StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 opens with a lineup of intense and meaningful matchups, and the clash between B8 and M80 is one of the standout duels of the opening round. Both teams arrive in solid form, showing steady progress and a clear, structured style of play. B8 continue strengthening their position in Europe, while M80 are increasingly asserting themselves on the international stage.
In a Bo1 format, where a single mistake can decide the outcome, key factors include the map pool, adaptability, individual form, and how well teams start the match. These are the elements the following prediction is based on.
How Bookmakers See It: B8 Are the Favorites
Analysts and bookmakers give a slight but noticeable edge to B8. Despite M80’s strong run and impressive tournament results, B8 appear more stable within a Bo1 setting. Their well-structured approach to key maps, consistent adaptation to opponents, and recent wins against strong teams strengthen their position. As a result, B8 are viewed as the favorites in this matchup, though the margin is not overwhelming.
Current Form of B8: What to Expect From B8
B8 enter StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 with a competitive rhythm. Over the past three months, they’ve played 50 maps and won 24 — an average but steady indicator that reflects a gradual upward trend. Last month, B8 reached the top 8 at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, defeating several strong opponents and proving their growing resilience against higher-tier teams.
- B8 roster: npl, esenthial, headtr1ck, alex666, kensizor
In their last five matches, B8 secured three victories — against Legacy, 3DMAX, and Astralis. Losses to Aurora and paiN highlight occasional drops in form, but overall, the team looks increasingly stable and shows clear improvement.
Current Form of M80: What to Expect From M80
M80 have been demonstrating dynamic and effective play: 29 wins in 48 maps over the past three months — a strong indicator of consistency. Last month, the team won DreamHack Knockout Atlanta 2025 and finished second at Fragadelphia Ultra Mega Jersey 2025. These results emphasize strong individual performances and solid team coordination.
- M80 roster: Swisher, slaxz-, s1n, Lake, HexT
In their last five matches, M80 won four — defeating Marsborne, Reign Above, Mavrek, and FoxHpunt. Their only loss came against NRG, which does not significantly diminish the team’s overall form.
B8 Map Pool
Bo1 format demands extremely precise map choices, as a single poor ban can ruin the game plan.
B8 almost always begin by banning Nuke, which is their weakest map. Next, they are likely to ban Dust2, where they hold only a 20% win rate — a clear vulnerability in a high-stakes single-map match. Overpass is another possible ban, as B8 rarely prioritize it and may want to avoid strategic discomfort.
B8 shine on Mirage (73% win rate), as well as Ancient (55%) and Train (50%). Considering this, Mirage is the most likely map they would want to keep for a Bo1.
M80 Map Pool
Since B8 ban Nuke first, M80 cannot remove it and must focus on their other weaknesses. The first logical ban for M80 is Overpass, where they hold a poor 29% win rate and often struggle. A second likely ban is Dust2, a map they rarely pick and do not consider comfortable. This aligns with B8’s tendencies but is still fully justified by the Bo1 constraints. The third ban could be Train — despite a decent 60% win rate, M80 often avoid the map due to inconsistency and reliance on momentum.
Their best maps are Mirage (91% win rate) and Ancient (67%). Either of these is highly likely to be left in the rotation — with Mirage slightly favored due to its outstanding performance record.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past six months, B8 and M80 have not faced each other. This creates a scenario where preparation, mid-game adaptation, and on-the-fly reads will play a crucial role.
Prediction for B8 vs M80 — StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1
Despite M80’s strong form, B8 enter this match not only with solid momentum but also with evident structural progress — particularly highlighted by their recent victories over Legacy, 3DMAX, and notably Astralis.
The most likely map is Mirage, a strong battleground for both teams. However, B8 showcase a more versatile tactical approach on this map and adapt better against teams with aggressive, pace-driven styles — such as M80.
With a relatively even map pool, the match will likely come down to tactical precision and early-round execution. At this stage, B8 appear better prepared for a Bo1 scenario, where micro-moments decide everything.
Prediction: victory for B8, most likely on Mirage or Ancient.
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