The semifinal of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 between NAVI and FaZe is a clash between two teams that took different paths through the tournament but share the same ambition — reaching the grand final. On one side are NAVI, a stable and consistent squad that confidently passed all stages of the Major and already proved their competitiveness against top-tier opponents. On the other side stand FaZe, a team with enormous individual firepower, capable of turning series around through aggression and raw skill. Considering current form, map pool, and head-to-head results, this matchup looks like one of the most exciting and least predictable clashes of the entire playoff stage.
How the Bookmakers See It: NAVI Are the Favorites
Bookmakers view NAVI as the favorites for this semifinal, which looks logical given both teams’ current form and their overall run at the tournament. The Ukrainian side has shown greater consistency over time, navigated the Major stages more confidently, and holds a positive recent head-to-head record against FaZe. An additional argument in NAVI’s favor was their 2–1 victory over FURIA — one of the tournament favorites — a result that clearly demonstrated NAVI’s ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches.
The map pool also plays an important role: NAVI possess one of the strongest Mirage performances at the tournament and generally look more reliable in bo3 series against evenly matched opponents. FaZe, despite their high individual ceiling and ability to challenge on certain maps, are perceived by bookmakers as a riskier option due to inconsistent results and difficult matches against top-level teams, which ultimately reinforces NAVI’s status as favorites.
Current Form of NAVI: What to Expect from NAVI
NAVI approach the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 semifinal in excellent form. Over the past three months, the team has played 57 maps and won 36 of them — a solid indicator of their ability to maintain a high level over time. In Stage 2 of the current Major, NAVI confidently finished in the top two, and in Stage 3 they once again confirmed their contender status by advancing to the playoffs.
- NAVI roster: b1t, Aleksib, iM, w0nderful, makazze
In their most recent matches, NAVI have looked convincing, securing four wins against paiN, PARIVISION, B8, and FURIA, while suffering only one loss to Vitality. The team demonstrates strong individual performances, good tempo control, and confident starts on maps, which allows them to rarely lose initiative against lower- and mid-tier opponents.
Current Form of FaZe: What to Expect from FaZe
FaZe enter the match in a less consistent shape, but they remain a dangerous opponent. Over the last three months, they have played 65 maps and won 36 of them — a similar win count to NAVI, though with a heavier schedule that suggests more volatility in performances.
- FaZe roster: broky, karrigan, frozen, jcobbb, Twistzz
In Stage 1 of the tournament, FaZe finished in the 6–8 range, but they managed to regroup in Stage 2 and close it out in the top two, restoring confidence within the team. In their last five matches, FaZe picked up three wins against MOUZ, 3DMAX, and Passion UA. However, losses to The MongolZ and Team Spirit highlight their inconsistency, especially when facing opponents that impose a high individual pace or aggressive mid-round calling.
NAVI Map Pool
In this bo3 series, NAVI are expected to approach the veto phase pragmatically. Their most likely first ban is Overpass — a map they consistently avoid and do not consider competitive against top opponents. When it comes to picks, NAVI are expected to prioritize Mirage, their strongest map with a win rate above 85%, where the team feels confident regardless of the opponent. In the second ban phase, NAVI may choose to remove Ancient in order to deny FaZe the opportunity to impose a slower, more tactical style. Under this scenario, NAVI will aim either for a confident win on Mirage or to maintain control heading into the decider.
FaZe Map Pool
FaZe, in turn, are very likely to open the series by banning Train — their most frequent permanent ban, especially against teams that feel comfortable on the map. For their own pick, FaZe are expected to lean toward Dust2, a map they often use against teams with strong individual players, focusing on structured play and aim duels. In the second ban phase, FaZe may remove Nuke to prevent NAVI from leveraging their experience and extensive official match history on the map. With this approach, FaZe would hope for Inferno as the decider — a map where their win rate is notably higher and where they are capable of playing long, tense series.
Head-to-Head Matchups
Over the past six months, NAVI and FaZe have faced each other three times, with the overall edge currently favoring the Ukrainian squad. The first two meetings took place at IEM Cologne 2025 and both ended in NAVI victories: first in a 2–1 series where the teams traded wins on Ancient and Mirage before NAVI closed the series decisively on Nuke, and later in a more confident 2–0 win where NAVI dominated on Ancient and Inferno through better adaptation and superior game reading.
However, in their third encounter at BLAST Open London 2025, FaZe managed to take revenge with a 2–0 victory on Mirage and Dust2, relying on an aggressive style and strong individual performances. As a result, NAVI lead the seasonal series 2–1, but the most recent match showed that FaZe are capable of adjusting and imposing their game on favorable maps.
Match Prediction FaZe vs NAVI — StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Semifinal
The semifinal between NAVI and FaZe promises to be intense and highly competitive, but the overall combination of factors slightly tilts the balance in NAVI’s favor. The Ukrainian team enters the match in more stable form, performs better in the later stages of tournaments, and has a strong, reliable pick in Mirage — a map where FaZe have repeatedly struggled against NAVI in head-to-head meetings.
FaZe remain a dangerous opponent thanks to their broad map pool, strong performances on Inferno and Nuke, and their ability to decide rounds through individual brilliance. However, their inconsistency in crucial matches could become a decisive weakness. Taking into account current form, map pool dynamics, and head-to-head results, the most logical outcome is a 2–1 victory for NAVI, with FaZe likely taking one map but NAVI maintaining control in the decisive moments of the series.
Prediction: NAVI to win 2–1.
