HLTV highlighted the record-breaking depth of the Brazilian scene ahead of the Budapest Major, but the country’s real prospects go far beyond numbers. Even before the tournament begins, it’s clear: Brazil enters the event in its strongest form in a decade — 28 players mark the beginning of a new golden era built on a different formula and a different logic of success.
The Largest Brazilian Presence in Major History
Back in Austin, Brazil set a participation record with 25 players. In Budapest, that number has risen to 28, making Brazil the most represented nation at a Major for the third time in the last four championships.
But numbers are only the surface. Behind them stand seven teams, three different starting stages, and one shared feeling: Brazil has returned to top-tier Counter-Strike not as an underdog but as a fully-fledged global force in CS2.
read more
FURIA — The Leading Title Contender and the Face of the “New Brazil”
Not since SK/Luminosity in 2016–2017 has a Brazilian team entered a Major as the number-one favorite. Yet that is exactly the status in which FalleN’s FURIA arrives in Budapest. The team has won four of their last five tournaments, topped the Valve Regional Standings, and — most importantly — found a unique balance between a legendary Brazilian core and high-level European imports:
- molodoy — the best young talent in the world and a top contender for Season MVP;
- YEKINDAR — an aggressive engine of their offense, revitalized and back in form;
- FalleN, KSCERATO, yuurih — a stable core shaping the identity of the roster.
This is no longer the romantic “Brazilian dream” of the coldzera & fer era — this is an international, structured, and ruthlessly competitive machine that has already beaten Vitality, Falcons, and Spirit twice in recent months.
Legacy and paiN — Dark-Horse Contenders Ready to Shake the Scene Again
Brazil isn’t coming to the Major with just one shot at the top four.
- Legacy — A Fairy Tale Turned Blueprint
A victory at the CS Asia Championships, a finals appearance at PGL Bucharest, and last year’s sensational run in Austin all prove one thing: Legacy are no fluke, but a legitimate Stage 3 contender and beyond. They begin in Stage 1, but have already shown that starting from the bottom can be an advantage, not a burden.
- paiN — A Steady Contender with Big-Match Experience
The BLAST.tv Austin Major semifinal was a turning point for biguzera’s lineup. After a slump, the team regained form: top 4 at BLAST Rivals, a strong map pool, and experience in Stage 3. paiN are the “quiet strength” of the Brazilian scene — and in Budapest they may surpass their Austin performance.
MIBR, Fluxo, RED Canids, Imperial — Dark Horses with Deep Experience
Even teams that haven’t shown top form in recent months shouldn’t be written off.
- MIBR have the promising kl1m (#19 in the global prospect ranking) and a full month of preparation.
- RED Canids and Fluxo lack favorite status but have Major-experienced players — crucial for Stage 1.
- Imperial are traditionally dangerous in BO1s, and their veterans relieve pressure from the young guns.
In 2025, Stage 1 is no longer a “zone for outsiders” — it’s a place where sudden breakthroughs happen. And Brazil historically excels here.
Why This Major Could Become Era-Defining for Brazil
For many years, the Brazilian scene remained near the top but wasn’t considered a favorite. Even during the IEM Rio 2022 and Austin Major 2025 semifinals, no one truly believed in a Brazilian title run. In Budapest, the context is completely different:
- FURIA — a real #1 contender
- Legacy and paiN — capable of deep runs
- Four more teams who can collect major VRS points and secure long-term stability in 2026
- A record-setting pool of 28 players influencing the entire ecosystem
This isn’t just “a lot of Brazilians.” This is the first Major in nine years where Brazil controls the narrative instead of chasing it.
Imports or Brazilian Power? In Reality — a Perfect Symbiosis
Some try to downplay FURIA’s success because of their international roster.
But the facts say otherwise:
- the team is based in Brazil;
- the core is Brazilian, including the legend FalleN;
- molodoy and YEKINDAR have already embraced the Brazilian scene and openly express their love for it;
- the Brazilian fanbase accepted them without hesitation.
This isn’t a Liquid or OG situation where a project was “imported.” FURIA is a global product with a Brazilian heart.
read more
Budapest Could Become Brazil’s Most Important Major Since Cologne 2016
A unique mix of factors makes this tournament special:
- a record-breaking roster of players
- a world-class favorite
- three legitimate contenders
- Stage 1 depth and experience
- young stars shaping a new era
If FURIA win the Major in Budapest, it will be Brazil’s third Major title in history — but the first in the new CS2 era. If Legacy or paiN break into the top eight or top four, the region will be cemented as the deepest in the world.
One thing is already certain: StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is set to define the next chapter of Brazilian Counter-Strike.
