Stage 1 of the Budapest Major is where narratives are born and brackets collapse. Sixteen teams enter the most volatile phase of the tournament, where every BO1 can instantly redefine expectations. In an interview for us, analyst and broadcast talent Tedd shared his vision of the opening stage, breaking down the teams most likely to dominate, struggle, or surprise in Stage 1. This is the phase where favorites stumble, outsiders rise, and one unexpected result can destroy thousands of perfect brackets.
Stage 1 Format
Stage 1 is played in a Swiss system format. 16 teams compete in Best-of-1 matches, with advancement and elimination games played as Best-of-3. Three wins guarantee progression, three losses mean elimination. There is no room for slow starts or hesitation — adaptability and mental strength are the defining factors.
S-Tier — FaZe, Legacy
FaZe arrive as the most experienced and battle-tested team in Stage 1. They remain volatile, but their ability to convert chaos into control makes them uniquely dangerous in high-pressure situations. If they gain early momentum, they have the tools to dominate this phase.
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FaZe I’d put in the biters. But if they build up momentum, it’s just FaZe magic — they could always do it
Legacy stand out as the most emotionally compelling story of the stage. Their growth in 2025 has been defined by professionalism, stronger teamwork and mental discipline. They look more like a complete project rather than a temporary lineup, giving them real upside in Stage 1.
I very much like Legacy. Their journey throughout 2025 has been remarkable… becoming a real unit, not just a team that plays on the server
A-Tier — B8, GamerLegion, NIP
B8 show discipline and structure, but still lack the elite depth to be considered dominant. They are capable of disrupting the balance of groups, yet remain vulnerable against more stable opponents.
GamerLegion come in as a solid but limited unit. They can stay competitive and take maps, but do not inspire strong confidence for a long run.
GamerLegion I’d say C tier — biters. They can have a strong performance, but I don’t really see them as playoff material
NIP continue their transitional phase. There are flashes of potential, but inconsistency and the absence of a clear identity keep their ceiling in question.
NIP I’d also put in the biters. They could have a decent run, but I don’t trust them for consistency
B-Tier — Lynn Vision, M80, Fnatic, FlyQuest
Lynn Vision bring aggression and regional energy, but struggle to translate momentum into sustained results against structured opposition. M80 lack impact and presence at this level. They may stay competitive in certain matchups, but are unlikely to define the story of Stage 1.
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M80… they’re just going to be there, but I don’t think they will leave a real mark.
Fnatic remain unpredictable — capable of explosive performances, yet unable to sustain consistency across the Swiss format. FlyQuest enter as underdogs and rely heavily on BO1 chaos and surprise factor.
FlyQuest are definitely outsiders. In best-of-ones it can be very unpredictable
C-Tier — NRG, Fluxo, PARIVISION, Imperial
NRG approach the tournament in a complicated situation. Captain nitr0 will miss the Major, with the team using their coach as a substitute — a former IGL with leadership experience. While this may bring structure, overall impact and firepower remain major concerns.
NRG — definitely outsiders. I don’t really see a path for them to go deep
Fluxo rely on raw aim and high-tempo chaos. This makes them dangerous in BO1, but structurally fragile over longer series.
Fluxo pretty much run around and try to out-aim you. In best-of-ones that can be really dangerous
PARIVISION arrive as the most intriguing debutant. Their online dominance and modern structure make them one of the unknown variables of Stage 1.
PARIVISION is the obvious answer among debutants… I think they will make it through Stage 1
Imperial look more disciplined than most Brazilian counterparts, though their overall depth still limits expectations.
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Imperial we can put in potential underdogs. They’re dangerous enough to upset people
D-Tier — The Huns, Rare Atom, RED Canids
The Huns attempt to replicate a chaotic, high-tempo style, but lack the individual level to execute it consistently. Rare Atom struggle with instability and limited tactical depth, making them one of the most likely early exits.
I’d go with The Huns and maybe Rare Atom… as potential 0–3s
RED Canids depend heavily on raw mechanics rather than structure, making them unpredictable and inconsistent.
Those Brazilian teams are very dangerous in best-of-ones, but unpredictable
Pick’em Background
Running alongside the tournament is the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — an interactive feature where fans can predict match results, earn points, unlock rewards and level up throughout the event. Prizes include skins, gloves, knives, and the ultimate reward — an AWP | Dragon Lore.
