Falcons defeat G2 2:1 to claim the final playoff spot at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

Team Falcons have secured the last available playoff berth at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, completing a remarkable comeback to defeat G2 2:1 in a dramatic best-of-three series. Despite dropping the opening map, the Falcons showed resilience, regrouped, and overpowered G2 on the final two maps to eliminate them from the tournament.

Map Veto

1. Falcons removed Overpass
2. G2 removed Nuke
3. Falcons picked Ancient
4. G2 picked Inferno
5. G2 removed Mirage
6. Falcons removed Train
7. Dust2 was left over

Ancient (13:9 G2)

G2 claimed the opening map 13:9, capitalizing on a stronger defensive half in the late stages. Falcons delivered a solid T-side, taking 6 rounds, but completely collapsed on defense, managing to secure only 3 rounds after the side switch. G2 maintained control throughout the critical moments, with halves ending 6:6 and 7:3, allowing them to close the map and take the early lead in the series.

Inferno (13:4 Falcons)

Falcons responded with overwhelming force on Inferno, dismantling G2 13:4 in a dominant performance. The first half ended 8:4, and the second half became an absolute shutdown — G2 failed to win a single round on the CT side. Falcons exploited every weakness, controlled the pace, and leveled the series with one of their most convincing maps of the tournament.

Dust2 (13:10 Falcons)

Dust2 turned into the decisive battleground. Both teams traded rounds evenly, maintaining a tightly contested match with momentum swinging back and forth. However, in the closing stretch, Falcons maintained composure, executed cleanly, and pushed through to secure the victory 13:10, completing the comeback.The result also carried emotional weight: NiKo eliminated his own cousin, huNter-, from the Major, as G2’s journey came to an end.

Match MVP

The standout player of the series was Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, who consistently created high-impact rounds and carried his team through key moments.

m0NESY’s statistics:

• K-D: 59–31
• Swing: +3.89%
• ADR: 101.9
• KAST: 83.9%
• Rating:1.49

Falcons victory showcased their mental strength and adaptability. After losing Ancient, they took over the series by exploiting G2’s defensive struggles — especially visible on Inferno, where they delivered a flawless second half. Dust2 became the true climax of the matchup, with Falcons finding the final push when it mattered most.

With this win, Falcons become the final team to enter the playoffs, while G2 exit the Major in heartbreaking fashion.