StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 – Stage 1 Pick'em: Predictions & Opinions

The first stage of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is about to begin, which means it’s time to make your predictions. In this blog, we’ve prepared a short guide explaining how everything works and what you need to do to earn points. And of course, we’ll also show the Pick’Em predictions from well-known CS2 analysts and share our own.

What Is the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick'Em and How It Works

The Pick'Em Challenge for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is an interactive game where you can test your Counter-Strike 2 knowledge by predicting match outcomes throughout the tournament. To participate, you need a Viewer Pass, which unlocks all challenges.

Before each stage — Challengers, Legends, and Champions — participants choose the teams they believe will advance or get eliminated. Correct predictions award points, allowing you to upgrade your Pick’Em coin from bronze to gold. Completing all tasks may also earn you in-game rewards, making the Major viewing experience even more exciting.

Pick’em Rules and Strategy for Stage 1

In the Swiss System, you must make ten predictions: select two teams that will finish the stage with a 3-0 score, choose six teams that will advance with at least three wins, and pick two teams that will end the stage 0-3.

Remember: you earn points for 3-0 and 0-3 only if the team finishes with exactly that score. If a team you placed in the 3-0 slot still advances but finishes 3-1 or 3-2, you earn no points for that pick. For this reason, it's usually safer to place the strongest favorites — like FaZe Clan or Legacy — in the “will advance” section, so you don’t lose easy points if they unexpectedly drop a map.

The 3-0 slot is better suited for teams that either can go flawless or might collapse entirely. For the 0-3 slot, it’s often wise to choose underdogs — teams from regional qualifiers who may struggle on LAN. Make sure to lock in your picks before the first match begins. In Pick’Em, intuition matters, but a well-thought-out strategy is essential.

EGamersWorld Prediction for StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1

The only dilemma: who to put on 3-0? Legacy and FaZe Clan both have a strong chance to go 3-0, but there is still a possibility they might drop a map. That’s why I believe it’s worth taking a risk and selecting fnatic and GamerLegion for 3-0 — as Majors often deliver surprises.

For the 3-1 and 3-2 slots, teams like B8, FaZe Clan, Legacy, M80, NiP, and FlyQuest should have no problem advancing to the next stage.

Considering current form and expected matchups, I would identify two teams as clear outsiders. The Huns and Rare Atom are likely to face serious difficulties and may finish 0-3.

YouTubers Pick’em for StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1

I recommend preparing carefully and checking different perspectives. Before forming your own Pick’Em predictions, take a look at videos from popular YouTubers — many have already shared their selections for StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. These videos often include fresh ideas, unconventional opinions, and useful breakdowns that can help you make more accurate predictions.

Many of these creators are seasoned analysts, commentators, or former pros, so their insights are definitely worth considering.

fl0m Pick’Em

Source: YouTube fl0m

fl0m — an American streamer and former professional AWP player known for his streams, work with Mythic, and influence on the NA scene — shared his Pick’Em for Stage 1. He placed Legacy and FaZe Clan in the 3-0 slot, selected Rare Atom and The Huns for 0-3, and chose B8, GamerLegion, fnatic, M80, NRG, and PARIVISION to advance.

ohnepixel Pick’Em

Source: Ozzny_CS2 X

ohnepixel — a German content creator and the leading influencer in the CS skins world — also revealed his predictions. He put FaZe Clan and GamerLegion in the 3-0 slot, selected Red Canids and The Huns for 0-3, and chose M80, Legacy, NiP, NRG, B8, and fnatic to advance.

James Banks Pick’Em

Source: YouTube James Banks

James Banks — a well-known British interviewer, host, and media personality in Counter-Strike — stayed close to the favorites in his predictions. He placed FaZe Clan and Legacy in the 3-0 slot, picked The Huns and RED Canids for 0-3, and selected B8, GamerLegion, PARIVISION, fnatic, NiP, and FlyQuest to advance, balancing strong favorites with promising underdogs.

Pimp Pick’Em

Source: YouTube Pimp

Pimp — a Danish former pro and current CS2 analyst known for his direct takes — presented an interesting Pick’Em. He placed FaZe Clan and GamerLegion in the 3-0 slot (the latter being an especially intriguing choice), selected Rare Atom and RED Canids for 0-3, and picked Legacy, fnatic, NiP, B8, FlyQuest, and PARIVISION to advance.

Launders Pick’Em

Source: YouTube Launders

Launders — a Canadian commentator and analytical content creator known for his calm style and deep understanding of CS2 — took a bold approach. He placed Legacy and, surprisingly, PARIVISION in the 3-0 slot. His 0-3 choices were fnatic and The Huns, a rather unusual pair. For the advancement slots, he selected FaZe, GamerLegion, B8, M80, Lynn Vision, and NiP.

austincs Pick’Em

Source: YouTube austincs

austincs — a North American analyst and coach known for his modern approach to the game — made several bold calls. He placed Legacy and B8 in the 3-0 slot; the former is expected, while the latter is a hopeful gamble. For 0-3 he selected RED Canids and The Huns, which seems logical. His advancing teams are FaZe, Lynn Vision, fnatic, NiP, GamerLegion, and FlyQuest.

ashhh Pick’Em

Source: YouTube ashhh

ashhh — a British coach and analyst known for his structured approach and ability to unlock player potential — opted for Legacy and FaZe in the 3-0 slot, a straightforward pair. For 0-3 he picked RED Canids and The Huns, as very few believe in their chances. His advancing selections were GamerLegion, B8, fnatic, PARIVISION, Lynn Vision, and FlyQuest.

CS2 StarLadder Budapest Major Pick’em: Medal

The Pick’Em Challenge in CS2 for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 gives players the opportunity to earn a unique tournament medal, which depends on the accuracy of predictions across all stages of the Major. To compete for the highest tier of rewards, you must complete the tasks of every stage — and at the first stage, that means making at least six correct picks, including your 3-0 team, advancing teams, and the 0-3 team.

If your goal is to secure the top-tier medal, the best strategy is to rely on the favorites and minimize risks. This is especially important in Stage 1, where the level of teams from different regions is often fairly close, and the main variable is their current form. Therefore, you should consider recent results, head-to-head matchups, and roster changes — a smart approach from the very beginning greatly increases your chances of completing the challenge and progressing toward the gold medal.