FaZe have secured their spot in the playoffs of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, confidently defeating Passion UA in the decisive 2–2 match. What could have become the biggest upset of the stage instead turned into a showcase of experience and structure: FaZe closed out the crucial rounds with cold precision and consistently shut down Passion UA’s attempts to dictate the pace. Passion UA twice pushed the maps to tight scorelines, but in the moments that mattered, FaZe were simply stronger.
Tournament paths — two different stories, two different levels of stability
FaZe began Stage 3 inconsistently, losing to Spirit and The MongolZ, but under pressure the team rediscovered their identity. Strong wins against Vitality and 3DMAX reminded everyone why this roster’s experience is often the deciding factor in high-stakes series.
Their run to the 2–2 match:
- 5–13 vs Spirit — weak opening
- 13–7 vs Vitality — first tempo recovery
- 7–13 vs The MongolZ — second stumble
- 2–0 vs 3DMAX — confident resurgence
- 2–0 vs Passion UA — composed, structured performance when it mattered most
Heading into the decisive match, FaZe looked focused and disciplined: consistent trading, smart rotations, and high individual quality laid the foundation for their success.
Passion UA once again proved they can challenge top-tier teams. The squad played with confidence, aggression, and courage — but a lack of experience in clutch moments and FaZe’s superior individual level ultimately caught up with them.
Their road:
- 8–13 vs G2 — early stumble
- 5–13 vs Falcons — second setback
- 2–0 vs Liquid — unexpected breakthrough
- 2–0 vs Imperial — their best showing of the event
- 0–2 vs FaZe — strong fight, but too many micro mistakes
Passion UA continue to show real potential, but they still struggle to close out series against structured, world-class opponents.
read more
Overpass — 13:11. FaZe take control in the decisive rounds
Passion UA delivered a fierce fight on their map pick, pushing FaZe to the limit. They applied pressure across the map, won key duels, and kept the score tight almost until the end. But in the crucial moments, FaZe showed greater maturity.
At 10–10, jL and broky secured two pivotal clutches, shifting the momentum completely. FaZe’s retakes were calm and precise, while Passion UA lost mid control — a collapse that let FaZe dictate the closing stages. With discipline and composure, FaZe closed out the first map.
Mirage — 13:11. Passion UA battle hard, but FaZe remain the smarter team
Mirage followed the same script: Passion UA pushed FaZe to the edge, created opportunities, and forced the Europeans into uncomfortable positions. But in every decisive situation, FaZe had the upper hand.
frozen consistently won opening duels, karrigan read Passion UA’s structure flawlessly, shutting down their most dangerous routes, and jL once again closed out the final round with a solo play. Though the map stayed close, FaZe maintained control and never allowed the match to reach a third map.
Player stats
MVP of the match — Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski
- 1.31 rating
- 87.7 ADR
- 83.3% KAST
- +2.96% swing
- key multikills on Overpass
- stable entry duels
- clutch consistency in retake situations
The Polish rifler delivered one of his best performances for FaZe, becoming the cornerstone of their victory on both maps.
Team performance — two different levels of execution
FaZe played disciplined, structured Counter-Strike, winning the majority of key duels and maintaining full control of the economy. They denied Passion UA any meaningful streaks, constantly pressured weak spots, and adapted to their opponent’s style with precision.
Passion UA, meanwhile, showed even, competitive gameplay and frequently pushed FaZe into difficult positions. Their aggression created real threats, and they kept both maps close until the end. But in the decisive rounds they lacked experience — both in recovery play and in clutch execution. Their bold ideas were good, but FaZe read them too well.
VRS impact — FaZe rise, Passion UA drop
The match had a notable effect on the Valve Regional Standings.
- FaZe earned +16 points, climbing from #12 to #10 and strengthening their chances for future direct qualification spots.
- Passion UA, meanwhile, lost –8 points, but remained in #20, holding their position despite the defeat.
read more
FaZe march into playoffs, Passion UA fall just short
FaZe once again proved that even after a shaky start, they can switch into championship mode and control high-pressure series against any opponent. They advance to the playoffs of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 looking like a dangerous top-4 contender.
Passion UA end their run one step short of history. The team is improving, showing character and real potential — but they still need to learn how to finish series against elite teams. If growth continues, they may become one of Europe’s rising forces by the next Major.
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.
