Shox breaks down the standout performances from the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, focusing on which players truly made the difference when it mattered most. He frames the Major as a test of pressure and resilience, emphasizing that success was defined not just by raw rating, but by impact rounds, decision-making, and consistency under stress.
He starts with Vitality, highlighting their historic year and back-to-back Major titles. Shox points to the core trio of ZywOo, ropz, and mezii, noting that when all three perform at a high level, Vitality becomes nearly impossible to beat. Beyond statistics, he stresses Vitality’s mental strength and resilience, arguing that their ability to stay composed regardless of scorelines sets them apart from every other top team.
Shox also touches on other contenders, including FaZe’s deep run fueled by experience and clutch performances, NAVI’s encouraging showing with young players stepping up, and Spirit’s ongoing struggles to convert strong individual talent into consistent team success. He concludes that the Budapest Major revealed clear strengths and weaknesses across the field, offering valuable lessons ahead of 2026 and reinforcing why Vitality remain the benchmark for elite Counter-Strike.
