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The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is in full swing, featuring a $1,250,000 prize pool and some of the most exciting Counter-Strike 2 action of the year. Group stage matches are being held at MTK Sportpark, with the playoffs scheduled at the iconic MVM Dome in Budapest, Hungary.
On the first day of Stage 1, one of the most anticipated matchups sees Fnatic take on Red Canids. Both teams are eager to kick off their Major campaigns on a high note, and with their recent performances showing moments of brilliance, fans can expect a tense and unpredictable best-of-one encounter.
How The Bookies View It: Fnatic Slightly Favoured
Bookmakers see Fnatic as the slight favorite in this matchup, offering odds of 1.38 compared to 3.02 for Red Canids. While Fnatic’s recent form and experience give them an edge, Red Canids remain a dangerous opponent capable of causing an upset, making this best-of-one encounter less predictable than the odds might suggest.
Fnatic CS2 form. What result can be expected from Fnatic
Fnatic in 2025 continues its effort to rebuild and reclaim its position among Europe’s elite CS2 teams. The organization has undergone significant restructuring throughout the year, focusing on balancing experience and youthful energy within its lineup. Early in 2025, Fnatic introduced several roster changes, including the arrival of Rodion “Fear” Smyk as the new in-game leader — a move aimed at improving tactical depth and mid-round coordination. The team also brought in new talents like Jambo and Jackasmo, while experienced players such as KRIMZ and blameF remain the backbone of the squad.
- Fnatic’s 2025 roster: KRIMZ, blameF, Fear, Jambo, Jackasmo
The mix of veterans and newer players has given Fnatic a fresh identity. KRIMZ brings experience and composure, while blameF’s leadership and steady play help keep the team structured. Fear adds strategic stability with his disciplined calling, and Jambo and Jackasmo bring aggressive plays and strong aim, giving the squad some dynamic options.
Coaching changes have also played a role this year. After parting ways with long-time coach Peter “casle” Ardenskjold, Fnatic promoted Miks “Independent” Siliņš to head coach. Independent has focused on flexibility, better communication, and adapting strategies to opponents.
In 2025, Fnatic’s results have been mixed. They won Frag Blocktober 2025 (B-Tier, 1st place, 3:2, $5,500), showing they can perform under pressure. But in bigger tournaments like PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 (12th–14th, 0:2, $9,375) and CS Asia Championships 2025 (5th–6th, 1:2, $20,000), they struggled and exited early. Other events, such as Birch Cup 2025 (5th–8th), showed glimpses of potential but also that the team is still working on consistency.
Fnatic’s strengths are solid map control, structured play, and staying calm under pressure. KRIMZ and blameF provide experience, while Jambo and Jackasmo add creativity and firepower. Still, roster changes and adapting to Independent’s style have made it hard to maintain long-term stability.
Looking ahead, Fnatic’s goal is to stabilize the roster, improve communication, and make deeper runs in major tournaments. With the mix of veterans, new talent, and a focused coach, they have the tools to grow. If they keep improving their teamwork, Fnatic could soon be a top contender again in the global CS2 scene.
Fnatic Map Pool
Over the past three months, Fnatic have demonstrated a solid and balanced map pool in CS2, showing consistent results across multiple maps. Their strongest performance has come on Train, where they maintain an impressive 72% win rate when picked as their first map, showcasing strong coordination and tactical depth. Overpass and Ancient follow closely with 58.3% and 57.9% win rates respectively, indicating Fnatic’s comfort on structured and strategy-heavy maps. Meanwhile, Dust2 (56.2%), Mirage (54.5%), and Inferno (53.8%) also remain reliable choices, with the team showing versatility and the ability to adapt to different playstyles. This even map distribution highlights Fnatic’s balanced approach — they don’t rely heavily on a single map, instead maintaining competitive strength across the board.
Red Canids form. What result can be expected from Red Canids
Red Canids in 2025 continue to focus on building a young, aggressive lineup capable of competing in South American tournaments. The team relies on a core of energetic players who bring creativity and sharp aim to the server, aiming to establish themselves as a consistent threat regionally and gradually on the international stage.
- Red Canids 2025 roster: drop, chayJESUS, kauez, history, venomzera.
This roster combines individual firepower and flexibility. Drop and chayJESUS often take on aggressive entry roles, looking to create early advantages, while kauez and history provide solid support and versatility across multiple maps. Venomzera adds a dynamic edge, able to adapt to different situations and fill gaps in the team’s strategies.
In 2025, Red Canids’ results have been mixed. They achieved 2nd place at ESL Challenger League South America Cup #3 (B-Tier, 1:2, $4,000) and 2nd at Circuit X South America Season 1 (C-Tier, 2:3, $2,500), showing that the team can challenge top regional opponents. However, in other tournaments like CCT Season 3 South American Series #5 (9th–16th, 0:2) and Circuit X Retake São Paulo 2025 (9th–12th, 0:2), they struggled to maintain consistency and momentum.
Red Canids’ strengths lie in their aggressive playstyle, fast mid-round decision-making, and adaptability. The young roster can overwhelm opponents with pace and unpredictability, but the team still needs to work on stabilizing performance in longer events and against more experienced lineups.
Red Canids Map Pool
Over the past three months, Red Canids have shown a clear preference and strength on Nuke, where they boast a 76.5% win rate, followed by Ancient at 58.3%. Their performance on Mirage, when picked first, sits at 52.6%, showing moderate comfort on the map. On the other hand, Inferno has been less successful at 40.0%, while Overpass and Train represent weaker maps for the team, with win rates of 33.3% and 20.0% respectively. These stats highlight both their map strengths and areas where opponents might look to exploit weaknesses in upcoming matches.
Head-to-head: Fnatic vs Red Canids
Fnatic and Red Canids have never faced each other in an official CS2 matchup. This will be the first time these two teams meet on a competitive stage, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the game.
Predicted result of the match Fnatic – Red Canids at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025
The upcoming best-of-one between Fnatic and Red Canids is poised to be tense and unpredictable. Fnatic enter the match as favorites thanks to their experience, structured play, and solid map pool, but Red Canids’ aggressive style and regional success make them a dangerous opponent capable of an upset. In a BO1 format, momentum swings quickly, and a single misstep can decide the outcome. While Fnatic are likely to control much of the game with their discipline and veteran presence, Red Canids have the firepower and speed to steal rounds and potentially challenge for the win. Expect a fast-paced and closely contested encounter, with Fnatic slightly favored but no guarantee of an easy victory.
Prediction: Fnatic win.
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fnatic
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RED CanidsWatch match
