Vitality Crowned Champions of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

Team Vitality have claimed the title at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, defeating FaZe Clan 3–1 in the grand final and becoming champions of the fourth Major in the Counter-Strike 2 era. The tournament took place in Budapest, Hungary, from November 24 to December 14, 2025, and went down in history as the first CS Major to feature a best-of-five grand final.

Throughout the event, Vitality displayed consistent and confident performances. The French organization successfully navigated all three Swiss stages of the group phase before advancing to the playoffs. In the quarterfinals, Vitality secured a clean 2–0 victory over The MongolZ, followed by another convincing 2–0 win against Team Spirit in the semifinals, earning their spot in the grand final.

The final series opened on Nuke, where FaZe Clan immediately set the tone. Starting on the attacking side, karrigan’s squad dominated early, winning eight T-side rounds and comfortably closing the map 13–6. However, Vitality quickly responded on Dust2, completely taking control of the game. They won nine rounds on the T side, while FaZe failed to secure a single attacking round, resulting in a one-sided 13–3 victory for Vitality.

The third map, Inferno, came with high expectations for FaZe, who entered the final with a six-map win streak on this battleground. Despite that, Vitality proved superior from the start, building a strong lead on the CT side. Although FaZe attempted a comeback after winning the pistol round in the second half, Vitality consistently found openings and closed the map 13–9.

Everything was decided on Overpass, where Vitality delivered a dominant performance. Even before the map began, FaZe’s chances looked slim, and Vitality only reinforced that narrative by winning 11 rounds on the attacking side. After the side switch, FaZe managed to take the pistol round, but there was no room for a comeback. Vitality quickly shut the map down 13–2, sealing the series 3–1 and securing the Major trophy.

Vitality’s success was driven by strong teamwork and adaptability throughout the tournament. ZywOo once again stood out as a key leader, while ropz, apEX, flameZ, and mezii all made crucial contributions in the playoffs and the final.

With this victory, Team Vitality add another Major title to their legacy, while FaZe Clan finish the tournament as runners-up. The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will be remembered as one of the most impressive CS2 Majors, highlighted by its BO5 grand final and the tactical depth shown by the champions.

• 1st: Team Vitality
• 2nd: FaZe Clan
• 3rd-4th: Team Spirit, Natus Vincere
• 5th-8th: Team Falcons, The MongolZ, MOUZ, FURIA
• 9th-11th: B8, G2 Esports, Passion UA
• 12th-14th: Imperial Esports, 3DMAX, paiN Gaming
• 15th-16th: Team Liquid, PARIVISION
• 17th-19th: Ninjas in Pyjamas, M80, Astralis
• 20th-22nd: Fnatic, Aurora Gaming, TYLOO
• 23rd-24th: MIBR, FlyQuest
• 25th-27th: NRG, Fluxo, Legacy
• 28th-30th: The Huns Esports, RED Canids, GamerLegion
• 31st-32nd: Lynn Vision Gaming, Rare Atom

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 was the winter Major organized by Valve for the 2025 competitive CS2 season. The tournament featured a total prize pool of $1,250,000 USD. Group stage matches were held at MTK Sportpark, while the playoff stage took place at the MVM Dome in Budapest, Hungary, where the decisive matches of the Major were played.