NEO on FaZe’s Major Run: “The main thing is to play good CS and be a team as a unit”

FaZe Clan have completed a remarkable climb from Stage 1 to the playoffs at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, and head coach Filip “NEO” Kubski says the team’s success comes down to one simple goal:
“Play good CS and be a team as a unit.”

FaZe’s Underdog Run From Stage 1

FaZe battled through all three Swiss stages, overcoming setbacks against Spirit and The MongolZ before eliminating 3DMAX and Passion UA to secure a fifth consecutive CS2 Major playoff appearance. NEO emphasised that each match required a reset: “It’s a new day, a new game, a new challenge.”

jcobbb’s Breakout Performance

One of Budapest’s biggest surprises is rookie rifler Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski, who stepped into rain’s legendary role under extremely tough conditions.
NEO praised him for “doing an amazing job,” while karrigan called his introduction “one of the worst rookie scenarios possible,” from immediate stage play to long travel and inconsistent match rhythm.
Despite this, jcobbb became the highest-rated pistol player of Stage 3 and delivered multiple momentum-shifting rounds.

Mental Fortitude: FaZe’s Key Identity

In-game leader karrigan highlighted the team’s renewed mental focus:
“I want the mental fortitude that FaZe is known for. If you have it, people start to be scared of you.”
FaZe worked on staying calm after tough rounds — including lost clutches and ninja defuses — and keeping team energy high despite several players feeling sick during the event.

NEO’s Big-Picture Approach

NEO refused to set hard expectations for the playoffs, instead reinforcing the team’s philosophy: consistency, composure, and trust in structure.
He noted that Budapest has shown strong chemistry and “very nice vibes” inside the team, crediting this unity for FaZe’s ability to survive pressure matches.

What’s Next?

With jcobbb peaking at the right time and FaZe rediscovering their trademark playoff resilience, the team enters the arena stage as dangerous underdogs. For NEO, the mission stays the same:
“Play good CS, stay united, and take it day by day.”