The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Playoffs begin with an explosive clash: FURIA vs Natus Vincere. This is a Quarter-final match where every round can determine the fate of the entire championship race. The winner advances to the semifinals and keeps the Major title dream alive, while the loser ends their journey in Budapest.
FURIA enter the series as the number one team in the world, showing a phenomenal win rate and dominance across recent tournaments. NAVI have regained confidence and delivered several strong performances, but this is their toughest challenge yet.
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — the road to the trophy has just begun
The premium playoffs with a million-dollar prize pool will take place from December 11 to 14 on LAN in Budapest. The Bo3 format means the winner will be determined not by luck, but by structure, preparation, and mental resilience. FURIA and NAVI meet at a decisive moment: for the Brazilians, it is a chance to continue a championship run; for NAVI, an opportunity to prove they still belong among the elite.
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Head-to-head — NAVI once owned this rivalry, but not now
Recent direct matchups confirm: 10 wins for NAVI vs 7 for FURIA.
However, the context has shifted dramatically. The current FURIA have reached a level where they can beat any team consistently and convincingly. NAVI still lack a major victory over a top-5 opponent in a match of this magnitude.
Current form
- FURIA — a machine that does not stop
FURIA are at the peak of their power, showcasing world-class stability. The team holds a ten-match winning streak, an incredibly high overall win rate, and outstanding individual stats across the roster. After multiple titles, they possess immense confidence and dictate a style that is hard to counter even for the best teams in the world.
- NAVI — clear progress, but with limits
NAVI have significantly improved and are once again a threat to any opponent. They show rising individual form and a growing map pool, but their inconsistency against top opponents remains an issue. Such fluctuations may become critical in playoffs where every series defines the entire tournament.
TEDD about the teams:
I’ve been impressed with NAVI, they’re playing great Counter-Strike and the individuals have been performing well, but FURIA are just unplayable right now. They’re the best team in the world, and I don’t think they will crumble against NAVI.
Map pool & veto
Statistics over the last 3 months (FURIA | NAVI):
- Dust2: 58% | 80%
- Mirage: 67% | 86%
- Inferno: 67% | 50%
- Nuke: 83% | 50%
- Train: 78% | 67%
- Overpass: 83% | —
- Ancient: — | 67%
Expected veto:
- FURIA ban Dust2 — the strongest NAVI map
- NAVI ban Overpass — where FURIA are nearly unbeatable
Likely picks:
- FURIA: Nuke or Inferno — strong tempo control
- NAVI: Mirage — their most comfortable battleground
Decider: Train or Ancient — depending on final veto decisions
Key duels to watch
- KSCERATO vs b1t — clutch impact race
- YEKINDAR vs iM — entry-frag duel of aggression
- FalleN vs w0nderful — AWP experience vs youth
Every duel can flip the economy and the series with it.
Prediction
Statement from analyst TEDD:
I’m going with FURIA. NAVI don’t have a recent big win against a top-five team in a high-stakes match, which will matter. Mentally, FURIA have a massive edge. For me, this one is obvious.
FURIA look overwhelmingly strong. Their structure, mental backbone, and dominant play style make them the clear favorite. NAVI will have their moments and can challenge, but surviving three maps against this FURIA is a world-class task.
Predicted result: FURIA 2–0 Natus Vincere
