The StarLadder Major in Budapest is set to become one of the most unpredictable events in recent Counter-Strike history. After a season full of roster changes, surprise upsets, and unexpected champions, there is no single dominant favorite. We continued our talk with Luis “peacemaker” Tadeu to find out which teams stand out, who can surprise, and how the Major’s competitive balance has shifted in 2025.
It’s been a long time since we entered a Major where almost everyone has a chance. Right now, the field feels wide open.
Who looks like the strongest favorite heading into Budapest?
If we look at the current landscape, Vitality are still my top pick. They finally got the practice time they needed after BLAST Open London, and it clearly showed in Pro League — they dominated the playoffs and beat Falcons 3–0 in the grand final without losing a map. They looked composed, confident, and their system worked perfectly.
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ZywOo is back to his top form, flameZ and Spinx are delivering consistently, and apEX is leading them with great structure. The team had time to prepare new strategies and refine their map pool, which makes them extremely dangerous going into the Major.
Which other teams are on your radar as serious contenders?
FURIA are definitely one of them. They’re on an incredible run right now, winning back-to-back events and showing great consistency. The team finally found balance between structure and aggression. FalleN transitioned into a rifler while still playing impactful roles, Yuurih mastered his new anchor position, and YEKINDAR became a key voice in mid-round calling.
They have strong individuals, confidence, and a solid map pool — a mix that makes them one of the scariest opponents right now. If they keep this momentum, I can see them fighting for the trophy in Budapest.
What about Falcons? They seem talented but inconsistent.
Exactly. Falcons are a fascinating team — full of raw firepower but still lacking tactical depth. They looked very good in FISSURE Playground and started strong in Pro League, but their weaknesses quickly appeared on certain maps.
They have the skill to beat anyone, but their coordination isn’t on the level of teams like Vitality or Spirit yet. If they manage to fix their map pool and polish their communication before the Major, they can be one of the most dangerous dark horses. The talent is there; it’s all about stability.
Can MOUZ or Spirit challenge for the title?
I think Spirit are always a threat. Donk continues to be one of the most explosive players in the world, and if they manage to integrate Tnure into the lineup properly, they’ll be a top contender. Chopper has always done a good job building deep map pools, and Spirit rarely come into Majors unprepared.
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They already have a Major title from Shanghai, so the team knows how to handle the pressure. As for MOUZ, they’re solid, structured, but not yet dominant. They consistently make playoffs but struggle to go all the way — they need that extra spark in big series to finally reach a grand final.
Can The Mongolz recover in time after benching Senzu?
Not really, at least not in the short term. Losing Senzu right before the Major was a huge blow — when you replace your best player, it changes structure, roles, and confidence all at once. They’ll likely bring a couple of new looks and some unpredictable setups, but synergy takes time.
If this change had happened right after their Esports World Cup win, we’d be having a different conversation; now, with limited practice and a chaotic lead-up, I don’t see playoff potential. The truth is their recent losses weren’t caused by Senzu alone — they must fix deeper issues (predictability, role overlaps, individual sharpness) while integrating a stand-in. That’s too much, too fast for Budapest; I expect a rebuild arc into 2026.
What’s your take on NAVI’s progress this season?
NAVI are improving, but they’re still a work in progress. Their map pool remains inconsistent, and they rely too heavily on a few players performing at the same time. I like the Aleksib–B1ad3 system; it’s structured and tactical, but they still lack raw firepower compared to the top teams.
W0nderful is talented but streaky, and when he’s off, the team struggles to close games. The good thing is they’re trending upward — just two months ago B1ad3 said they weren’t ready to win titles, and now they’re reaching grand finals. That shows progress. With more time, NAVI could return to championship form, but Budapest might come too soon for that.
What about North America — can any team surprise this time?
Unfortunately, no. The North American scene is still in a very difficult place. The talent isn’t developing fast enough, and organizations aren’t investing the way they should. M80 had a good start early in the season but faded quickly. None of the current NA rosters look ready to compete with Europe or South America.
Liquid are still the region’s best hope, but even they’re far from consistent. I think North America needs to rebuild its structure from the ground up — support academy systems, invest in LANs, and give young players more opportunities. Until that happens, it’s hard to see any NA team making the top eight.
Do you think this Major will be different from previous ones?
Absolutely. This is the first Major in a long time where we don’t have a clear number one. Every team has weaknesses, and the gap between top-tier and mid-tier teams has never been smaller. That makes Budapest incredibly exciting — anyone can make a deep run. It’s going to be a tournament where preparation, adaptation, and mental strength decide everything.
I can’t remember a Major where predicting the winner felt this hard. It’s wide open — and that’s exactly what makes it special.
The StarLadder Major Budapest 2025 will kick off with one of the most competitive lineups in years. For peacemaker, it’s not just another championship — it’s a reflection of how far Counter-Strike has evolved under Valve’s new structure.
Right now, everyone starts almost equal. It’s not about luck anymore — it’s about who can stay consistent and keep their focus when the pressure hits
You can read the first part of the interview with peacemaker by following the link.
