FlyQuest became the first team to secure a spot in Stage 2, followed shortly by M80, who demolished NRG 2–0. Both 3–0 matches were won in dominant fashion: FlyQuest dismantled Fluxo, while M80 left NRG with no chances despite the team being forced to field a stand-in.
First 3–0 match — FlyQuest vs Fluxo
Overpass — 13:2. Total control from FlyQuest
Fluxo picked Overpass, hoping to use their comfort map to create chaos — but FlyQuest shut everything down instantly.
- regali played at a top-10 AWPer level and denied Fluxo any access to key map control.
- Vexite and nettik won most duels on B, forcing Fluxo into constant resets.
- INS locked down mid with perfect timing, preventing Fluxo from entering any comfortable fights.
At 11–1 in the first half, the comeback was already unrealistic. FlyQuest closed the map 13–2 and secured a dominant start to the series.
Inferno — 13:3. FlyQuest turn dominance into a clean series
Fluxo tried to change the pace on Inferno and even had early chances, but FlyQuest were simply miles ahead:
- Vexite delivered one of his best matches of the year — 1.62 rating, 104 ADR.
- regali remained flawless in every important pick.
- INS dismantled site defenses with aggressive counter-plays Fluxo didn’t expect.
The 9–3 half sealed Fluxo’s fate. FlyQuest closed the map 13–3 and completed a crushing 2–0 victory.
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Match statistics
Match MVP — Iulian “regali” Harjău
The Romanian AWPer delivered an almost perfect performance:
- 1.81 rating
- 87.5 ADR
- 90% KAST
- Dominance in every clutch position
- Full tempo control on Overpass
One of regali’s best LAN performances of 2025.
FlyQuest — the first 3–0 team of the Major, Fluxo suffer first setback before Stage 2
FlyQuest reach Stage 2 with a 3–0 record — marking:
- their strongest Major start since assembling the EU–AUS roster,
- their first 3–0 qualification in the organization’s history,
- a massive strategic win for VRS and Stage 2 seeding.
Earlier in the stage, FlyQuest defeated Imperial (13–6), Legacy (13–10), showing the consistency they had often lacked.
Fluxo — a harsh reality check after seven straight wins
Fluxo entered the match in great form but were outplayed in every key aspect against a true tier-1 opponent:
- tempo control
- map control
- individual duels
- mid-round adaptation
Second 3–0 Match — M80 vs NRG
Dust2 — 13:7. M80 win through tempo and mechanics
NRG picked Dust2, aiming to lean on one of their most comfortable maps, but M80 immediately disrupted their rhythm.
- Swisher dominated long duels and secured most opening kills.
- Lake held mid control with consistency.
- slaxz locked down every critical rotation point.
NRG attempted slow plays through mid and catwalk, but M80 read every approach. After a 10–2 first half, the comeback was nearly impossible. Dust2 ended 13–7, giving M80 a strong foundation.
Mirage — 13:2. M80 close the series without mercy
On Mirage, NRG looked drained and couldn’t contest:
- Swisher continued his dominance — 1.60 rating, 84.4 ADR.
- Lake won all key B-site engagements.
- s1n and HexT flawlessly handled retakes.
With daps standing in for nitr0, NRG couldn’t adapt to the aggressive rotations of M80. Another 10–2 half sealed the fate: M80 finished the map 13–2 and the series 2–0.
Match statistics
Match MVP — Michael “Swisher” Schmid
The American rifler was the standout performer:
- 1.60 rating
- 84.4 ADR
- 82.9% KAST
- +6.13% swing
- Critical openings on both maps
His stability on Dust2 and complete dominance on Mirage formed the backbone of M80’s victory.
M80 — second 3–0 of the Major; NRG fall to 2–1
M80 advance to Stage 2 with a perfect 3–0, marking:
- The most convincing Major start by a North American team in years
- A key VRS jump: +14 points (#25 → #24)
- Proof that the team has peaked right in time for the Major
NRG drop to 2–1 after their toughest series of the month and now face a do-or-die qualification match.
VRS changes after the 3–0 matches
FlyQuest vs Fluxo — VRS Impact
- FlyQuest: +36 points (#27 → #24) — a huge boost securing a stronger Stage 2 seed
- Fluxo: –12 points (#33 → #35) — a damaging loss that may affect their matchup difficulty in 2–1 pool play
M80 vs NRG — VRS Impact
- M80: +14 points (#26 → #25) — another strong step forward in global standings
- NRG: –14 points (#28 → #29) — a costly drop that worsens their seeding situation ahead of the qualification match
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.
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Day Summary: first 3–0 teams, major VRS shifts, and Stage 1 pressure rising
FlyQuest and M80 are the first teams to secure spots in Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, both delivering clean and dominant 3–0 runs. They gain favorable seeding and crucial VRS momentum, while Fluxo and NRG fall into the 2–1 bracket — now facing maximum pressure and zero room for error. Ahead lies the most intense stretch of Stage 1, where the full list of eliminated teams and the six advancing squads will be decided on the path toward the legendary Budapest finals.
