StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Playoff Overview

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has become one of the biggest CS2 tournaments of the year. Teams from all over the world gathered to fight for the trophy, huge prize money, and a place in history. The event has already delivered bright moments, major surprises, and unexpected disappointments. Before diving into the playoff breakdown, it’s worth looking back at how the teams performed across the first three stages, who surprised, who underperformed, and which results shaped the final eight of the Major. Below is a clear and concise overview of everything that happened on the road to the main part of the tournament.

Overview of the Previous Stages on the Road to the Playoffs

Before analyzing the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 playoffs in detail, it’s important to recall the main surprises and disappointments of the earlier stages. These moments set the tone for the tournament, shifted fan expectations, and influenced how teams entered the decisive phase of the Major. Below is a brief summary of the key highlights.

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 Results

Before the first stage began, the main contenders for a 3-0 run were Legacy and FaZe Clan. The Brazilian roster had performed well at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 (9–11th place), managed to beat Vitality in a Bo1 — the team that went on to win that Major — and generally had a solid season. However, Legacy lost their opening game against FlyQuest. They then won their next two matches versus Rare Atom and RED Canids, but failed to defeat B8 and PARIVISION, finishing the tournament with a 2-3 scoreline.

FaZe Clan started slightly better, defeating Lynn Vision in their first match. But surprising losses to NRG and NiP pushed them to the brink of elimination. FaZe managed to recover, securing wins over RED Canids and Fluxo to advance with a 3-2 record.

The biggest surprise of Stage 1 was that M80 and FlyQuest both advanced with perfect 3-0 runs. M80 claimed victories over B8, PARIVISION, and NRG, while FlyQuest defeated Legacy, Imperial, and Fluxo.

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 Results

Before the start of the second stage, NAVI, 3DMAX, and Aurora were considered the main contenders for advancement. Ultimately, only NAVI and FaZe Clan succeeded — and surprisingly, FaZe did so without losing a single match after nearly being eliminated in Stage 1.

FlyQuest, who were expected to continue their previous success — perhaps not with a 3-0 run, but at least with a 3-1 or 3-2 finish — unexpectedly went 0-3, losing to NAVI, 3DMAX, and Astralis. M80 performed slightly better: after losing their opening match to Aurora, they defeated Astralis and TYLOO, putting themselves close to Stage 3. However, losses to Imperial and Passion UA ended their run at 2-3.

Another surprise was that the Turkish roster secured only one win (against M80) and exited the tournament with a 1-3 result. For Astralis, this Major marked their first appearance after a 3.5-year break. They started with losses to NiP and M80 but managed to bounce back by defeating Aurora and FlyQuest. In their decisive match against Liquid, Astralis fell 0-2.

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 Results

The third stage concluded after four days of intense matches that determined the final playoff participants. Favorites did not always look stable, while some underdogs delivered impressive performances. In the end, FURIA and Spirit completed the stage undefeated, while Vitality finished 3-1 after losing their opening match to FaZe. The remaining playoff spots were claimed by MOUZ, The MongolZ, NAVI, FaZe Clan, and Falcons.

One of the biggest surprises was The MongolZ, who many expected to struggle. Instead, the team handled the pressure extremely well, with their new player controlez delivering standout performances — finishing with a 1.23 rating across five maps.

Even teams that didn’t reach the playoffs impressed. Young Ukrainian rosters B8 and Passion UA, who finished 9–11th, showed results beyond expectations — a strong achievement for both teams and a sign of great potential for the future.

However, there were also disappointments. paiN, who reached the quarterfinals of BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, failed to advance from Stage 3. G2 were another letdown — despite having a real chance to qualify for the playoffs, the team couldn’t capitalize and exited earlier than expected.

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Playoff Schedule

The playoffs of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will run from December 11 to 14, beginning with the quarterfinal stage featuring four matches. The eight strongest teams of the tournament will compete for spots in the semifinals. All matches will be played in a BO3 format, while the decisive grand final will be a BO5. At this stage, the Major reaches its highest level of intensity and spectacle.

Spirit vs Falcons (December 11, 18:00 EET)

In this matchup, Team Spirit enter as slight favorites after completing Stage 3 with a 3-0 record and showing consistent form. Falcons will aim to impose their style and fight for a place in the final. The match promises to be tense: either Spirit continue their momentum thanks to donk’s form, or Falcons find a way to stop them and make a strong claim for the title.

Vitality vs The MongolZ (December 11, 21:00 EET)

Vitality are the clear favorites here — they went 3-1 in Stage 3 and previously defeated The MongolZ in the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 final. Still, the Mongolian squad has already shown they can surprise, with controlez delivering an impressive performance. The key question: can The MongolZ take revenge for their loss at the previous Major?

MOUZ vs FaZe (December 12, 18:00 EET)

MOUZ enter as favorites thanks to consistent form throughout the season and a solid 3-1 finish in Stage 3. FaZe, despite a tough start and a near-elimination in Stage 1, recovered and advanced with a 3-2 record. Both teams are known for fighting until the end, making this matchup one of the most anticipated of the quarterfinals.

FURIA vs NAVI (December 12, 21:00 EET)

FURIA are currently one of the strongest teams of the season — with four tournament wins in just two months and a flawless 3-0 Stage 3 run. NAVI face a difficult opponent with a deep map pool and consistently strong performances. For the Ukrainian roster, this will be a real test; a win would greatly improve their chances of reaching the Grand Final.

What to Expect From the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Playoffs

The CS2 season is gradually coming to an end after months of intense events and matches. StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, one of the biggest and most prestigious tournaments of the year, has already delivered unforgettable moments across three stages. Now, only the toughest battles remain — and there is no room for error.

Based on previous results, FURIA and Vitality enter the playoffs as the main favorites, and a final between these two teams is a real possibility. However, NAVI — with players like b1t, iM, and w0nderful — are fully capable of turning matches in their favor. Spirit, fueled by donk’s incredible aim, also remain strong contenders. The MongolZ continue to perform well despite roster changes, Falcons dream of finally lifting a Major trophy, FaZe Clan aim to stop the favorites and repeat their PGL Major Antwerp 2022 success, and MOUZ seek their long-awaited Major title.

All of this sets the stage for extremely intense and potentially unpredictable playoff matches. Only one team will lift the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 trophy and claim the $500,000 grand prize. Stay tuned so you don’t miss a moment!