In the third round of Stage 1 at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, we are set for a crucial showdown between two teams that started the tournament with a 1-1 record. Both sides have already felt the pressure of the Major stage: they secured important wins but also suffered losses, putting them in a position where every next match could greatly influence their path forward. Legacy and RED Canids approach this matchup with different momentum, forms, and stylistic identities, while the BO1 format adds even more unpredictability. Ahead lies a map-pool duel, a test of character, and a key opportunity to claim that all-important second win.
How Bookmakers See It: Legacy as Favorites
Bookmakers consider Legacy slight favorites in this matchup, basing their view primarily on the team’s stability and recent success at major events. Their run to the grand final of PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 significantly strengthened confidence in their form, as Legacy proved they can defeat strong opponents and perform well under pressure. Meanwhile, RED Canids have shown inconsistency recently and have yet to demonstrate a level of play that would allow them to compete with top teams on a regular basis. Still, the Brazilian squad should not be written off entirely: their strong Nuke and aggressive playstyle can create problems for Legacy if things go their way. Nevertheless, the general consensus among bookmakers remains clear — Legacy appear more composed, reliable, and predictable, which puts them in the favorite role.
Legacy’s Current Form: What to Expect From Legacy
Legacy approach the match in fairly competitive shape. Over the past three months, they have played 74 maps and won 37 of them — exactly a 50% win rate. Importantly, the team has shown noticeable progress at key tournaments: at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, Legacy achieved an impressive 2nd place, securing wins over strong opponents and proving they can deliver under pressure.
- Legacy roster: latto, dumau, saadzin, n1ssim, lux
In their last five matches, Legacy claimed three victories — against Rare Atom, SAW, and paiN — but also suffered losses to Aurora and FlyQuest. This highlights some instability when facing structured, disciplined opponents. Overall, Legacy look like a team capable of challenging anyone, especially if the map goes their way.
RED Canids’ Current Form: What to Expect
RED Canids show a similar statistical profile: 66 maps played and 36 won in the last three months — around a 55% win rate. However, their results from the past month appear less convincing. At Circuit X Retake São Paulo 2025, the Brazilian squad finished only 9–12th, struggling to maintain consistency against equal-level opponents.
- RED Candis roster: venomzera, drop, kauez, history, chayJESUS
Their last five matches further emphasize this inconsistency: only two wins — against GamerLegion and MIBR Academy — and three losses to fnatic, Yawara, and Keyd Stars. Despite this, RED Canids still possess firepower that can shine on the right map, especially if they manage to steer the veto toward their strongest options.
Legacy Map Pool
Legacy almost always ban Train first, and against RED Canids this decision makes perfect sense, since the Brazilians sometimes include it in their own rotation. In a BO1 setting, Legacy will try to secure one of their most stable maps — Dust2 (64% WR), Nuke (58% WR), or Inferno (53% WR). After banning Train, they are likely to remove maps such as Overpass or Ancient, which are not among their comfort picks. Their ideal map would be Dust2, but considering RED Canids traditionally ban it first, the chances of playing it are minimal.
RED Canids Map Pool
RED Canids consistently begin the veto by banning Dust2, and against Legacy this is almost guaranteed, as it is Legacy’s strongest map. After that, they will likely avoid Inferno or Ancient, depending on their tactical priorities. On the other hand, RED Canids feel extremely confident on Nuke (77% WR) and Mirage (53% WR), and will aim to keep one of these maps as the decider. Their best-case scenario is a match on Nuke — their strongest battleground.
Which Map Is Likely to Remain?
In a BO1, both teams will try to narrow the pool to one comfortable map. Legacy will certainly remove Train, while RED Canids will eliminate Dust2. After that, the remaining bans will likely revolve around Ancient, Overpass, and Inferno, depending on each team’s strategy. In the end, the most likely remaining maps are Nuke or Mirage, with a higher probability of Nuke becoming the decider unless Legacy decides to specifically remove it.
Match Prediction: Legacy vs RED Canids — StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1
The match appears fairly balanced, but the map choice will be the defining factor. If Nuke becomes the final map, RED Canids will hold a significant advantage thanks to their 77% win rate and frequent success on it. Legacy can also play Nuke decently, but statistically, they are at a disadvantage. If the match ends up on Mirage, the balance shifts closer: RED Canids still hold a slight edge, but Legacy are fully capable of contesting the map and exploiting the Brazilian team’s weaknesses.
Legacy’s recent results also tilt the scales in their favor — their run to the PGL Masters Bucharest final looks far more convincing than RED Canids’ 9–12th place at Circuit X Retake São Paulo. Taking into account both teams’ form and the likely map outcomes, Legacy have slightly better chances in this BO1 — especially if they manage to avoid Nuke.
Prediction: Legacy win.
