The match between M80 and NRG carries significant weight — it is a decisive battle for a spot in the second stage of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, with both teams entering this round with a 2-0 score in their seeding pool. In a bo1 format, such matches always come with increased tension, as a single strong map can secure an early advance, while a loss sends the team into a much more difficult bracket. With a smoother path to the Legends Stage on the line, both teams are preparing seriously, making this one of the most intriguing clashes of the round.
How the Bookmakers See It: M80 as Favorites
Bookmakers lean toward M80, viewing them as the more stable and structured team heading into this matchup after strong performances at recent LAN events. Despite NRG’s 2-0 start, playing with a coach limits their depth and strategic flexibility, while M80 possesses a stronger mappool and has already shown they can dictate the tempo in head-to-head matchups. For these reasons, analysts consider M80 the favorites.
Current Form of M80: What to Expect
M80 enters the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 in solid form. Over the past three months, the team played 50 maps and won 31 of them, showing consistency and steady improvement. In the last month, they participated in two tournaments: DreamHack Knockout Atlanta 2025, which they won, and Fragadelphia Ultra Mega Jersey 2025, where they finished second.
- M80 lineup: Swisher, slaxz-, s1n, Lake, HexT
Their recent results confirm their competitiveness: 4 wins in the last 5 matches — against PARIVISION, B8, Marsborne, and Reign Above — with the only loss coming against NRG. M80 looks confident, but the match against NRG will be an important test of their stability.
Current Form of NRG: What to Expect
NRG’s recent form is even more impressive, with 35 wins out of 47 maps played in the last three months. Over the past month, the team has dominated the North American scene, winning: PrizePicks NA Revival Series 10, Fragadelphia Ultra Mega Jersey 2025, and ESL Challenger League Season 50 NA Finals.
- NRG lineup: daps, Jeorge, br0, XotiC, Sonic
They are currently on a five-match win streak, beating strong opponents such as FaZe, Ninjas in Pyjamas, SkinRave, M80, and SAW. Their form makes them one of the favorites of Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.
M80 Map Pool
M80 consistently bans Nuke, as it remains their weakest map. In a bo1, they are highly likely to stick to this approach. When picking, M80 usually targets their opponent’s weaknesses — specifically Overpass, where NRG has a low win rate and a losing streak. Still, M80’s own strong maps, Mirage (92% WR, 12-win streak) and Ancient (67% WR), offer clear comfort. In a bo1, M80 will most likely aim to keep Mirage, their strongest and most stable map.
NRG Map Pool
NRG traditionally bans Ancient, and there’s little reason to change that here, especially given M80’s strong form on the map. For picks, NRG look to exploit the opponent’s weaker maps: Mirage, Inferno, and Train. Their best maps are Mirage (88% WR), Inferno (88% WR), and Dust2 (80% WR). In a bo1, NRG will likely aim to keep Inferno — one of their strongest battlegrounds and less comfortable for M80.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the last six months, M80 and NRG have faced each other twice. Their first meeting at Ace NA Masters 2025 Season 2 ended in a dominant 2-0 victory for M80 — 13:7 on Train and 13:3 on Overpass — showcasing M80’s strong preparation and control.
Their second encounter at Fragadelphia Ultra Mega Jersey 2025 was a tense bo5, where NRG managed to secure a 3-2 win. They claimed Train, Inferno, and Overpass, while M80 won Dust2 and Mirage. This highlighted NRG’s adaptability and ability to adjust in a long series.
Match Prediction M80 vs NRG: StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1
Despite NRG entering with a 2-0 score, it’s important to note that they are playing with their coach, which significantly limits their mappool depth and impacts communication and decision-making in key moments. In comparison, M80 appear more stable and cohesive: they have strong foundational maps like Mirage and Ancient, come into the match after winning DreamHack Knockout Atlanta 2025, and generally display more structured teamplay. While NRG remain dangerous, M80 offer a stronger balance of individual skill and strategic discipline — and they have already shown that they can convincingly beat this opponent. In a bo1, even small advantages can become decisive, and given the current state of both teams, M80 enter as the more favorable side.
Prediction: M80 to win.
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