fnatic narrowly edge out RED Canids in overtime amid technical mayhem at StarLadder Budapest Major

fnatic narrowly edge out RED Canids in overtime amid technical mayhem at StarLadder Budapest Major

In a dramatic opening to Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, fnatic survived a turbulent day of technical and production issues to scrape past RED Canids 16-14 in overtime, closing out a chaotic first round of best-of-one matchups. 

A disrupted day for the Major

The tournament’s first matchups were overshadowed by severe operational problems. An unexplained pause lasting nearly two hours stopped the streams shortly after the start of the FaZe vs Lynn Vision game. 
Fans reported muddy or duplicate audio, muted analysts, and general confusion across social media. 
That delay, combined with the production issues, stretched what is usually a short first-round of Swiss Stage 1 into nearly six hours of play. 

The match: fnatic vs RED Canids

fnatic found themselves in a precarious position early on. After falling behind 1-7, they mounted a comeback, only to trail again at 11-12. But ultimately, they clinched the victory in OT, 16-14. 
A turning point came when Freddy “KRIMZ” Johansson pulled off a 3-vs-5 clutch at 11-12, marking his first Major ace since ELEAGUE Boston 2018. 
For RED Canids, a well-regarded dark-horse pick, the loss is a tough blow after showing promise leading into the event. 

Bigger context: Stage 1 and what lies ahead

The StarLadder Budapest Major features 32 teams competing across three Swiss stages before advancing to single elimination. Stage 1 houses 16 teams, all engaged in best-of-one matches until later rounds. 
With favorites dropping early and the tournament marred by technical delays, the field already appears more unpredictable than in past Majors. Several commentators and fans had noted the unusually even power balance this year, increasing the potential for surprise outcomes. 
fnatic's narrow win keeps them alive in the 1-0 pool, but the shaky start to their map and the broader production issues serve as a reminder that both on and off the server, the Major has started under less-than-ideal conditions.

Looking ahead

Now that fnatic have taken their first victory, the challenge becomes greater: they must maintain consistency through Stage 1’s Swiss format and avoid a second loss that could jeopardise their path forward. RED Canids, on 0-1, face uphill pressure to secure a rebound quickly.
Meanwhile, the tournament organisers will be under scrutiny: recovering from the production failings will be vital if the event is to salvage momentum and maintain viewer trust.