The playoff stage of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 delivered more than a predictable ending. Several results completely reshaped the perceived balance of power. Teams that barely survived Stage 3 suddenly became the main protagonists, while heavy favorites exited the tournament far earlier than expected.
PLAYOFF SURPRISES
NAVI — Knocking Out the Favorite Against All Expectations
Natus Vincere emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the playoffs despite a shaky Stage 3 run. Compared to other contenders, NAVI did not look like a clear candidate for a deep playoff push. However, the quarterfinals changed that perception entirely. Facing FURIA, one of the tournament favorites, NAVI delivered a result few anticipated. Many analysts viewed the Brazilian squad as a potential champion or, at the very least, a guaranteed grand finalist. NAVI ended that narrative with a decisive quarterfinal victory.
After eliminating FURIA, the Ukrainian side followed up with a tense and competitive series against FaZe. The level of play and pressure matched what fans typically expect from a semifinal.
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FaZe — The Loudest Breakthrough of the Playoffs
FaZe produced the most unexpected playoff run of the entire tournament. Very few predicted them to reach the final, yet they marched through the bracket with confidence and composure.
In the quarterfinals, FaZe swept MOUZ 2–0. Inferno stood out in particular, where FaZe dominated the map with a 13:2 scoreline. They then defeated NAVI in the semifinals and carried that momentum into the grand final.
Against Vitality, FaZe did more than just compete. They managed to secure the opening map and apply real pressure to the tournament favorites. Given their Stage 3 form and most pre-playoff predictions, this run came as a complete surprise.
EXPECTED RESULT
Vitality — Champions Who Met Expectations
Vitality fully justified their status as tournament favorites. Throughout the playoffs, they displayed control, discipline, and depth. In the quarterfinals, Vitality comfortably defeated The MongolZ 2–0 with one-sided scorelines. The semifinals brought more resistance, but Spirit still fell 0–2 after a hard-fought series.
The grand final saw Vitality face an unexpected opponent in FaZe. Despite early resistance, Vitality closed the series and secured their second consecutive Major title. ZywOo earned the MVP award, while mezii and ropz finished among the tournament’s top ten players.
Fans expected Vitality to reach the final, and the team delivered exactly that. Their placement in the “expected results” category reflects pre-tournament predictions rather than a lack of dominance.
Spirit — A Respectable Semifinal Exit
Team Spirit delivered a solid playoff performance. They handled Falcons with confidence in the quarterfinals, especially on Nuke, which ended 13:4.
In the semifinals, Spirit pushed Vitality hard and even forced overtime on the opening map. With a different bracket, Spirit might have reached the final. This time, however, their journey ended in the semifinals — a fair outcome given the opposition.
TOURNAMENT DISAPPOINTMENTS
FURIA — A Favorite Stopped Too Early
FURIA stand as the biggest disappointment of the playoffs. Before the Major, the team looked like a title contender and cruised through Stage 3 without a loss. That momentum vanished in the quarterfinals.
Despite taking one map against NAVI, FURIA lost the other two by heavy margins. The team appeared as a grand finalist in countless Pick’Em predictions. Fans expected a deep run and possible dominance in the new season. Instead, the journey ended far sooner than anticipated.
MOUZ — Falling When Expectations Were Highest
MOUZ also failed to meet expectations. Almost no one predicted their quarterfinal exit against FaZe. Many saw them as favorites from the lower half of the bracket. The series ended in a clean 0–2 loss. Inferno, in particular, exposed their struggles. This early elimination shattered both tournament ambitions and a large number of Pick’Em forecasts.
Falcons — Star Power Without a Star Result
Falcons entered the playoffs with high expectations. Even against Spirit and donk, many expected a deeper and more competitive showing. The series told a different story. Falcons collapsed on Nuke, losing 13:4. On the second map, they had chances to force a decider but ultimately fell 16:12.
Most notably, neither m0NESY nor NiKo led the team. Instead, kyosuke finished as Falcons’ top performer and the only player with a 1.00+ rating. For a roster of this caliber, that outcome underlined the gap between expectations and reality.
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How the Playoffs Rewrote Expectations
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 playoffs once again proved how unforgiving Majors can be. Teams expected to fall early became headline acts, while favorites failed under pressure. NAVI and FaZe shattered predictions, FURIA, MOUZ, and Falcons exited painfully early, and Vitality restored order by claiming the championship.
