FaZe confidently secured their spot in Stage 3, defeating Ninjas in Pyjamas 2–0 and showcasing ice-cold control on Inferno and stability on Nuke. In the match for the “golden” qualification slot, karrigan’s squad looked stronger in every key moment, while NiP couldn’t maintain their tempo despite coming into the game with strong momentum.
Teams’ Path Through the Tournament
FaZe completed the second stage without a single loss, defeating Aurora (13–10) and Passion UA (13–10) before reaching the Stage 3 decider, where they closed out NiP 2–0.
Ninjas in Pyjamas, meanwhile, began the day with confidence — beating TYLOO (13–8) and Astralis (13–10) — and earned a chance to qualify immediately, but FaZe became the team that stopped them in the decisive BO3.
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Inferno — 16:12. FaZe turn their map pick into confidence
FaZe picked Inferno — and from the opening rounds, the choice proved justified. Twistzz and jL set the tempo in early duels, while NiP’s chaos on the T-side quickly gave FaZe a comfortable 9:3 lead. After the side switch, NiP reduced the gap, but the clutches never came together: FaZe controlled retakes, tempo, and trades, closing the map 16:12 without panic or unnecessary risks.
Nuke — 16:12. NiP’s pick, FaZe’s control
Nuke was supposed to be NiP’s chance, but FaZe showed exemplary preparation and reading of their opponent. Despite an early back-and-forth (5:7), FaZe seized momentum right after the side switch:
- karrigan dictated tempo and micro-rotations
- broky activated in key rounds
- frozen and jL shut down NiP’s aggression
NiP lacked the economy — and without it, Nuke becomes a trap. Final score: 16:12, FaZe seal the series 2–0.
Team Statistics
Twistzz — Match MVP
Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken was the standout player of the series:
- KPR: 0.96
- ADR: 98.1
- Rating 3.0: 1.36
- KAST: 73.2%
- Swing: +1.45%
- MK-rating: 1.41
Twistzz was crucial in openings, trades, and late-round duels — the entire FaZe structure on Inferno and Nuke leaned on his consistency.
FaZe React After the Victory
FaZe were quick to respond on social media, and their posts reflected both confidence and the emotions of the moment.
Twistzz:
Resilient. 2 – 0 vs NIP!
3 – 0. See you in Stage 3!
— Russel van Dulken (@Twistzz) November 30, 2025
A short, precise summary — resilience and a winning rhythm.
karrigan, replying to NiP’s ironic post from November 25:
Thanks for the advice 🙏 #FaZeUp https://t.co/Mgoy6sl8Qg
— karrigan (@karriganCSGO) November 30, 2025
The Danish captain delivered a subtle but elegant comeback, highlighting that FaZe learned their lessons at the perfect moment.
frozen:
We wouldnt be here without you guys 🙏 https://t.co/bXAZm44pYa
— David Čerňanský (@FROZENNcs) November 30, 2025
A reflection of the team’s unity — FaZe look fully connected and motivated.
VRS Results
- FaZe: 1601 → 1614 pt (#14, +13)
- Ninjas in Pyjamas: 1456 → 1447 pt (#25, –9)
For NiP, this is a painful drop ahead of the most important Swiss matches.
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.
What’s Next?
FaZe advance to Stage 3, gaining two opportunities to reach the playoffs. NiP fall into the 2–1 pool, where any mistake could cost them their run in the group stage.
![Dastan Exclusive Interview: “In around 3 years we can realistically contend [for the Major title]”](https://community.skin.club/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/54955046176_c1c354c836_k-2.jpg.webp)
