StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has officially entered the Playoffs — the most crucial part of the tournament. The chaos of Stage 1 and the nerves of Stage 2 now give way to true discipline: Pick’Ems are no longer based on intuition, but on precise understanding of team form and map pools. We’ve compiled all influencer predictions across all three stages to present the broadest possible picture of how this ultimate showdown of the season may unfold.
Playoffs of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — the boldest predictions
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has reached its decisive Playoffs stage — where every match is a BO3 battle and every round can end a championship dream. Only eight teams remain in contention for the lion’s share of the $1,170,000 prize pool, a shot at the trophy, and eternal Major glory.
Influencers, analysts, and content creators have locked in their full-tournament Pick’Ems, offering a wildly diverse set of predictions on which teams will rise in Budapest — and which giants may fall before the finish line.
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1. neL — the Major ends in Brazilian fireworks
- Quarter-finals winners: Spirit, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
neL expects a familiar title bout: Vitality facing FURIA in the grand final. But he believes this Major belongs to the Brazilians — their pace, confidence, and explosive aim pushing them past Europe’s most complete lineup. In his view, Budapest crowns a new South American champion.
2. NartOutHere — FURIA’s hunger to conquer Europe
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
NartOutHere envisions a playoff run driven by FURIA’s explosive form and the momentum they’ve shown in long series. He sees Vitality as the final obstacle — but not one strong enough to stop the Brazilian surge. Falcons and MOUZ make the semifinals, yet both fall short as Nart backs FURIA to lift the trophy in Budapest.
3. Fozzii FPS — Brazil’s run continues through the toughest path
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, FaZe
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
Fozzii FPS sees FURIA as a team built for high-pressure playoff CS, trusting their resilience even against FaZe in a chaotic elimination match. Vitality look strong enough to reach the final, but in his view, the Brazilian momentum and firepower prevail when it matters most — sealing the title for FURIA in Budapest.
4. PETR1K — Vitality challenged, but Brazil finishes the job
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
PETR1K follows a confident Playoffs script: Vitality cruise through to the final, but ultimately fall to a more energized and tactically unpredictable FURIA. With MOUZ and Falcons both pushing deep, he still trusts the Brazilians’ firepower to peak at the perfect moment — and to take home the Major trophy from Budapest.
5. Polex Fatias — FURIA overpower Europe in the final
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
In this prediction, Polex Fatias sticks to the expected playoff hierarchy — but gives the advantage to the Brazilians in the BO5 decider. He sees FURIA’s explosive style and confidence carrying them through the final clash against Vitality, earning Brazil a Major title in Budapest.
6. Egecan KIRTAŞ — Brazil finally go all the way
- Quarter-finals winners: Spirit, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
In this version of his prediction, Egecan KIRTAŞ once again expects the blockbuster Vitality vs FURIA final — but this time sees the Brazilians taking control when it matters the most. The decisive BO5 becomes the stage for their long-awaited breakthrough: FURIA lift the trophy in Budapest.
7. Hawka — trusting FURIA to break the meta
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
Hawka backs a Playoffs where Vitality and FURIA dominate from start to finish — but sees the Brazilians as the squad with a higher ceiling once the pressure peaks. With their aggression, firepower, and confidence in long series, he predicts FURIA will take over the finals and claim the Budapest Major crown.
8. Burt Burlington — FURIA break through and take the crown
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
Burt Burlington forecasts a familiar grand final pairing — but this time believes the Brazilians won’t let the opportunity slip. He sees FURIA’s momentum and individual firepower overwhelming Vitality in the BO5, turning Budapest into a landmark victory for Brazilian Counter-Strike.
9. austincs — Falcons soar high, but Brazil steals the crown
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Falcons, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
austincs gives Falcons the deepest run so far — all the way to the grand final — trusting their structure and star power to finally click in the arena. Yet even in this version of the bracket, FURIA are the ones who keep their composure in the BO5 decider. A confident nod to the Brazilians’ killer instinct when everything is on the line.
