StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 begins with a match between B8 and M80 — two teams starting the Swiss stage with a 0:0 score. This is the tournament opener for both rosters and a crucial moment, as the winner immediately gains a comfortable 1:0 position, while the loser moves into the less favorable 0:1 bracket. Both teams enter the Major with different results and playstyles, making their first head-to-head especially intriguing.
STARLADDER BUDAPEST MAJOR 2025 STAGE 1 — THE FIRST TEST OF THE MAJOR
The tournament runs from November 24 to 27 in Budapest, Hungary, and will determine the teams that secure two slots in Stage 2. A total of 16 teams participate in Stage 1, including FaZe, B8, M80, fnatic, Legacy, NIP, Rare Atom, GamerLegion, and others from the European, American, and Asian regions.
The format is Swiss Bo1, with elimination and advancement matches played as Bo3. This creates highly unpredictable conditions where even a small mistake can cost the entire path toward the dream — reaching the main stage of the Major.
The B8 vs M80 matchup is one of the central opening matches, with both teams aiming to set the tone for the tournament.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD — FIRST OFFICIAL MEETING
B8 and M80 have never faced each other before — this is their first official encounter. The lack of history gives both teams room for experimentation and makes the match even more interesting, as neither side has direct references to the other’s playstyle.
Currently, B8 hold the #21 spot in the world ranking, while M80 sit at #26 — confirming the relative parity of the rosters before the Swiss stage begins.
CURRENT FORM
- B8 — STABILITY THROUGH STRUCTURE
B8 (#21 HLTV, #18 VRS) enter the tournament in solid form, having won 4 of their last 6 matches. The team confidently defeated Astralis (2–0), 3DMAX (2–0), and Legacy (2–1), but lost to Aurora and BIG. Their overall win rate over the past three months is 63%, and the roster’s average rating is around 1.10.
The key player is npl, showing a 1.14 rating and 82 ADR. Together with kensizor and headtr1ck, he forms a stable trio capable of maintaining tempo in a Bo1. The team shows disciplined gameplay, focusing on controlling key map zones and strong retakes. Shox shared his view of B8’s potential at the Major:
Yeah, I think the 8 is a team that honestly can pretend to go till stage three.
But he also expressed some doubts:
I’m not sure about the players. I think the players can be too hard for them.
- M80 — AMERICAN STABILITY AND AGGRESSION
M80 (#26 HLTV, #31 VRS) enter the Major on an upswing thanks to 5 wins in their last 6 matches. Their most notable victories include NRG (3–2 in a Bo5), Marsborne (2–0), and Reign Above (2–0). Their form is stable, with a 64% win rate over the past three months.
Their best player is Lake, who shows a 1.18 rating, 84.7 ADR, and a high 74.5% KAST. Alongside him, Swisher and slaxz- provide the needed firepower, especially in early-round duels.
M80’s style is more aggressive, with early map control and active duels — a dangerous approach in Bo1, where risk is often rewarded.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics from the last 3 months (B8 | M80):
- Dust2: 20% | 50%
- Mirage: 73% | 91%
- Inferno: 38% | 50%
- Nuke: — | —
- Train: 50% | 60%
- Overpass: 50% | 29%
- Ancient: 55% | 67%
Expected veto:
- B8 remove Mirage, where M80 have a 91% win rate — far too strong a map for the American roster.
- M80 remove Nuke, even though neither team plays it — a standard technical ban in such matchups.
Likely picks:
- B8: Ancient — one of the team’s most stable maps, where npl and alex666 shine in opening duels.
- M80: Train — a disciplined map for the roster, with a 60% win rate and a well-structured defense.
Decider: Inferno — a map where both teams hold 38–50% win rates and have equal chances in duels.
KEY DUELS
- npl vs Lake — the central duel, as both are the driving forces of their teams.
- headtr1ck vs slaxz- — a sniper matchup that will heavily influence a Bo1.
- kensizor vs HexT — the entry-role clash, where HexT’s aggression can play a major role.
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PREDICTION
The B8 vs M80 match looks extremely balanced for the start of the Swiss stage. B8 play with structure and discipline, while M80 excel in tempo aggression and individual duels. Shox summed up his perspective on B8’s potential at the tournament:
I would pick B8 against rarer mode. But I won’t be surprised if they manage to get like stage one, stage two and go to stage three.
B8 will be able to contest the match, but M80 have more tools for mid-game adaptation, and their core players show a higher individual peak over the past three months.
Predicted result: M80 0–1 B8.
