Stage 2 of the Budapest Major is where momentum meets pressure and every mistake becomes deadly. Sixteen teams enter the most volatile phase of the event, where BO1 chaos, structural depth and mental resilience collide. One misread round or a single opening duel can tilt the entire Swiss system.
In an exclusive conversation with us, analyst and broadcast talent Tedd shared his full outlook on the teams heading into Stage 2 — identifying those who should advance cleanly, those who could shock the field, and those who may be in serious trouble. Stage 2 continues the Swiss format with Best-of-One matches early and Best-of-Three games for advancement and elimination. Three wins send a team forward. Three losses send them home.
Teams That Should Advance Easily — Aurora, NAVI, 3DMAX
Aurora enter Stage 2 as the clearest favorite. Their individual level remains one of the highest in the tournament, and their historical strength in group stages is undeniable.
Tedd puts it bluntly:
Aurora just have too much firepower. They’ve always been good in group stages — I expect more of the same
The team’s internal issues earlier this year add extra weight to this run, and for MAJ3R, this Major could shape the future of the project. As Tedd notes, a deep run stabilizes the roster, while an early exit may ignite difficult conversations.
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Natus Vincere arrive as another strong contender. Their structure, preparation and experience give them a high floor in volatile Swiss conditions.
NAVI should be one of the best teams in this stage. FlyQuest impressed, but experience still matters
A key part of this confidence is w0nderful, whom he calls one of the most underrated AWPers in tier-one Counter-Strike. 3DMAX round out the group of stable favorites. Their fundamentals, discipline and low-error style make them one of the most reliable teams in the stage.
Dark Horses With Real Upside — Team Liquid, PARIVISION, FlyQuest
Team Liquid enter Stage 2 with the most upward momentum. Extra practice time with EliGE improved their structure and synergy, and Tedd believes the roster is being underestimated.
I see Liquid not only making Stage 3, but maybe even pushing for playoffs. They’re a proper dark horse.
PARIVISION are one of the most intriguing teams of the stage. Their discipline and composure in high-pressure moments — especially in their match against Legacy — showed maturity beyond their young core. Tedd highlights their identity shift under Jame, saying:
They proved they can win close games. That match against Legacy showed they handle pressure really well
He notes that Jame hasn’t yet returned to his peak VP form, but qualifying with such a young roster after being removed from Virtus.pro is “a massive recovery.” FlyQuest, after a standout Stage 1, enter Stage 2 with renewed confidence. Role changes — particularly Vexite taking more proactive T-side space — transformed the team’s dynamic.
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“Vexite was the highest-rated player of Stage 1. He’s taken a big leadership role too
With that identity shift, FlyQuest have genuine upset potential.
Solid Mid-Pack Contenders — M80, Passion UA, B8
M80 continue to be a dangerous LAN team, capable of spiking in form when playing offline. Tedd points out:
M80 thrive on LAN. They’re tough to beat right now
Their ceiling is matchup-dependent, but they can force BO3s and make deeper runs than expected. Passion UA stand out for their structure and tactical depth, something many mid-tier teams lack.
They can play proper, well-structured Counter-Strike. Their depth is better than many teams here
Their main weakness is firepower — if Grimm hallzerk step up, they can surprise higher-seeded teams. B8 maintain their reputation as a disciplined, methodical team that’s difficult to close out.
They’re difficult to take down. Against the right opponent, they can surprise
Their style fits BO1 volatility exceptionally well.
Teams That Could Surprise the Entire Stage — FlyQuest, Passion UA, PARIVISION
Several teams have the potential to redefine expectations:
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- FlyQuest — thanks to their new roles and AZR’s leadership.
- Passion UA — through their strategic depth and disciplined play.
- PARIVISION — with Jame’s structured system and their ability to handle pressure in tight games.
Tedd summarizes this trio clearly:
They all have the depth and structure to push much higher than people expect
A Team at Risk — FaZe
One of the biggest shock statements from Tedd concerns FaZe. Despite their star power and experience, he remains unconvinced by their current form and preparation going into Stage 2.
I’ll be surprised if FaZe make it through. Their playbook feels non-existent right now
Matches against RED Canids and Fluxo in Stage 1 raised serious doubts about their ability to handle structured opponents, and without early momentum, FaZe risk becoming one of the stage’s biggest
Pick’em Challenge
Alongside the tournament runs the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge, where fans submit their predictions, earn points, and level up throughout the event. Each correct pick brings players closer to unlocking exclusive rewards, with the most dedicated participants getting a real chance to win a Dragon Lore. It’s an easy way to stay engaged with every match and test how well you can read the Major.