10. Never Forget — Spirit strike first, but FURIA finish strongest
- Quarter-finals winners: Spirit, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
Never Forget puts his trust in Spirit to break through the opening round, yet the deeper the Playoffs go, the more unstoppable FURIA appear. He predicts a high-class final clash with Vitality, but one where the Brazilians set the tempo, overpower the Europeans, and ultimately claim the Major title in Budapest.
11. CS Tactics — Vitality reclaim the Major throne
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: Vitality
CS Tactics goes against the rising FURIA hype and places faith in Vitality’s high-pressure experience. Even with a dangerous final opponent in the Brazilians, he backs the French-Danish lineup to stay composed in the BO5 and secure another Major crown. A prediction built on championship pedigree rather than momentum.
12. Vince — FURIA clutch the biggest stage
- Quarter-finals winners: Spirit, Vitality, FURIA, FaZe
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
Vince backs a more dangerous lower bracket path for FURIA, with FaZe pushing them to the limit early. But once the Brazilians reach the grand final, he believes their raw firepower and momentum take over. Vitality put up a real fight, yet in his prediction FURIA deliver when it counts most — and claim the Budapest Major trophy.
13. Aven — Vitality defeat a surprising MOUZ contender
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, MOUZ
- Grand final champion: Vitality
Aven takes a different route from most analysts, sending MOUZ past FURIA and into the grand final. But once there, he still sees Vitality as the superior team in a championship decider. With more experience in pressure games, Vitality are his pick to capture the Budapest Major title.
14. Dog — FURIA clutch out the biggest moment
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
Dog envisions a classic Vitality vs FURIA finale — but believes the Brazilian roster will find that extra gear when the trophy is on the line. In his view, Vitality’s discipline isn’t enough to stop the raw confidence and firepower of FURIA in a BO5 decider.
15. Choke Gaming — FURIA deliver on the biggest stage
- Quarter-finals winners: Spirit, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Vitality, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
Choke Gaming predicts a thrilling final between Vitality and the surging Brazilians — but believes FURIA will break the narrative and rise above when the stakes are highest. With momentum, confidence, and a fearless style, they’re his pick to lift the Budapest Major trophy.
16. STYKO — Falcons fly high, but FURIA finish the story
- Quarter-finals winners: Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, MOUZ
- Semi-finals winners: Falcons, FURIA
- Grand final champion: FURIA
This bracket gives Falcons one of their strongest playoff runs yet — straight to the grand final after taking down Vitality. But even with that surge, FURIA are predicted to rise above them in the ultimate BO5. The Brazilians’ firepower and momentum make them the final pick for the Budapest Major title.
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Stage 3 StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — the boldest predictions
Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 brings us to the core of the Major — BO3 series where strength, discipline, and map-pool depth matter more than ever. Only eight teams will advance, and every mistake now can cost the entire tournament run. Influencers, analysts, and content creators have already locked in their Pick’Ems, shaping completely different visions of the playoff bracket.
1. Mauisnake — Vitality and Falcons as the most stable BO3 forces
Mauisnake builds his Pick’Em around structured teams:
- 3–0: Falcons
- 0–3: Imperial
In the advancing slots he puts Vitality, NAVI, FaZe, MOUZ, Spirit, FURIA, and G2. The set is as logical as it gets: minimum risk, maximum trust in top-tier lineups in long series. Falcons as the 3–0 team is a bold but far from baseless choice.
2. Peacemaker — a “redemption arc” built around Falcons
Peacemaker calls his Pick’Em “an attempt at redemption.”
- 3–0: Falcons, MOUZ
- 0–3: Parivision, B8
Among the teams he expects to advance, he lists FURIA, Vitality, G2, FaZe, NAVI, and Spirit. The high seeding for MOUZ makes his Pick’Em one of the most unconventional in this list.
3. fl0m — the safest Pick’Em of them all
fl0m has put together an extremely stable set:
- 3–0: Falcons, FURIA
- 0–3: Imperial, Passion UA
In the advancing group he has Vitality, NAVI, FaZe, G2, Spirit, and MOUZ. Zero experiments, zero romance — just structural logic and faith in the strength of the favourites.
