The group stage of the PGL Astana 2025 is entering the hottest stage - after two days of play, the key pairs of the third round have been formed. In the 2-0 status, two central confrontations await us: Natus Vincere vs. The MongolZ and Astralis vs. Team Spirit . These matches will determine the first teams that will guarantee a place in the next stage (Play-off) with a perfect score.
Main matches (2-0)
NAVI, after a number of unsuccessful tournaments in 2025, looks as composed and convincing as possible. Their new lineup shows excellent discipline and individual form. But The MongolZ , who have already defeated FURIA Esports and MIBR , are in the best shape in the history of the organization. This is the main sensation of the first stage.
Another key confrontation is Astralis vs Spirit . Astralis have experienced ODDIK and closed the match against pain with a powerful performance. Spirit , on the other hand, show the classic power of Eastern Europe with the furious play of Donk , who has become a real monster on Dust2 and Train. Both teams claim a place in the top 4 of the entire tournament, and the match between them is worthy of a playoff.
Mid-pool matches (1-1)
In the so-called mid-pool, we will see four matches that will determine the teams that will remain in the fight for the top 8 and those who will be on the verge of elimination:
FURIA Esports vs MIBR - a classic Brazilian derby. After a hard-fought victory over GamerLegion , FURIA Esports will try to stabilize. MIBR is currently facing serious problems, but the match against G2 proved that it's too early to write them off.
BIG vs Virtus.pro - both teams are in search of stability. BIG has already shown discipline in the match against aurora , and VP has shown a strong form with M80 . A loss in this match will seriously complicate the life of one of the favorites.
NIP vs aurora is a match of equals. aurora lost to HOTU , but rehabilitated in a match with the same opponent. NIP lost to Spirit in a dry spell, and now they have one last chance to change their mood.
pain vs ODDIK is an interesting confrontation of South American styles. ODDIK has already pleasantly surprised with a victory over G2, while pain retains a chance to move on after winning the opening round.
Elimination matches (0-2)
At the bottom of the grid are the matches after which the teams will leave the tournament:
GamerLegion vs HOTU - GL has not yet shown a stable game, and HOTU , despite the defeats, leaves the impression of a strong team. This is a match for survival, where the chances are 50/50.
M80 vs G2 is the biggest disappointment of the tournament so far. G2, after two defeats (with TaZ in the roster instead of huNter-), is in a critical state. M80 hasn't won a single match yet, but they have a chance to make history by knocking out the title favorite.
PGL Astana 2025 takes place from May 10 to 18. The entire tournament is held in Astana, Kazakhstan , at Barys Arena. Participants are competing for a prize pool of $625,000.
