SAW started their ESL Pro League Stage 2 campaign with a shocking victory over Natus Vincere, taking a 2-1 series win in Stockholm. NAVI, the reigning champions, suffered a setback in their title defense, while SAW extended their flawless run to four consecutive victories since integrating Oscar “AZUWU” Bell and Jan “cej0t” Dyl into the roster.
Following the match, cej0t shared his excitement about the win, emphasizing the team’s mindset throughout the tournament. Coming back from a map deficit after losing their pick, he credited SAW’s approach for their success. According to him, the squad thrives without pressure, keeping a positive atmosphere and maintaining composure even in challenging situations.
Facing NAVI in their first match since IEM Katowice, SAW struggled early on Inferno, where Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov led an overwhelming defensive effort, powering NAVI to a dominant 10-2 CT half. The Ukrainian powerhouse looked in complete control after a commanding start.
However, SAW responded with a strong offensive display on Nuke, with André “Ag1l” Gil dictating the pace and punishing NAVI’s defensive setups. Mihai “iM” Ivan delivered an impressive performance on the T side, keeping the match competitive, but ultimately, NAVI couldn’t keep up with SAW’s fluid attacks.
Ancient started with NAVI in control, securing an early advantage. But SAW quickly turned the tide, gaining momentum in the middle of the first half. With cej0t once again stepping up when it mattered most, SAW went on an incredible 11-round streak, closing out the series in a stunning upset.
Reflecting on his ability to shine in deciders, cej0t laughed and remarked that he hopes to deliver the same level of play across all maps in future matches.
