From October 26 to November 1, Bucharest will host the next big stop on the Counter-Strike calendar. With sixteen teams fighting for a $150,000 prize pool, this studio event becomes a crucial checkpoint before the year’s final Major. It’s a chance for mid-tier rosters to steal headlines — and for contenders like Aurora and Liquid to prove their consistency under pressure.
Format
The Swiss stage runs from October 26 to 30, with all matches played in a best-of-three format. The top eight teams will advance to the main playoff bracket.
Playoffs will take place from October 31 to November 1 as a single-elimination bracket. Quarterfinals and semifinals will be best-of-three, while the grand final will be a best-of-five.
S-Tier — Aurora, Liquid
Aurora are entering Bucharest as the team to beat. Their combination of firepower and confidence can overwhelm almost anyone. When tempo and communication click, they look unstoppable, but streaky decision-making still causes collapses in long series. If they find consistency, this could be their event to win.
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Liquid are finally showing structure to match their talent. NA’s core feels synchronized again — with NAF anchoring, Elige and siuhy leading the charge — but AWP stability remains their biggest variable. Should their sniper rise to the occasion, Liquid are legitimate title favorites.
A-Tier — 3DMAX, B8
3DMAX are one of the most improved teams of 2025. Their spacing, structure, and cool-headed mid-rounds make them tough opponents, yet they still lack a true star to close out big maps. If early momentum appears, a semifinal run is within reach.
B8 are unpredictable but dangerous. Built around youth and explosive mechanics, they can out-frag elite opponents on their day. However, momentum swings often decide their fate — strong openers in the Swiss stage will define their campaign.
B-Tier — Astralis, Legacy, GamerLegion, Gentle Mates, Fnatic
Astralis are rebuilding around experience and system play. Magisk’s return injected leadership and stability, though results haven’t matched ambition. If veterans find rhythm, playoffs are realistic; otherwise, they’ll stall in Swiss.
Legacy are powered by raw aim and self-belief. Their chaotic energy often catches opponents off-guard, but extended series expose their lack of structure. On comfort maps, though, they’re lethal.
GamerLegion are a methodical, team-oriented lineup. They rely on spacing, utility, and cohesion more than individual brilliance. That keeps them consistent versus equals but limits their ceiling against heavy hitters.
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Gentle Mates are the tournament’s feel-good story — a fearless mix of pace, risk, and creativity. Their executes are unpredictable and their confidence infectious. Inexperience may hold them back, but momentum could push them far.
Fnatic are regaining identity under a calmer, balanced style. BlameF and Jumbo provide structure, while jackasmo’s integration could be the difference between another group exit and a deep playoff run.
C-Tier — paiN, HEROIC, NIP, SAW
paiN are a solid team with proven riflers, but their depth fades against top opposition. They often start strong before running out of ideas in late maps.
HEROIC are searching for stability after recent roster overhauls. Alcaron’s AWP shows flashes, yet the chemistry isn’t there — not yet.
NIP are volatile and inconsistent, alternating between upset wins and early exits. Until role clarity arrives, they remain a coin-flip threat.
SAW are grounded in structure and utility, but their damage output rarely matches stronger lineups. Fundamentals keep them competitive; firepower keeps them contained.
D-Tier — MIBR, BetBoom, FlyQuest
MIBR are still struggling to transition their regional dominance to international play — and they’ll do it here with a stand-in. Visa issues sidelined their Russian AWPer, forcing an academy replacement. The loss of synergy and firepower makes even a single win an uphill battle.
BetBoom are effective online but fragile offline. Boombl4’s leadership offers stability, yet execution breaks under pressure. To escape the basement, they’ll need more composure in clutch moments.
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FlyQuest are largely unknown. Their lack of recent LAN data gives them surprise value, but limited depth and match experience make a long run unlikely.
Playoff Prediction
The playoff field in Bucharest should be both volatile and entertaining. Aurora and Liquid stand out as the main title contenders — their current form, coordination, and depth make them the safest bets to go all the way.
NIP, Fnatic, Legacy, GamerLegion, Gentle Mates, and B8 round out the rest of the likely playoff pack. Each of them has shown the ability to challenge stronger opposition, but none have proven true consistency yet.
Expect close best-of-threes, plenty of upsets, and at least one unexpected deep run. In a format this punishing, even one bad day can send favorites home early — and that’s exactly what makes Bucharest so unpredictable.
Why Bucharest Matters
PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 arrives at a critical point in the season — just weeks before the next Major. For some teams, it’s the perfect stage to build form, sharpen strategies, and prove that their systems hold up under LAN pressure. For others, especially those skipping the event, it’s a rare window to regroup, scrim in peace, and prepare for the biggest tournament of the year.
