Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 kicked off explosively — the opening four Swiss matches immediately delivered surprises, standout individual performances, and notable shifts in the Valve Regional Standings. The teams that secured victories in their debut matches move into the 1–0 bracket and will already have a chance in the next round to get closer to a decisive step toward the playoffs. Those who lost drop into the dangerous 0–1 group, where another defeat could significantly complicate their path toward the elite stage of the Major.
Tournament context
Stage 2 brings together two groups of teams:
- 8 teams that advanced from Stage 1 with a 3–0, 3–1, or 3–2 record
- 8 teams that entered directly thanks to high VRS rankings
The format remains Bo1 in the Swiss system — where every map is a true test. Under such conditions, even a single mistake, a lost clutch, or a broken economic cycle can flip the outcome.
Stage 2 also has major implications for VRS rankings, which affect future RMR distribution and the global CS2 landscape.
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Astralis vs Ninjas in Pyjamas — 10:13 (Nuke)
Astralis entered Stage 2 as one of the favorites, but NiP played structured, calm, and disciplined Counter-Strike. The key to victory was xKacpersky, who won most of the crucial duels and became the backbone of both the aggression and defensive stability. Astralis had several chances to get back into the game — especially thanks to the consistency of Staerh and jabbi — but poor execution in the closing rounds completely derailed their plan.
Player of the Match — Kacper “xKacpersky” Gabara
- Rating 3.0: 1.51
- ADR: 80.3
- K–D: 19–16
- KAST: 82.6%
- Swing: +6.76%
3DMAX vs fnatic — 6:13 (Inferno)
fnatic opened Stage 2 with the most convincing performance of the day. The team shut down every part of the map on Inferno, dominating duels, winning disadvantage rounds, and securing clean retakes. blameF delivered one of the strongest Bo1 performances of the entire Major — total domination across every metric. 3DMAX failed to find rhythm in either half, and their entire structure collapsed under fnatic’s pressure.
Player of the Match — Benjamin “blameF” Bremer
- Rating 3.0: 1.72
- ADR: 92.6
- K–D: 16–6
- KAST: 94.7%
- Swing: +6.96%
PARIVISION vs TYLOO — 5:13 (Mirage)
TYLOO delivered the most one-sided match of the opening round. The Chinese lineup dominated every aspect of the game: firepower, tempo, micro-rotations, and late-round conversion. JamYoung once again proved why he is considered one of Asia’s elite riflers — outstanding stability and mechanical sharpness throughout the match. PARIVISION started decently, but after several failed rounds, they lost control and couldn’t recover.
Player of the Match — Yi “JamYoung” Yang
- Rating 3.0: 1.49
- ADR: 100.6
- K–D: 17–11
- Swing: +5.80%
Passion UA vs FaZe — 10:13 (Dust2)
The most intense match of the round. Passion UA played their best Dust2 in weeks — aggressive entry attempts, unbelievable clutches from hallzerk and grim, and multiple turning points that nearly shifted momentum. But FaZe remained calmer, more composed, and far more experienced in the closing stages. broky delivered a phenomenal map, winning key duels and opening the path to the decisive 13th round.
Player of the Match — Helvijs “broky” Saukants
- Rating 3.0: 1.49
- ADR: 86.8
- K–D: 20–13
- Swing: +6.87%
VRS results for the teams
- NiP: +49 pt (1384 → 1433), rise to #25
- fnatic: +28 pt (1444 → 1472), rise to #22
- TYLOO: +55 pt (1316 → 1371), rise to #29
- FaZe: +15 pt (1560 → 1575), remain #17
- Astralis: –24 pt (1653 → 1629), drop to #12
- 3DMAX: –21 pt (1604 → 1583), drop to #16
- PARIVISION: –21 pt (1496 → 1475), drop to #21
- Passion UA: –8 pt (1388 → 1380), remain #28
What’s next?
1–0 bracket now includes:
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- fnatic
- TYLOO
- FaZe
These teams had the strongest start and will fight in the next round for a chance to reach a crucial 2–0 score — one step away from advancing to the decisive part of the Major.
0–1 bracket now includes:
- Astralis
- 3DMAX
- PARIVISION
- Passion UA
For them, the next match is critical: a second loss dramatically reduces their chances of making the playoffs. The draw for Round 2 of the Swiss stage will be conducted using the Buchholz system and will be announced soon.
Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge
Running alongside the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — an interactive feature where fans predict match results, choose advancing teams, and earn points throughout the tournament. By making accurate picks, participants unlock rewards ranging from premium skins to rare gloves and knives, with the ultimate prize being the iconic AWP | Dragon Lore.
