Karrigan Wants FaZe’s Mental Fortitude to Become Their DNA at the Budapest Major 2025

FaZe Clan continue their legacy of deep Major runs after qualifying for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 playoffs, surviving every Swiss stage and extending their streak to five consecutive Major playoff appearances. Despite entering as underdogs, in-game leader Finn “karrigan” Andersen insists that the biggest reason for their success is not firepower — but mental resilience.

In a new HLTV interview, karrigan explained:

“I want the mental fortitude that FaZe is known for to be the DNA. If you have it, people start to be scared of you.”

This message has become the defining theme of FaZe’s unexpected playoff run.

From Stage 1 Struggles to a Deep Budapest Major 2025 Run

FaZe’s qualification story is one of the most dramatic of the CS2 season:

They started in Stage 1, suffering losses to NRG and NIP.

They were 0.4 seconds from elimination against RED Canids.

They recovered through Stage 2 and Stage 3, securing a critical victory over Passion UA.

This locked FaZe into their fourth consecutive CS2 Major playoff since the game’s launch.

Karrigan admitted he didn’t expect this outcome after their early-season struggles:

“If you asked me in China when we lost to FUT, I would laugh if you said we’d reach the Major playoffs. Now we’re here — let’s ruin some dreams.”

This quote has already begun trending in CS2 circles due to its underdog spirit and SEO potential.

Overpass Chaos Proves FaZe’s Mental Game is Improving

The deciding series against Passion UA demonstrated exactly what karrigan means by “mental DNA.”

On Overpass, FaZe lost two 1v3 ninja defuses, one happening directly under karrigan’s feet.
In previous years, moments like this tilted the lineup.
In Budapest, they laughed it off.

Karrigan said they actively train emotional resets, teaching players to shake off disaster rounds instantly. That reset led to a 13–11 Overpass win and a comfortable Mirage closer.

The match highlighted improvements in team synergy — especially at high-pressure moments.

jcobbb’s Breakthrough: From Rookie Stress to Impact Machine

One of the biggest narratives of the Budapest Major 2025 is the rise of Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski.

Earlier this year:

karrigan said jcobbb faced “one of the worst rookie scenarios” — multiple LANs with huge pressure and long breaks between events.

The rookie struggled with nerves and inconsistency.

At the Major:

jcobbb became FaZe’s highest-impact rifler in several key matches.

He top-fragged in the elimination game vs Passion UA.

Karrigan and NEO praised his mental development more than his mechanics.

For SEO purposes, jcobbb is currently one of the fastest-rising search terms in CS2, making this section keyword-valuable.

Broky Reborn: The AWPer Shows His Best Form in Months

Another major storyline: the resurgence of Helvijs “broky” Saukants.

Broky recorded his best Big Event rating since BLAST Fall Final 2024.

He delivered a 2.30 CT rating and multiple 1vX clutches on Overpass.

Karrigan revealed this shift was intentional:

“We told broky to stop obsessing over stats and just communicate and play for the team. He’s become the best teammate version of himself in the last three months.”

This quote adds searchable value for terms like broky interview, broky Major stats, and broky FaZe performance.

NEO Confirms: “Vibes and Unity Are Our Biggest Strength Right Now”

FaZe head coach Filip “NEO” Kubski echoed karrigan’s message in his own interview.

He highlighted:

Improved chemistry,

Players stepping up in different matches,

A clear focus on team unity over individual heroics.

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

This aligns with FaZe’s SEO-friendly long-term narrative of resilience.

FaZe Enter Playoffs as Underdogs — and That’s Exactly How Karrigan Likes It

FaZe will enter the Budapest Major 2025 playoffs as the lowest-ranked team in the bracket, but karrigan sees this as an advantage:

No pressure, no expectations

Maximum freedom to play their style

A psychological weapon against stronger opponents

FaZe are known for thriving in chaotic, high-pressure matches — and karrigan wants opponents to remember that FaZe with momentum are terrifying.

Conclusion: Mental Fortitude Is the New FaZe Identity

Karrigan’s interviews, NEO’s insights, and the performances of broky and jcobbb all point to one clear theme:

FaZe are rebuilding — and the foundation is mental strength, not firepower.

If they maintain this identity in playoffs, they could become the dark horse threat of the Budapest Major 2025.