FaZe’s Miracle Run: Ranking the Top Storylines Behind Their Budapest Major 2025 Playoff Qualification

FaZe Clan have officially reached the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 playoffs after defeating Passion UA 2–0 (13–11 Overpass, 13–11 Mirage) in a dramatic Stage 3 decider. The win completes one of the most unlikely Major runs in CS2 history, beginning all the way from Stage 1, where FaZe faced multiple elimination threats.

Below is a ranked breakdown of the key narratives behind FaZe’s playoff qualification, enriched with verified player quotes and linked results from previous tournament stages.

#5 — From Shanghai Collapse to Major Redemption

FaZe entered Budapest under enormous pressure after a disappointing exit at the CS Asia Championships in Shanghai, where they failed to reach playoffs.

IGL Finn “karrigan” Andersen later admitted how low team confidence had fallen:

“If you asked me in China when we lost to FUT, ‘see you in Major playoffs,’ I would be laughing.”

This playoff qualification stands as a direct comeback from that downturn.

#4 — Stage 1 Survival: NRG, NiP, RED Canids & Fluxo Nearly End the Dream

Stage 1 was the most fragile part of FaZe’s journey.

Losses to NRG and Ninjas in Pyjamas placed them in a dangerous 1–2 position.

A near-elimination scare against RED Canids, including a last-second lifeline on Nuke.

A shaky 2–1 win over Fluxo that pushed them into Stage 2 with more questions than answers.

At this point, FaZe were described by analysts as “stumbling into Stage 2”, lacking structure and tempo.

#3 — Stage 2 Reset: Overtime Sweep vs NiP & The Rise of jcobbb

Stage 2 marked a momentum shift.

FaZe swept NiP 2–0 in double overtime on both Inferno and Nuke, showcasing:

jcobbb’s breakout performance

Twistzz’s consistency under pressure

Head coach Filip “NEO” Kubski emphasized the improving team synergy:

“The main thing for us is to play good CS and be a team as a unit.”

This is where jcobbb began emerging as a legitimate replacement for rain, especially in high-impact entry duels.

#2 — Stage 3 Gauntlet: Vitality Upset, MongolZ Loss, 3DMAX Elimination Win

Stage 3 brought massive swings:

✔ Statement win vs Vitality

FaZe opened with a strong BO1 win over Vitality, featuring a standout performance from frozen.

✖ Losses to Spirit and The MongolZ

Back-to-back defeats forced FaZe into yet another elimination match.

✔ 2–0 sweep vs 3DMAX

FaZe stabilized with a confident series, while jcobbb became the highest-rated pistol player of the entire event at that moment.

NEO praised team morale despite recent struggles:

“We have very nice vibes within the team… everybody is on the same page.”

#1 — Passion UA’s Cinderella Run Meets FaZe’s Experience

Passion UA’s Storyline

Passion UA were one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, powered by:

The former Complexity core (JT, Grim, hallzerk, coach T.c)

Ukrainian talent Kvem, whose performances became a breakout highlight

Kvem described the opportunity in emotional terms:

“I’m flying around the world playing CS — what can be better?”

Stage results included:

A structured 2–1 win vs M80

A dramatic comeback from 0–2 to 2–2 with wins over Liquid and Imperial

JT also celebrated their Stage 3 qualification on social media:

“Love that shit, Stage 3!!”

FaZe vs Passion UA – Match Recap (2–0)

Overpass (13–11)

Passion UA pulled off two ninja defuses (hallzerk & nicx).

broky delivered one of his best CT halves of the year (2.30 rating, multiple 1v1 clutches).

FaZe’s gun rounds proved decisive.

Mirage (13–11)

Kvem’s Deagle multi-kill and a JT ace tied the map 10–10.

jcobbb’s entries and Twistzz’s trading closed out the series.

After the victory, karrigan summarized FaZe’s approach to playoffs:

“This is my favorite position — nothing to lose.”

Player Ratings (Match Overview)

FaZe Clan

jcobbb — 1.31 rating

frozen — 1.20

broky — 1.20

Twistzz — 1.02

karrigan — 0.84

Passion UA

Kvem — 1.22

hallzerk — 1.12

JT — 0.94

Grim — 0.80

nicx — 0.77

Why This Run Reinforces FaZe’s Identity

Earlier this year, ropz said:

“We’re mentally one step ahead of many teams.”

Budapest proved it again. FaZe thrived under pressure, recovered from multiple elimination scenarios, and adapted around new roles and illness issues inside the camp. Their experience on big stages continues to separate them from the pack.

Meanwhile, Passion UA leave the Major with a breakout identity, several tier-one wins, and one of the most inspiring stories of the event.