JD Gaming eliminate Natus Vincere to claim final Demacia Cup playoff spot
JD Gaming eliminate Natus Vincere to claim final Demacia Cup playoff spot
JD Gaming secured the final knockout-stage berth at the Demacia Cup Global Invitational 2026 after defeating Natus Vincere 2–1 in the fourth round of the Swiss stage.
The victory gave JD Gaming their second series win of the tournament, completing the eight-team playoff field and ending NAVI's campaign.
JD Gaming recover after earlier setbacks
JD Gaming opened the tournament with a defeat against Hanjin BRION before sweeping Shopify Rebellion 2–0 to secure their first victory.
However, a subsequent 0–2 loss to LGD Gaming left JDG with a 1–2 record heading into the final qualification round.
The Chinese team recovered against Natus Vincere , winning the best-of-three 2–1 to remain in contention for the championship.
NAVI exit after three defeats
Natus Vincere also entered the deciding match with a 1–2 record.
The European representatives had lost to RED Canids in their opener, recovered with a 2–0 victory over FlyQuest , and then suffered a 1–2 defeat to Hanjin BRION.
Although NAVI took one game against JD Gaming , they could not secure the series victory needed to progress.
JD Gaming advance to the knockout stage, while NAVI are eliminated.
