorite. But 9INE have a chance, especially if they can force NAVI into uncomfortable positions, pick favorable maps, and avoid giving too many early rounds away.

If we were to lean one way, expect NAVI to win the Bo3, possibly 2-0, though 9INE might steal a map if NAVI are sloppy, or picks/drafts go against them. First map, however, is reserved for NAVI.

Tip: Handicap – Map 1: Natus Vincere -4.5 at 1.952 odds on Pinnacle.