4. NartOutHere — theory-heavy approach and huge trust in Spirit
Nart breaks down Stage 3 through the lens of matchups:
- 3–0: Falcons, Spirit
- 0–3: Imperial, Passion UA
He puts Vitality, FURIA, G2, NAVI, MOUZ, and FaZe in the qualifiers. The biggest emphasis is on Spirit, who in his view can win any tactical BO3.
5. Thorin — Liquid to surprise, FURIA and Vitality to dominate
This time Thorin doesn’t fully go against the mainstream:
- 3–0: FURIA, Vitality
- 0–3: Imperial, Passion UA
In the advancing part of the bracket he adds Liquid alongside G2, Falcons, NAVI, Spirit, and MOUZ. This is one of the few Pick’Ems where Liquid even appear in the top six.
6. Shok (Shok CS2) — CIS focus and FURIA on top positions
Shok opts for a relatively safe logic:
- 3–0: FURIA, Vitality
- 0–3: Imperial, Liquid
He has NAVI, MOUZ, Spirit, Falcons, paiN, and G2 going through. It’s a very aggressive Pick’Em with maximum trust in FURIA.
7. PETRIK — a risky set with MOUZ and Spirit in the 3–0 slot
PETRIK once again takes a non-standard route:
- 3–0: MOUZ, Spirit
- 0–3: Imperial, Parivision
In the advancing zone he places Vitality, FURIA, NAVI, G2, B8, and Falcons. MOUZ in 3–0 is a rare but very telling decision.
8. austincs — NA perspective and belief in Furia and paiN
austincs puts together a clearly North American-flavoured Pick’Em:
- 3–0: FURIA, Falcons
- 0–3: Imperial, 3DMAX
Advancing are MOUZ, FaZe, NAVI, paiN, Vitality, and Spirit. Having two “NA hopes” high in the bracket at once is very unusual compared to the others.
9. CS Tactics — coach-style bracket with zero unnecessary risks
CS Tactics builds his Pick’Em like a coach would:
- 3–0: FURIA, Vitality
- 0–3: Imperial, Passion UA
The teams he has advancing are G2, FaZe, NAVI, Falcons, Spirit, and MOUZ. This is arguably the most rational Pick’Em in the entire list.
10. Ozzny — “my Pick’Em vs random” showdown
GOLD Budapest Major Stage 3 Pickems ‼️
> Left image: My Picks
> Right image: Randomly filled PicksLet's see which one does better 😭 pic.twitter.com/2U2CqW5LKp
— Ozzny (@Ozzny_CS2) December 3, 2025
Ozzny posted a unique image:
on the left — his prediction, on the right — a randomly generated one.
His own picks:
- 3–0: FURIA, Vitality
- 0–3: Imperial, Passion UA
In the top six he puts MOUZ, NAVI, FaZe, Falcons, Spirit, and G2. Ironically, the random bracket turned out to be very similar, which shows just how “readable” the BO3 field of Stage 3 has become.
Pick’Ems for Stage 2 — Where the Pressure Peaks
1. BanKs Esports — a safe Pick’Em trusting NAVI to go 3–0
BanKs sticks to a confident and straightforward approach by placing Aurora and Natus Vincere in the 3–0 slot — a prediction that the European powerhouse will breeze through Stage 2 without dropping a single map.
His Advancement row includes a well-balanced mix of strong contenders: Team Liquid, B8, Passion UA , TYLOO, Astralis and FlyQuest — all teams that should secure playoffs even if they need all five rounds.
Meanwhile, 3DMAX and Imperial are the ones BanKs expects to struggle the most — locked into the 0–3 elimination slot.
2. Fozzii FPS — trusting Team Liquid to dominate Stage 2
Fozzii FPS puts his confidence into Team Liquid by placing them in the 3–0 slot, and placing FaZe. It’s a bold belief in their momentum and firepower to clean-sweep the opening stage and secure instant playoffs qualification.
