At StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2, we are in for a decisive matchup in the 2-2 bracket: the ambitious Passion UA will face the surging M80 for a spot in Stage 3. In this preview, we break down the current form of both teams, analyze their map pools, highlight possible tactical approaches, and assess their chances in a match that could define the rest of their Major run.
How the bookmakers see it: M80 as the favorite
Bookmakers consider M80 to be the clear favorite, relying on their stable form, recent tournament victories, and strong BO3 performance. The team demonstrates a mature, structured playstyle and an ability to dictate the pace of the match, which boosts analysts’ confidence in their success.
Passion UA can certainly put up a fight and surprise with specific tactical ideas, but their recent inconsistency and visible struggles against higher-tier opponents make them a less likely candidate for victory in the eyes of most betting markets.
Current form of Passion UA: What to expect From Passion UA
Over the past three months, Passion UA have played 58 maps and won 31 of them — an inconsistent but competitive record that keeps the team on the radar. The last month has also been demanding: 5th–6th place at BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2 and a bronze medal at DraculaN Season 3. These results show that the team can challenge strong opponents, though they sometimes lack stability in high-pressure situations.
- Roster: Kvem, JT, Grim, hallzerk, nicx
In their last five matches, Passion UA secured only two wins — against fnatic and MIBR — while losing to 3DMAX, FaZe, and FUT. This suggests a slight dip in form, especially against more organized teams. Still, the roster remains capable of explosive performances when they manage to control the pace of the game.
Current form of M80: What to expect From M80
M80 look much more stable: 27 wins out of 44 maps in the past three months is an impressive statistic for a roster that continues to strengthen its presence on the international stage. Over the last month, the team won DreamHack Knockout Atlanta 2025, finished second at Fragadelphia Ultra Mega Jersey 2025, and took 1st–2nd place at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 — a demonstration of their ability to perform under pressure at big events.
- Roster: Swisher, slaxz-, s1n, Lake, HexT
In their last five matches, M80 claimed three wins — against TYLOO, NRG, and Astralis — and suffered losses to Aurora and Imperial. Despite occasional setbacks, they consistently showcase confidence and strong individual form from their core players.
Passion UA map pool
Passion UA traditionally open the veto with a ban on Nuke, a map they almost never play at a high level. For their pick, the Ukrainian side usually adapts to the opponent’s weaknesses, and against M80 the most logical choice appears to be Dust2 — a map where Passion UA feel comfortable and have enough structure to impose their game plan.
Other potential picks like Mirage or Train are less viable: Mirage is too strong for M80, while Train could be overly risky given the opponent’s disciplined style.
In the second ban phase, Passion UA will likely remove Ancient, preventing M80 from grabbing another comfortable map. If the series reaches a decider, Passion UA would be perfectly fine with Overpass, a map that has served them well in many high-stakes matches.
M80 map pool
Since Passion UA ban Nuke first, M80 have to remove the next map on their danger list — most likely Train, as the Ukrainian roster consistently performs well there and often looks too structurally solid for M80’s comfort.
For their pick, M80 have several strong options, but the most consistent choice is Mirage, their most reliable map in recent months. M80 control the tempo well on Mirage, frequently seize early initiative, and win against even higher-ranked opponents.
In the second ban phase, M80 will most likely remove Ancient, preventing Passion UA from using a map they tend to feel confident on. If the match goes to a decider, the most probable final map is Overpass, which looks balanced for both teams and gives M80 room to enforce their structured approach.
Head-to-head record
Over the past six months, Passion UA and M80 have not faced each other, which means there is no direct matchup history to rely on. This makes the match less predictable but also creates room for surprises — neither team has fresh data on the other’s current playstyle.
Prediction: Passion UA vs M80 — StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2
While Passion UA have the potential to adapt to their opponent’s weaknesses and can certainly take a map if the game goes their way, their inconsistency in recent months and mediocre win rate put them in the underdog role. M80 come into the match in significantly better form, with stronger structure, more stable play, and powerful map picks — especially Mirage, where they boast a dominant 92% win rate.
Passion UA may challenge on Dust2 or Overpass, but M80’s overall stability and tactical discipline allows us to lean in their favor.
Prediction: M80 win 2:1.
