In the relentless world of Counter-Strike 2 esports, where every frag counts and pressure is a constant companion, teams often seek an edge beyond mere skill. For Natus Vincere (NAVI), a recent victory at the StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, while perhaps not the marquee event of the year, served as a crucial psychological booster and an invaluable training ground. Drin “Makazze” Shaqiri, a pivotal player for NAVI`s CS2 roster, shed light on this strategy, emphasizing the tangible boost in confidence that even a “non-top-tier” win can provide.
The StarLadder Victory: A Glorious Training Session?
The StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 concluded with NAVI lifting the trophy, a moment of triumph that Makazze candidly described as more than just a win – it was a highly effective practice. “We won StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025, and although it wasn`t a top-level tournament, so to speak, it definitely gave us confidence. At least some kind of victory,” Makazze noted in a recent interview. This perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of elite esports athletes, where even competitive success is sometimes viewed through the lens of preparation for greater challenges.
“We went there to practice, and I think the practice went well, so we are fully ready for ESL Pro League Season 22.”
— Drin “Makazze” Shaqiri
Indeed, using a significant tournament as a glorified scrimmage might seem counterintuitive to outsiders. Yet, for professional teams, the opportunity to execute strategies, refine communication, and build synergy under competitive pressure, without the soul-crushing weight of a Major, is a luxury. The confidence gleaned from a series of successful matches, even against less formidable opponents, can be the intangible asset that propels a team forward. It’s the kind of momentum that money can’t buy, only earned through collective effort and strategic planning.
Transitioning to the Big Leagues: ESL Pro League Season 22
With their confidence tanks topped off from the StarLadder triumph, NAVI immediately plunged into the intense battleground of ESL Pro League Season 22. This is where the true test of their “practice” begins, pitting them against the undisputed giants of the CS2 competitive circuit. The initial results have been a mixed bag, illustrating the stark difference between a confidence-boosting run and the relentless grind of a premier tournament.
NAVI kicked off their ESL Pro League campaign with a promising victory over Aurora Gaming, signaling that their StarLadder preparations were indeed paying dividends. The team showcased crisp plays and solid teamwork, a testament to the tactical cohesion forged in their recent “training” exercise. However, the path through ESL Pro League is rarely linear. In their second outing, Makazze and his squad faced a formidable challenge, ultimately succumbing to Team Falcons. This loss serves as a stark reminder that while confidence is key, raw firepower and flawless execution against top-tier adversaries are paramount.
What`s Next for NAVI?
The journey continues. Natus Vincere is set to face Team 3DMAX in their next crucial match on October 6th, scheduled for 14:00 MSK. This encounter will be another critical checkpoint for NAVI, determining if their StarLadder-forged confidence can translate into sustained success against diverse and challenging opposition.
The narrative of NAVI`s season, through Makazze`s words, highlights a fundamental truth in esports: success isn`t always about winning the biggest trophies, but about strategically leveraging every competitive opportunity. Whether it`s a “non-top-tier” tournament win or a hard-fought practice session, every moment contributes to the finely tuned machine that is a championship-caliber team. For NAVI, the StarLadder victory wasn`t just another title; it was a carefully orchestrated confidence injection, a psychological weapon they hope will serve them well on the path to ESL Pro League glory.
