The first round of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 created a clear division between teams: four favorites — FaZe, fnatic, NRG and Fluxo — opened the Swiss stage with confident wins in their BO1 matches. They now continue the run with a 1:0 score, while their opponents fall to the 0:1 group, complicating their path to the next stage.
Tournament context
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 is the opening phase of the season’s biggest event, held in Budapest from November 24 to 27. Sixteen teams compete in a Swiss format (BO1), where three wins secure a spot in Stage 2, and three losses mean elimination. Matches come with updates to VRS points, directly influencing slot distribution and future qualification paths.
How the match unfolded — NRG vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
NRG secured a convincing opening victory, defeating NiP on Overpass 13:7. The Americans won key rounds on the T side, gaining a comfortable 6:5 lead, and after switching sides they completely shut down NiP thanks to stable performances from XotiC and bro.
Player of the Match — Zack “XotiC” Elshani
- Rating: 1.70,
- K–D: 18–6,
- ADR: 77.8
How the match unfolded — Fluxo vs GamerLegion
Fluxo pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the round, defeating the ranking favorite GamerLegion on Nuke 13:10. The Brazilian roster won several clutch rounds, and Lucaozy’s impressive form secured the win in the final moments after a 7:5 first half.
Player of the Match — Milan “hypex” Polowiec (GamerLegion)
- Rating: 1.70,
- K–D: 25–13,
- ADR: 102.3
How the match unfolded — FaZe vs Lynn Vision
FaZe had no trouble handling China’s Lynn Vision on Nuke — 13:5. frozen delivered an exceptional individual performance, dominating in duels and round tempo, helping FaZe pull ahead early (9:3) and confidently close out the game.
Player of the Match — David “frozen” Čerňanský
- Rating: 2.03,
- K–D: 25–7,
- ADR: 131.8
How the match unfolded — fnatic vs RED Canids
fnatic earned a tough but crucial win over RED Canids on Ancient — 16:14. The match went to overtime thanks to an incredible ACE by KRIMZ, who continued to dominate in the extra rounds.
Player of the Match — Freddy “KRIMZ” Johansson
- Rating: 1.35,
- K–D: 21–10,
- KAST: 93.3%
VRS results for the teams
- FaZe: +22 pt (1564 → 1586), rise to #16
- fnatic: +8 pt (1422 → 1430), rise to #24
- NRG: +34 pt (1308 → 1342), rise to #28
- Fluxo: +30 pt (1279 → 1309), rise to #36
- Ninjas in Pyjamas: –13 pt (1280 → 1267), drop to #42
- RED Canids: –4 pt (1067 → 1063), drop to #71
- Lynn Vision: –9 pt (1411 → 1402), drop to #25
- GamerLegion: –24 pt (1525 → 1501), drop to #19
What’s next for the teams
In the 1:0 group, favorites now have a chance to pull ahead quickly and move closer to qualifying for Stage 2. Potential next opponents: FaZe may face fnatic, NRG or Fluxo — all top-tier matchups. NRG may run into FaZe or fnatic depending on the draw. Fluxo and fnatic could meet each other or face NRG.
In the 0:1 group, teams face critical matches — another loss places them one step away from elimination. GamerLegion, Lynn Vision, NiP and RED Canids find themselves in a dangerous position and must now fight for survival.
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Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge
Running alongside the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — an interactive feature where fans predict match results, choose advancing teams, and earn points throughout the tournament. By making accurate picks, participants unlock rewards ranging from premium skins to rare gloves and knives, with the ultimate prize being the iconic AWP | Dragon Lore.
