The third day in the 2:1 group at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has determined the teams advancing from the Swiss stage into Stage 2. Ninjas in Pyjamas, fnatic and B8 confidently won their Bo3 matches, securing a spot in the next phase of the tournament. Meanwhile, Fluxo, NRG and Legacy move into the decisive 2:2 stage — where one last chance remains to stay in the Major Stage 2 race.
Tournament context
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 is the opening phase of the biggest CS2 event of the year, where 16 teams compete for only two available spots in Stage 2, along with valuable Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points that shape the global ranking and future Major qualification. The format is Swiss System: two wins secure advancement, three losses result in elimination.
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How the match unfolded — Ninjas in Pyjamas vs Fluxo (2:0)
Ninjas in Pyjamas controlled the game from start to finish, not allowing Fluxo to create any real pressure on either map.
- Nuke — 13:5 (NiP pick):
The Swedish organization dominated from the opening rounds. ewjerkz and xKacpersky shut down every attempt from the opponent’s offense. - Train — 13:5 (Fluxo pick):
Fluxo tried to dictate their pace, but NiP continued breaking through the Brazilian defense with strong entry duels and precise coordination.
Player of the Match — Kacper “xKacpersky” Gabara
- K–D: 40–17
- ADR: 93.1
- Rating 3.0: 1.54
The Polish player dictated the tempo of the entire series, consistently winning duels and providing man-advantage situations.
How the match unfolded — B8 vs Legacy (2:0)
B8 continue to show their best form of the season, confidently defeating one of the main favorites of the stage — Legacy.
- Dust2 — 16:12 (Legacy pick):
After a close first half, B8 took control with precise retakes and strong leadership from kensizor. - Mirage — 13:5 (B8 pick):
The Ukrainian squad immediately shut down any comeback attempts from Legacy, dominating mid control throughout the map.
Player of the Match — Artem “kensizor” Kapran
- K–D: 43–31
- ADR: 100.3
- Rating 3.0: 1.50
kensizor was the key component on both maps: initiative, impact, and stability in crucial duels.
How the match unfolded — fnatic vs NRG (2:1)
fnatic went through a real thriller — every map remained tense until the final rounds.
- Mirage — 3:13 (fnatic pick):
NRG found their rhythm early and heavily punished fnatic’s weak T-side, securing a confident start to the series. - Inferno — 13:10 (NRG pick):
fnatic returned to the match, showing composure in key moments and winning the majority of clutches. - Dust2 — 13:9 (Decider):
The British organization completely rebuilt their attack and shut down NRG, who could not keep up with the pace in the endgame.
Player of the Match — Nikita “jackasmo” Skyba
- K–D: 52–44
- ADR: 89.6
- Rating 3.0: 1.26
The Ukrainian became the key driving force behind fnatic’s comeback, deciding the outcome on the decisive Dust2.
VRS results
- Legacy: –22 pt (1740 → 1718), drop to #8
- B8: +29 pt (1555 → 1584), rise to #16
- fnatic: +16 pt (1429 → 1445), rise to #22
- Ninjas in Pyjamas: +31 pt (1354 → 1385), rise to #28
- NRG: –12 pt (1370 → 1358), fall to #29
- Fluxo: –13 pt (1322 → 1309), drop to #36
What’s next for the teams
Ninjas in Pyjamas, fnatic and B8 are the teams to qualify from Stage 1 into Stage 2, moving one step closer to the playoffs and the fight for the championship title. Ahead of them lies a new challenge: much stronger opponents already waiting in the next stage.
Fluxo, NRG and Legacy receive one last chance to survive at the Major: in the 2:2 bracket, victory means staying in the tournament and advancing forward — while defeat results in immediate elimination.
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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.
