Zeus questions NAVI's map picks in loss to The MongolZ

Former pro Daniil “Zeus” Teslenko called Natus Vincere’s map selection in the IEM Beijing 2026 semifinal strange, Cybersport.ru reported on Nov. 7. He shared his view on Telegram after NAVI lost to The MongolZ.

Zeus said NAVI say they play seven maps and keep experimenting. If the tournament is treated as preparation and a test of ideas before the Major, he said, that is mostly fine.

• NAVI lost to FURIA on Cache even though they won both pistol rounds.
• The MongolZ then beat FURIA on Cache.
• NAVI still picked Cache against The MongolZ.

Zeus said that if NAVI were wary of Ancient, Nuke was an option, but they had removed it with their second ban. In his telling, they lost their own pick, then the opponent’s map and were eliminated. He said he does not fully understand the logic and asked what the point of seven maps is. Zeus also congratulated The MongolZ on reaching the final.

The match

The MongolZ won the series 2-0, taking Cache 13-10 and Inferno 13-11. They play MOUZ for the title, and NAVI meet BETBOOM TEAM in the third-place match.