His Advance row features a lineup of proven contenders: NAVI, Aurora, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Astralis, M80, and PARIVISION — all teams that are expected to confidently lock in a 3–1 or 3–2 finish.
For the 0–3 slot, Fozzii selects TYLOO and Imperial, predicting that the Asian squad will struggle in this stacked field and exit Stage 2 without taking a map. A balanced setup with a high-ceiling gamble on Liquid’s resurgence — aggressive enough to chase strong returns, but stable in the advancement pool.
3. austincs — trusting Aurora for a flawless 3–0
austincs takes a confident stance on Aurora and Natus Vincere, placing the rising European roster in the 3–0 slot. He’s betting on their momentum and firepower to deliver a clean run through Stage 2 and secure instant playoff qualification.
For his advance lineup, austincs selects a mix of stable heavy hitters and experienced contenders: Liquid, Astralis, TYLOO, Passion UA, FlyQuest and MIBR — expecting these squads to close out Stage 2 through 3–1 or 3–2 scorelines.
In the 0–3 position, he sends B8 and Imperial — anticipating that the Ukrainian lineup will struggle against elite opposition and exit early.
4. NartOutHere — trusting NAVI to dominate and sending MIBR to a quick exit
NartOutHere puts full confidence in the European powerhouse NAVI and 3DMAX, locking them into the 3–0 position. His logic aligns with their proven LAN experience and strong structure heading into Stage 2.
His advance picks include a blend of tactical stability and star-powered rosters: Astralis, Ninjas in Pyjamas, FaZe, M80, Liquid and Aurora — all teams he expects to handle the pressure and secure qualification through the mid rounds.
At the bottom of his prediction, MIBR and Passion UA are placed in the 0–3 slot, suggesting he believes the Brazilians may struggle heavily against the elite competition right from the start.
5. distortion — bold trust in PARIVISION and 3DMAX, brutal ending for TYLOO and Passion UA
distortion takes a very aggressive approach with his upper picks: PARIVISION and 3DMAX are locked into the 3–0 slots, signaling strong belief that both squads can start Stage 2 with flawless momentum.
The 3–1 / 3–2 block features six of the tournament’s biggest favorites — all expected to safely advance to Stage 3: NAVI, Liquid, FlyQuest, Astralis, B8, Aurora.
These teams form the core of what distortion considers the most reliable contenders. Meanwhile, TYLOO and Passion UA are placed straight into the 0–3 elimination prediction — a harsh but clear statement about their expected struggles against the tougher competition in this stage. A setup built on high-risk confidence picks at the top and zero mercy for the presumed underdogs at the bottom.
6. ceh9 — Astralis hype and Ukrainian faith in Passion UA
Former NAVI legend ceh9 puts his trust into a very punchy 3–0 setup: Astralis and Passion UA are his flawless stage picks. A bold display of faith — especially in the Ukrainian squad making a perfect run right from the start.
The main qualification group (3–1 / 3–2) includes six strong contenders expected to advance without major trouble: fnatic, FaZe, M80, Aurora, Liquid, 3DMAX. A fairly balanced mix of experience and rising momentum squads.
On the elimination end (0–3), ceh9 predicts early disaster for: TYLOO, MIBR. Two teams he clearly believes won’t withstand the pressure of the Stage 2 competition. A prediction set with national pride and a big gamble on an Astralis resurgence.
7. kassad — NAVI confidence and a risky underdog elimination call
Analyst and former coach kassad places huge belief in NAVI to start flawlessly in Stage 2, pairing them with Aurora in the 3–0 slot. A combination of star power and CIS firepower that he expects to click immediately.
His 3–1 / 3–2 advancement group includes six squads that he sees as reliable enough to push through: TYLOO, 3DMAX, Liquid, Astralis, M80, B8. A mix of veterans and squads on the rise — strong enough to avoid early trouble, but not quite perfect-run material.
For the elimination prediction, kassad goes bold — targeting two notable teams for 0–3: fnatic, Passion UA. A surprising call considering fnatic’s experience and Passion UA’s momentum from prior stages. A confident bet on CIS strength — with some daring gambles on who crumbles first.
