Astralis Eliminate Aurora from Budapest Major 2025 in Shock Early Exit

Astralis have handed Aurora their worst result of 2025, knocking the Turkish squad out of the StarLadder Budapest Major with a tight 2–1 victory in the 1–2 pool of Stage 2. The loss sends Aurora home with a 1–3 record, just weeks after they lifted their first notable LAN trophy at PGL Masters Bucharest.

Aurora Collapse After Strong Season

Aurora entered Budapest as one of the stage favorites. Their year included:

• Their first LAN title at PGL Masters Bucharest (3–2 over Legacy).

• A dominant 13–1, 13–1 semi-final over GamerLegion.

• Consistent playoff runs at multiple events earlier in 2025.

But after beating M80 in their opener, Aurora dropped three straight matches to FaZe, PARIVISION, and finally Astralis, leading to a surprising early exit.

How the Astralis–Aurora Series Unfolded

• Nuke: 13–11 Aurora – Powered by XANTARES and Wicadia, the Turks held off a late Astralis comeback.

• Train: 13–8 Astralis – A Staehr ace and a Magisk 1v3 clutch ignited a huge momentum swing.

• Mirage: 13–11 Astralis – The Danes overturned a late 5v3 deficit, with Magisk’s 4k sealing the series.

Top performers:

• Magisk led the server with a 1.23 rating.

• HooXi delivered high-impact openings (5–0 in opening duels).

• XANTARES topped Aurora with 86 ADR.

MAJ3R: “A Very Big Deception”

Aurora IGL MAJ3R expressed disappointment, saying the team were “one of the favorites of this stage,” and that going out early was “very heartbreaking” considering their Bucharest victory and strong season.

Astralis Stay Alive – Liquid Decider Next

The win pushes Astralis to 2–2, setting up a decisive matchup against Liquid — guaranteeing that at least one 0–2 team will complete a 3–2 comeback to reach Stage 3.

For device and Magisk, who reunited in 2025, a deep Major run would cap what device previously called “one of the toughest seasons” of his career.