In the opening quarter‑final of IEM Cologne 2025, Natus Vincere (NAVI) booked their place in the semi‑finals by defeating The MongolZ 2‑0. The Ukrainian‑led side edged a gruelling opening map on Inferno 22‑18 after triple overtime and then dominated Ancient 13‑6. The victory ends The MongolZ’s run in Cologne and sets up a semi‑final meeting between NAVI and Spirit.
Nerves, then a breakout performance
NAVI’s newest player, 18‑year‑old Drin “makazze” Shaqiri, made his big‑stage debut in this series. It was the first LAN event, first time using in‑ears and first appearance in front of a crowd for the former NAVI Junior rifler. Those nerves showed early: on Inferno he looked “uncomfortable,” finishing the first half with just two kills and nine deaths and no opening frags after six attempts. NAVI’s attack struggled as The MongolZ surged to a 10‑4 lead.
However, the youngster settled on the CT side. Together with in‑game leader Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen he repeatedly shut down B‑site attacks. His impact grew in overtime; he landed crucial multi‑kills and finished Inferno with a respectable 1.17 rating. That confidence carried over to the second map, where he posted a team‑high 1.64 rating and 113 ADR.
Redemption and future prospects
Overall, makazze recorded 51 kills for 39 deaths (1.32 series rating) and was instrumental in NAVI’s comeback from 4‑10 down on Inferno.
The win was important for NAVI beyond this tournament. It was their first semi‑final appearance at a big LAN since Katowice and suggested that the roster shake‑up, replacing Justinas “jL” Lekavicius with makazze, is beginning to pay off. For makazze, the quarter‑final marked a turning point: after a shaky start, he proved he can deliver against experienced opposition and showed flashes of the firepower that made him one of NAVI Junior’s brightest prospects.