8. PETR1K — trusting the underdogs to shine early
Analyst PETR1K puts strong belief in two ambitious rosters — predicting 3DMAX and B8 to open Stage 2 flawlessly with a 3–0 score. A bold take that favors hungry, high-momentum teams over traditional giants.
His 3–1 / 3–2 advancement list features a more expected set of contenders: Aurora, Natus Vincere, Astralis, Ninjas in Pyjamas, M80, Liquid. A balanced mix of established powerhouses and rising European threats that PETR1K expects to secure progression without major trouble.
Finally, he predicts two teams to fall flat in Budapest and exit winless: TYLOO, MIBR. A tough outlook for both squads as they face a steep increase in opponent quality. A prediction set built on belief in momentum — and faith that CIS and French-Polish firepower will deliver early.
9. MacMate — trusting FlyQuest magic and a Passion UA miracle run
MacMate’s predictions lean into chaos and momentum, placing FlyQuest and Passion UA as the bold 3–0 choices. Two risky picks — but if they hit, they hit big.
His qualified teams list is far more conventional, packed with tournament favorites and stable European contenders: Aurora, Natus Vincere, 3DMAX, Astralis, M80, B8. A lineup well-balanced between firepower, tactics, and LAN experience — all expected to survive Stage 2 without major setbacks.
Meanwhile, the elimination choices reflect a tough reality for two inconsistent squads: TYLOO, Imperial. Both lineups have struggled to convert opportunities at recent events, making a 0–3 exit a realistic scenario. MacMate goes fearless with his top slots — believing underdogs can deliver the biggest early upsets.
10. rootTheGamer — full confidence in NAVI and Astralis to dominate early
rootTheGamer keeps it traditional at the top — selecting Natus Vincere and Astralis for the flawless 3–0 spots. Two legendary European giants, both expected to start the Swiss stage with authority.
His advancing group represents a solid balance of tactical structure and upset potential: Aurora, FlyQuest, Liquid, PARIVISION, M80, B8. If these rosters maintain their recent form, all six should be fighting in the 2–1 bracket at minimum.
His 0–3 elimination picks reflect current form concerns: TYLOO, Imperial. Neither team has shown consistency against stronger international competition recently — making their early exit a logical prediction. rootTheGamer is banking on Europe’s elite taking control — and hoping the middle of the pack survives the chaos.
11. MrMaxim — trusting the momentum squads to go flawless
MrMaxim goes bold with his 3–0 selections: 3DMAX and M80 — two high-tempo teams that can ride early confidence to a perfect start in the Swiss stage.
His advancing pool features a strong mix of structure, firepower, and upset capability: Aurora, Natus Vincere, B8, PARIVISION, Astralis, Liquid. If the Swiss chaos doesn’t punish any early slip-ups, all six should be competing deep into Stage 2.
For eliminations, he stays consistent with many other creators: TYLOO, Imperial. Both rosters have struggled against stronger tactical opponents — making this prediction feel safe. MrMaxim’s Pick’Em is aggressive at the top — but secure everywhere else.
12. Jerry — banking on 3DMAX and FaZe to smash the Swiss
Jerry shows confidence in the firepower meta — choosing two explosive rosters to cruise through Stage 2 without losses: 3DMAX and FaZe as his 3–0 picks.
His advancing group is a strong mix of CIS stability, European structure, and emerging upset power: Aurora, Natus Vincere, B8, Liquid, M80, PARIVISION. All of these teams have solid win conditions and should avoid dangerous elimination matches if they start strong.
For elimination, Jerry opts for two of the most commonly predicted squads: TYLOO, Passion UA. Both have major question marks coming into this stage, making them familiar 0–3 candidates. A meta-aligned Pick’Em with just enough spice in the perfect-run prediction.
13. friberg — NiP legend puts faith in FaZe perfection
friberg keeps things simple — trust the elite, avoid unnecessary risks. His 3–0 pick is a fan-favorite powerhouse: FaZe — expected to cruise through without a single stumble.
