Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 Kicks Off — Full Matchups, Favorites, Updates, and CS2 Storylines

24.11.2025 - 07:39

BudapestMajor2025 CS2Major FaZeClan

Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 Kicks Off — Full Matchups, Favorites, Updates, and CS2 Storylines

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 has officially begun, marking the start of one of the most anticipated CS2 Majors of the year. Sixteen teams enter the first Swiss stage, battling for eight spots in Stage 2. With best-of-one matchups dominating early rounds and best-of-three series deciding advancement or elimination, this stage is known for upsets, surprises, and breakout CS2 performances.

Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 — Dates, Format, and Broadcast Info

The opening stage of the Counter-Strike 2 Major in Budapest runs November 24–27, 2025, taking place on LAN at the MTK Sportpark.
The Swiss format uses initial seedings and Buchholz scores to determine daily matchups, ensuring competitive balance and dramatic storyline swings.

Fans can watch live on StarLadder’s Twitch and YouTube channels, with two simultaneous streams covering the full schedule.

Opening Round Matchups

B8 vs M80

Imperial vs Rare Atom

Legacy vs FlyQuest

PARIVISION vs The Huns

Ninjas in Pyjamas vs NRG

GamerLegion vs Fluxo

FaZe Clan vs Lynn Vision

fnatic vs RED Canids

These early games are crucial, as one victory can set the tone for a strong Swiss run, while a loss immediately adds pressure in this high-stakes CS2 environment.

FaZe Clan and Legacy — Main Favorites of Budapest Major Stage 1

While Stage 1 doesn't include the top seeds, it features several dangerous squads capable of deep Major runs. Two teams stand out in particular: FaZe Clan and Legacy.

FaZe Clan’s Turbulent Road to the Major

FaZe’s presence in Stage 1 is surprising for a roster traditionally associated with playoff appearances. Their path was destabilized by inconsistent results and major roster changes:

In late September, FaZe benched Håvard “rain” Nygaard, making room for the return of
Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken.

Twistzz publicly stated that the team had “no practice during EPL”, blaming poor preparation and chaotic travel for their shaky form.

Rain admitted the benching was tough mentally, especially with the timing potentially pushing him out of the Major lineup.

This combination of instability and pressure makes FaZe both a dangerous contender and a major uncertainty heading into Budapest.

Legacy — The Rising CS2 Power

Legacy arrive at the Major as one of the hottest up-and-coming teams of 2025. They’ve been a popular 3-0 Pick’Em choice thanks to strong LAN performances throughout the season.

Guilherme “saadzin” Pacheco highlighted his shift toward team-focused play, stating he no longer plays “only for myself,” emphasizing tactical discipline over individual stats.

Legacy’s systematic approach positions them well in the unpredictable Swiss format, where structure and consistency often outperform raw aggression.

Underdogs and Dark Horses to Watch

Stage 1 also features several teams known for thriving in best-of-one formats. Expect potential upsets from:

GamerLegion

Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP)

FlyQuest

fnatic

These teams have all shown they can punch above their weight, and early-round volatility makes them dangerous opponents for any favorite.

A Historic CS2 Major With New Rules and Structure

The Budapest Major 2025 is notable for several structural changes that impact regional qualification and the final stage:

It is the first Major using Valve Regional Standings only, replacing the old MRQ system.

The grand final will be a best-of-five, marking the first CS2 Major to use this format moving forward.

Alongside competitive updates, Valve released the Budapest Major Viewer Pass, signature sticker capsules, team stickers, souvenir tokens, graffiti, and the Pick’Em Challenge—boosting in-game engagement for CS2 players worldwide.