StarLadder Budapest Major Playoffs: Best Highlights Ranked – ZywOo, Twistzz, ropz Shine

The StarLadder Budapest Major playoffs delivered some of the most memorable moments of the CS2 season. From match-saving clutches to momentum-shifting multi-kills, the top eight stage was defined by individual brilliance under extreme pressure.

Based on HLTV’s official highlight compilation, here is a ranked breakdown of the best playoff highlights, with additional context from the Major’s decisive matches and player reactions.

1. ZywOo’s AWP Quad-Kill vs Spirit (Mirage) – Vitality’s Turning Point

Vitality were on the edge of elimination, trailing 6–12 on Mirage against Spirit in the semi-finals. The comeback began with ZywOo’s AWP quad-kill, a round that completely flipped the momentum.

Vitality went on to force overtime and eventually secure the map, setting the tone for the series. The moment became one of the defining clips of the Major and a symbol of Vitality’s resilience on their path to the title.

After the tournament, ZywOo summed up Vitality’s peak form simply:

“When Vitality are playing like this, no one can challenge us.”

2. Twistzz’s Desert Eagle 1v3 – FaZe’s Grand Final Push

Few moments capture FaZe Clan’s identity better than Twistzz’s Deagle 1v3 clutch. With minimal equipment and maximum pressure, Twistzz dismantled the defense to push FaZe to series point.

The round proved decisive, helping FaZe secure their place in the grand final and reinforcing Twistzz’s reputation as one of the most reliable clutch players on the biggest stage.

3. ropz’s 1v3 Clutch Featuring an AWP Kill

In the semi-finals, ropz delivered a high-difficulty 1v3 clutch, capped by a rare AWP frag from the Estonian rifler. The play showcased both his versatility and composure in late-round scenarios.

ropz would later continue his impact in the grand final, playing a key role in Vitality’s strongest maps and underlining his value as one of the most complete players in CS2.

4. frozen’s 1v3 Defuse Stick vs NAVI (Nuke)

Against NAVI, frozen produced one of the calmest clutches of the playoffs, sticking the defuse in a 1v3 situation on Nuke. The round helped FaZe edge out a narrow 13–11 victory on the map.

Moments like these defined FaZe’s playoff run, where composure often mattered more than raw firepower.

5. FalleN’s Last-Second 1v3 Clutch

Veteran AWPer FalleN reminded everyone why he remains one of Counter-Strike’s most intelligent clutch players. In a critical quarter-final round, he waited out rotations, secured multiple kills, and defused with almost no time remaining.

The play was a textbook example of experience prevailing under pressure.

6. zweih’s Ace as a Solo B Anchor

Spirit’s zweih delivered one of the standout individual rounds of the quarter-finals, scoring an ace while anchoring the B site alone. The round forced overtime and highlighted Spirit’s confidence in trusting young players in high-stakes situations.

7. b1t’s All-Headshot 4K in a 3v5

NAVI’s b1t turned a lost round into a highlight reel with an all-headshot four-kill spraydown, salvaging a 3v5 situation. Even in defeat, the clip reinforced why b1t remains one of the most mechanically consistent riflers in the scene.

8. iM’s Near-Perfect 1v5 Attempt

One of the most dramatic moments of the playoffs came from iM, who nearly completed a 1v5 clutch. After four kills, he was finally stopped by a 7 HP FalleN, ending the miracle just short of completion.

Sometimes the attempt itself becomes the highlight — and this was one of those cases.

9. jcobbb’s Pistol Round 4K in the Grand Final

The grand final opened with jcobbb’s pistol-round four-kill, immediately setting the tone for FaZe. While Vitality ultimately won the series 3–1, the round stood out as one of the cleanest pistol performances of the match.

What These Highlights Say About the Budapest Major

Vitality’s championship run was built on survival, mid-round composure, and star performances from ZywOo and ropz.

ZywOo secured his third Major MVP, later describing the victory as an emotional milestone for the team.

FaZe’s playoff identity once again revolved around high-impact clutches and individual heroics in low-economy rounds.

The tournament also highlighted the growing influence of younger players, such as zweih, delivering under Major pressure.

Final Thoughts

The StarLadder Budapest Major playoffs showcased everything that defines elite CS2 competition: mechanical excellence, mental resilience, and moments that instantly become part of Counter-Strike history.

These highlights weren’t just flashy plays — they were rounds that decided maps, series, and championships.