For the main advancing pool, he selects rosters with both structure and firepower — a very “safe coin” strategy: Ninjas in Pyjamas, Liquid, Natus Vincere, Aurora, 3DMAX, Astralis, fnatic. If these teams play to their ceilings, they should all survive the chaos.
And his elimination choice? A bold call, but based on consistency issues: Imperial — predicted to go 0–3. A conservative, top-tier-focused Pick’Em — classic friberg.
14. ThourCS2 — Aurora trusted to shine, Imperial expected to fall
ThourCS2 sticks to logic: pick a strong dark horse for 3–0 and avoid risking tournament favorites there. His undefeated advancement pick: 3–0: Aurora — a confident gamble on Europe’s rising firepower. The main progression block features some of the most reliable and structured contenders at this stage:
Advance 3–1 / 3–2: Liquid, Natus Vincere, Astralis, 3DMAX, M80, FlyQuest, PARIVISION. Solid Tier-1 and Tier-1.5 consistency — exactly the type of teams that usually survive BO1 chaos.
And finally, for the winless departure: 0–3: Imperial — a tough call for the Brazilian squad. A smart, stability-first strategy from Thour — minimize risk, maximize coin safety.
15. Cnd — betting on Aurora hype, doubting fnatic again
Cnd follows a trend we’ve seen from multiple creators — Aurora as the explosive 3–0 pick. 3–0 (Advanced): Aurora — high-ceiling entry fraggers and strong momentum in BO1s.
His main 7 advancing teams are a balanced mix of firepower and experience: 3–1 / 3–2 (Advanced): 3DMAX, PARIVISION, B8, FaZe, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Natus Vincere, Liquid. Two elite contenders (FaZe & NAVI), two rebuilding threats (Astralis, NiP), plus solid Stage-1 graduates.
And for the tough prediction: 0–3 (Eliminated): fnatic — Cnd clearly has low faith in their form and cohesion. Another Aurora-backer — but also another believer that fnatic won’t survive Budapest.
16. kioShiMa — trusting NAVI to go flawless, sending FlyQuest home early
kioShiMa keeps things simple and bold — NAVI are his undefeated pick for a perfect 3–0 start. 3–0 (Advanced): Natus Vincere — strong structure, star power, and recent high-level form
For the main qualification slots, he selects a mix of EU firepower and solid Stage-1 performers: 3–1 / 3–2 (Advanced): Aurora, 3DMAX, Liquid, B8, M80, TYLOO, Astralis. A very aggressive TYLOO → Advanced take here — significantly higher than most predictions.
His elimination pick: 0–3 (Eliminated): FlyQuest — he sees them collapsing early in the BO1 chaos A rare prediction where TYLOO advance and FlyQuest get knocked out winless — a true underdog shake-up.
Pick’Ems for Stage 1 — The First Test of the Major
1. Thour — an updated Pick’Em after the NRG stand-in news
After the announcement that NRG will play with daps as a stand-in, Thour quickly adjusted his Stage 1 Pick’Em. He removed NRG and M80 from the qualifying row and replaced them with NiP and Imperial, keeping the rest of the pool unchanged. His 3–0 slots remain Legacy and FaZe, and the qualifiers are GL, Fnatic, Parivision, and B8. For 0–3 he keeps RED Canids and Rare Atom. An extremely conservative but adaptive set.
2. Thorin — traditional analysis with an unexpected BO1 discipline angle
Thorin gives the 3–0 slots to Legacy and FaZe, while placing GL, Fnatic, NiP, B8, NRG and Parivision in the qualifying row. For 0–3 he selects The Huns and Rare Atom, emphasizing that “BO1 always breaks the outsiders first.” His prediction stands out due to his trust in NiP — something not all analysts agree with.
3. BankEs Esports — a “diamond coin believer” with faith in FaZe for 3–0
In his Pick’Em, BankEs places FaZe and Legacy in the 3–0 slot. His qualifying row includes B8, GamerLegion, Parivision, Fnatic, NiP, and FlyQuest. For 0–3 he selects The Huns and RED Canids, but overall the logic is extremely stable: minimal surprises, maximum BO1 strength.
