Participants at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 are impressing not only with their skill and teamplay, but also with one of the widest age gaps in modern Counter-Strike. From a 17-year-old prodigy to a 34-year-old veteran IGL, this Major has become a battleground of generations, where youthful explosiveness meets hard-earned experience.
karrigan – Experience That Defines an Era
Finn “karrigan” Andersen from FaZe Clan is the oldest participant at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. A living symbol of Counter-Strike leadership, he continues to compete at the highest level despite being the most experienced player in the field. His career spans multiple eras, metas, and championship runs — and even now, his tactical vision and in-game presence remain invaluable.
While FaZe enters Budapest in a transitional phase after recent roster changes, karrigan’s ability to stabilize the team in high-pressure moments could once again turn doubt into deep playoff contention. When it comes to Majors, few names command more respect.
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kyousuke – The Newest Face of the Next Generation
The youngest player at the Budapest Major is Maksim “kyousuke” Lukin, born on January 30, 2008, representing Team Falcons. At just 17 years old, he already stands on the biggest stage in CS2 — a testament to how fast the new generation is breaking through.
According to industry rumours, kyousuke joined Falcons in the summer transfer window for a reported fee of around $2 million, making him one of the most talked-about teenage signings in recent CS history. Despite his age, his confidence and raw mechanics have already drawn comparisons to elite young prodigies of previous eras. Budapest will be his first true Major test — and the entire scene will be watching closely.
Average Age of Teams at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025
Age profiles offer an insightful look into roster-building philosophies across regions. Some organizations rely heavily on young, mechanically gifted talent, while others bet on veteran stability and experience under pressure. Below is the full list of all teams competing at the Major, sorted by their average age:
- FaZe — 26.3
- Legacy — 22.9
- GamerLegion — 22.1
- B8 — 21.1
- Lynn Vision — 22.3
- M80 — 24.6
- fnatic — 24.9
- Ninjas in Pyjamas — 25.5
- FlyQuest — 24.8
- PARIVISION — 21.5
- NRG — 25.6
- Fluxo — 24.2
- The Huns — 23.1
- RED Canids — 22.3
- Rare Atom — 26.2
- Imperial — 23.8
- Aurora — 27.3
- Natus Vincere — 23.5
- Astralis — 26.4
- 3DMAX — 26.5
- Liquid — 25.6
- Passion UA — 24.4
- TYLOO — 24.0
- MIBR — 24.0
- Vitality — 26.6
- FURIA — 26.7
- Falcons — 23.5
- MOUZ — 22.5
- The MongolZ — 22.6
- Spirit — 23.0
- G2 — 25.4
- paiN — 23.6
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Youngest Team
B8 is the youngest team at the event with an average age of just 21.1. Despite their inexperience, they survived a brutal qualifying route, winning multiple BO3s in a row to secure their spot in Budapest. Their explosive playstyle and strong cohesion make them one of the most intriguing Stage 1 teams.
Oldest Team
Aurora arrives at the Major as the oldest roster — 27.3 on average. Built on veteran firepower and stability, this team exemplifies discipline, structure, and experience. Their run through the season proved that older lineups can still dominate in CS2’s fast-paced meta.
Comparing Budapest to Austin
Compared to the previous Major cycle, the age dynamics changed in notable ways. B8 remain the youngest lineup of the tournament — a roster built entirely on raw mechanics and rapid improvement. Yet the title of the oldest team has shifted: Aurora now hold that position, overtaking the likes of FaZe, who previously fielded one of the most veteran lineups in Counter-Strike.
FaZe’s recent rejuvenation with two young additions significantly lowered their average age but also brought instability. The team has struggled throughout the season, missing key playoffs and suffering early exits. However, a Major is a different battlefield: new pressure, new motivation, and a format where even struggling teams can rise from nowhere. Budapest may become the moment where the “new” FaZe either collapse under expectations — or finally prove that their gamble on youth was worth it.
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The Final Takeaway
As the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 begins, one thing becomes obvious: age is not a limitation — it’s a narrative. Every player arrives with a story shaped by years lived and games played, whether it’s PR stepping into his first high-pressure arena or Snappi leading yet another generation forward. Before the action unfolds, don’t forget to join The Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — predict matches, earn rewards, unlock skins, knives, gloves, and compete for the top prize.
