The MongolZ knock FaZe Clan into the 1-2 bracket at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 as the best-of-one round completes

The MongolZ knock FaZe Clan into the 1-2 bracket at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 as the best-of-one round completes

At the conclusion of the best-of-one stage of the Stage 3 Swiss phase at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, The MongolZ produced one of the tournament’s more surprising results: defeating FaZe Clan 13-7 on Mirage to send FaZe into the precarious 1-2 pool (one loss away from elimination) and propel themselves into the 2-0 bracket with two chances to progress toward the playoffs. 

The match

The encounter between FaZe and The MongolZ took place on December 5, 2025, in Budapest and was one of the final best-of-one matches before Stage 3’s bracket distinction was determined. 

On Mirage, the first half was relatively balanced, with FaZe and Mongolia’s squad trading rounds and FaZe securing a slight edge as attackers. The score reached 6-6 before intermission. 

However, the second half was dominated by The MongolZ. They won the pistol round after the switch and then built a strong defensive setup, allowing FaZe only a single round for the remainder of the half. Key moments included a triple collat from MongolZ’s star AWPer Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch on an AWP B hold, and a clutch 1v3 from Unudelger “controlez” Baasanjargal that concluded with a “ninja” defuse to seal the map. 

Statistically, 910 stood out with a massive performance: he ended with 24 kills, 21 deaths, and a rating of 2.00 on Mirage in this match. Controlez had a respectable 15-14 and a rating of 1.34. Meanwhile, FaZe’s veteran rifler Helvijs “broky” Saukants recorded 22-21 with 12 AWP kills and a 1.58 rating, but that was not sufficient to turn the tide. 

Implications for FaZe

The loss means FaZe must now play with a 1-2 record in the Swiss stage. In the tournament format, a 1-2 team no longer has a safety net and must win their next best-of-three to avoid elimination. FaZe’s path to the playoffs will now be significantly more precarious and will require composition, resilience, and clutch performances. 

For an organisation of FaZe’s standing—frequently among the favourites at Majors—the result is especially disappointing. Earlier in this tournament phase, similar big names have faltered under pressure, including another upset that saw NRG stun FaZe to join the 2-0 bracket. 

Rise of The MongolZ

For The MongolZ, this victory is a statement of intent. As a team from Mongolia operating on the global CS2 stage, they have been steadily improving their profile and results. Previously, they had already broken ground with strong performances in other tournaments such as reaching the final of the Blast Austin Major 2025. 

Their player roster features several key figures who have grown in competitiveness:

• 910, who in this match showed elite AWPing and clutch ability.

• Controlez, experienced and capable of high-pressure situations (as noted in earlier coverage of their team). 

• Others including Ayush “-” Batbold, Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren, and Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold, who have helped raise the team’s consistency across major events.

The win over FaZe not only gives them 2-0 in the pool (and thus two chances to reach the playoffs), but also raises their profile and confidence. It also signals that teams considered “underdogs” or non-traditional powerhouses are increasingly able to challenge the established elite in Counter-Strike 2.

Tournament context: Stage 3 and best-of-ones

At the StarLadder Budapest Major, Stage 3 uses a Swiss-system format where teams play best-of-ones (Bo1) in the third round (for those with a 1-1 record). The result of that Bo1 determines whether a team goes into the 2-0 pool (two wins, direct path) or 1-2 pool (one loss, elimination bracket). In this context, The MongolZ and other teams such as Vitality and Falcons secured their spots in the 2-0 bracket. Meanwhile, teams including FaZe, B8, Imperial, and paiN Gaming fell to the 1-2 pool. 

This format places enormous pressure on the Bo1: a win opens up a safer route, a loss pushes teams to the brink. FaZe’s loss thus puts them in a significantly harder position for the remainder of the Major.

Why this matters

For FaZe:

• The setback diminishes their margin of error and heightens the importance of strong performances in subsequent matches.

• It forces them to contend with stronger opposition with less leeway, meaning one slip-up could end their run.

• From a narrative standpoint, it shows the evolution of the CS2 scene: even “big” teams can stumble early if they don’t adapt.

For The MongolZ:

• It’s a landmark win, reinforcing their claim as a rising organisation on the international stage.

• It provides momentum and belief that they can beat top teams under pressure.

• It may also change how other teams perceive them and prepare for encounters, since the margin of “underdog” status is narrowing.

Looking ahead

Moving into the next phase of the Major, FaZe must regroup quickly. They will need to analyse what went wrong—in terms of map control, clutch rounds, and adaptation in the second half of Mirage—and bring renewed focus to their upcoming matches.

The MongolZ, meanwhile, will aim to carry this momentum into their next matches. Their confidence will be high, but they will also be under greater scrutiny from opponents now aware that they can beat big names. Consistency and mental strength will be key if they want to push deeper into the Major.

As the Swiss Stage progresses, every win or loss carries heightened significance. For FaZe, each game from now on is a must-win; for The MongolZ, they now have the luxury of two lives, but must remain sharp to avoid squandering the opportunity.

In short: The MongolZ’s victory over FaZe at the Budapest Major is more than just one map—it reflects the shifting landscape of competitive CS2 and signals that the gap between the established echelon and up-and-coming teams is narrowing.