4. Peacemaker — a Brazilian perspective with GL among the favorites
Peacemaker gives his 3–0 slots to the two most reliable BO1 teams in his view: FaZe and GamerLegion. His qualifiers are Imperial, B8, Legacy, Imperial (again), FlyQuest, and Fnatic. His elimination picks are The Huns and RED Canids. The entire set is built around one idea: “Imperial should make it through.”
5. PimpCS — a very “European” balance with no romantic risks
Pimp also puts FaZe and GamerLegion into the 3–0 slots. His qualifying row consists of Parivision, Fnatic, NiP, B8, FlyQuest, and Legacy. For 0–3 he assigns RED Canids and Rare Atom. Overall, this Pick’Em looks like the driest, most straightforward “power ranking” selection.
6. Mauisnake — FaZe, GL, and Fnatic as a stable qualifying core
Mauisnake locks in Legacy for the 3–0 slot, and fills the qualifying row with FaZe, GamerLegion, Fnatic, M80, B8, Fly Quest and NRG. His 0–3 is RED Canids. A very safe and logical Pick’Em.
7. fl0m — FaZe, GL, M80, and Fnatic in a classic selection
fl0m gives the 3–0 to Legacy and Faze, and sticks to a familiar pool of favorites: B8, GamerLegion, Fnatic, M80, NRG, Parivision. For 0–3, unsurprisingly, Rare Atom and The Huns.
8. Ash’s Playbook — Fnatic, FaZe, GL, and Legacy as the foundation
Ash crafts a well-thought-out set: Legacy and FAZE 3–0, qualifiers — Parivision, GL, Fnatic, Lynn Vision, Fnatic, FlyQuest, plus a chance for B8. The elimination pick remains RED Canids and The Huns.
9. CooperTV — trusting FaZe, Parivision, GL, and B8
CooperTV keeps it riske: FAZE and Parivision 3–0, qualifiers — Legacy, GamerLegion, B8, M80, NRG, and he also trusts FlyQuest. For 0–3 — Rare Atom and The Huns.
10. LOBA — B8, Legacy, Imperial, NiP, and Lynn Vision through
Despite his reputation for risky Pick’Ems, LOBA plays it careful here: Legacy and B8 3–0, then FaZe, Imperial, Parivision, NiP, Lynn Vision, GL. 0–3 — RED Canids and The Huns.
11. STYKO — the most cautious pool: GL, Fnatic, FaZe, M80, FlyQuest
A professional approach: Legacy, B8 in 3–0, qualifiers — FaZe, GL, Fnatic, M80, FlyQuest, NiP. STYKO also puts Rare Atom and Fluxo in 0–3.
12. NartOutHere — FaZe, Fly Quest, GL, Parivision, and B8 as BO1 favorites
Nart analyzes the matchups and picks Legacy and B8 3–0, with FaZe, Parivision, GamerLegion, FlyQuest, NiP, Lynn Vision qualifying. 0–3 — RED Canids, The Huns.
13. CS Tactics — FaZe, GL, Fnatic, FlyQuest, M80 with bold additions
CS Tactics keeps Legacy and FAZE for 3–0 and builds a qualifying group of Lynn Vision, GL, Fnatic, Parivision, M80, B8 . 0–3 — Rare Atom and NRG.
14. austincs — NA-flavored Pick’Em with Legacy and Faze qualifying
austincs locks Legacy and B8 in 3–0, and shows regional loyalty by placing Lynn Vision and FlyQuest in the qualifying row. He completes the set with FaZe, Fnatic, GL, NiP. Elimination pick — RED Canids and The Huns.
15. Burt Burlington — FaZe, Fnatic, GL, NiP, B8 as the safest lineup
Minimal risk: Legacy, B8 3–0, qualifiers — FaZe, GL, Fnatic, Parivision, NiP, Lynn Vision. And for 0–3, the traditional choice — RED Canids.
