StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 opens with a Brazilian derby — MIBR and Imperial enter the server with a 0:0 starting score in the Swiss system. The winner secures a crucial 1:0 advantage and moves closer to Stage 3 qualification, while the loser drops into the less favorable 0:1 bracket. This matchup promises high tension: both teams know each other inside out, and any mistake in a Bo1 can be fatal.
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 — the time for the strongest
The stage runs from November 29 to December 2 in Budapest. Sixteen teams are fighting for tickets to Stage 3 — NAVI, FaZe, Astralis, Liquid, NiP and other top-tier lineups, as well as those who came through qualifying phases like MIBR and Imperial.
Format: Bo1 in all standard rounds and Bo3 in decisive matches. Under such conditions, the start is critically important: winning sets the tempo, losing complicates the road to playoffs. MIBR vs Imperial — a match that will set the initial momentum of Stage 2 for South America.
Head-to-head — history favors Imperial
Throughout 2024–2025, the teams have met multiple times, and Imperial hold a clear advantage in direct encounters. Although MIBR occasionally managed to take wins, it was Imperial who prevailed more often in key moments — especially in their recent LAN clashes.
But today is a Bo1 — and MIBR aim to finally flip the script in their favor.
Current form
- MIBR — instability after a difficult period
MIBR exited PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 with disappointment, finishing in the top-16. The team has decent statistics over the last three months, but every match against top-tier opposition has been extremely hard-fought. MIBR are searching for renewed confidence as Stage 2 begins.
- Imperial — rising and structurally strong
Imperial show clear gameplay, strong round openings and reliable trading. In Stage 1 they achieved key victories against FlyQuest, Rare Atom and The Huns, confirming their growing trend and solid preparation. Stage 2 will test whether their momentum is enough to continue progressing.
Map Pool & Veto
Statistics over the last 3 months (MIBR | Imperial):
- Dust2: — | 57%
- Mirage: 25% | 71%
- Inferno: 77% | 57%
- Nuke: 69% | 67%
- Train: 75% | 56%
- Overpass: 67% | 73%
- Ancient: 70% | —
Expected veto:
- MIBR remove Mirage — a map where Imperial hold a clear advantage
- Imperial remove Ancient — lack of high-level practice there
Likely picks:
- MIBR: Inferno — their favorite and best-performing map
- Imperial: Overpass — excellent map-control and structure
Decider: Nuke — equal chances, but Imperial more often find key rounds
Key duels
- insani vs skullz — young stars who can decide the match with pure aggression
- exit vs chelo — captains with different approaches to tempo
- k1to vs try — AWP impact: who locks in aim first?
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Prediction
This match will be tense and tightly contested, as any Brazilian derby tends to be.
But Imperial enter Stage 2 with a more stable style, better results against top competition, and a positive run through Stage 1.
In a Bo1, small details decide everything — and today, those details may lean toward Imperial.
Predicted result: Imperial 1–0 MIBR