16. ohnePixel — FaZe, GL, Fnatic, and Legacy as the “iron core”
ohnеPixel places FaZe and GL in the 3–0 slot, and fills the qualifying row with Legacy, NiP, Fnatic, B8, M80, NRG, and Fnatic. A surprisingly “non-standard” set, since most Pick’Ems put Legacy and FaZe at 3–0 — but here GL take the top spot, a team that doesn’t appear in every prediction. For 0–3, he selects RED Canids and The Huns, aligning with the general community opinion.
17. shoke and pixel — FaZe, Legacy, Fnatic, Parivision, GL
shoke chooses Legacy and B8 for the 3–0 slot, and gives qualifying chances to FaZe, Parivision, Fnatic, GamerLegion, NiP, and NRG. In the elimination slot, he puts Rare Atom and RED Canids, the classic duo of expected outsiders in most lists.
18. ceh9 — an unconventional CIS approach: B8, Fnatic, FaZe, Legacy
ceh9 makes a surprising choice for the favorites: Legacy and Fnatic in the 3–0 slot, followed by FaZe, B8, M80, NiP, Lynn Vision, and FlyQuest as qualifiers. For 0–3, he sends RED Canids and Rare Atom, predicting a quick exit for both.
19. dona — an unexpected Pick’Em with a B8 emphasis
dona picks Legacy and B8 for the 3–0 slot, while the qualifying row consists of FaZe, GL, Imperial, NiP, Parivision, and Lynn Vision. For 0–3 — Rare Atom and RED Canids, creating a fairly unusual and interesting set overall.
20. Fozzii — a balanced mix of favorites and follow-the-meta picks
Fozzii gives the 3–0 slot to Legacy and B8, then completes the qualifiers with FaZe, GL, Lynn Vision, FlyQuest, NiP, and M80. His elimination picks are Rare Atom and RED Canids, matching the choices of the two predictors before him and avoiding unnecessary risks.
21.PETR1K — structured, cautious, zero-risk
PETR1K builds a fully rational set: 3–0 — GamerLegion and Legacy, a pure BO1-discipline pick; his qualifiers are FaZe, Fnatic, B8, Lynn Vision, FlyQuest, and NiP. For 0–3 he goes with the standard Rare Atom and The Huns. No experiments — except a notable amount of trust in GL as a team capable of running the opening stage undefeated.
22.MacMate — matchup-based analysis with a focus on favorites
MacMate also uses Legacy and FaZe as his 3–0 picks but relies heavily on specific first-round matchups. His qualifiers are Fnatic, GL, Parivision, FlyQuest, M80, and B8. Eliminated — Fluxo and Rare Atom. A fairly bold approach, especially the double fade on both Asian teams in BO1.
23.Wyld — classic “road to diamond” with minimal risk
Wyld follows the standard diamond-coin philosophy: 3–0 — Legacy and FaZe; qualifiers — NiP, GL, Fnatic, Parivision, Lynn Vision, and B8. For 0–3 he selects The Huns and RED Canids. A fully “diamond-safe” Pick’Em without any experimental choices.
24.MrMaxim — NA perspective with unconventional decisions
MrMaxim places Legacy and GL as his top 3–0 candidates, showing strong confidence in both teams. His qualifier pool includes FaZe, Fnatic, Lynn Vision, FlyQuest, B8, and M80. For 0–3 he predicts The Huns and Rare Atom.
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Unified predictions — and total unpredictability ahead
All ten influencers share the same core expectations: Legacy appear in the 3–0 slot across nearly every Pick’Em, while RED Canids consistently occupy 0–3. The qualifying rows heavily feature FaZe, Fnatic, GamerLegion, M80, FlyQuest, and Imperial, forming an unofficial “Stage 1 big six.” But despite the similarities, Stage 1 remains notorious for destroying even the most carefully built Pick’Ems — one upset or one disastrous BO1 can collapse the entire grid. Very soon we’ll see whether the popular forecasts hold up or if the Budapest Major 2025 once again turns everything upside down. And with the action just about to begin, now is the perfect moment to create your own Pick’Em — right here on our website.
