StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 enters the decisive phase of Stage 1 — the 2–1 matches, where a victory guarantees progression to Stage 2. B8 and Legacy meet in a crucial Bo3 with contrasting styles and a head-to-head history that spans six maps across the last two months. B8 rely on discipline and LAN stability, while Legacy arrive as one of the strongest Brazilian lineups of the year — explosive, structured, and in excellent form. As a result, this matchup will determine who breaks into the top 16 of the Major.
Current Form & Context
B8 — discipline, LAN stability, and tempo control
B8 approach this series after several hard-earned wins that highlight their ability to operate under pressure. They closed out tight maps against PARIVISION (13–11) and The Huns (13–11), fought competitively versus M80 and Aurora, and even secured a victory against Legacy earlier in the season. Moreover, B8 do not depend on explosiveness; instead, they win through structure and consistency:
- npl — 1.15 rating, one of the most reliable riflers in the CIS region
- esenthetical — strong trader
- kensizor — controls the tempo in key rounds
- headtr1ck — adaptive AWP play
- alex666 — dependable CT anchor
Consequently, their style fits Bo3 Major matches extremely well: low-risk, controlled, and stable.
Legacy — the most consistent Brazilian lineup of the season
Legacy enter Budapest in excellent shape. They defeated Rare Atom, RED Canids, and FlyQuest, delivered a strong performance at PGL Masters Bucharest, and showed consistency across all roles.
In addition, the team’s core pieces are performing at a high level:
- latto — 1.12 rating with cold, efficient impact
- dumau — the explosive star winning high-pressure duels
- lux — aggressive entry who defines the early round
- saadzin & n1ssim — discipline on both halves
As a result, Legacy play a rare blend of Brazilian mechanics and European-style structure — a mix that is difficult to counter.
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Head-to-Head — slight edge for B8, but important nuances
Despite Legacy holding a higher world ranking, the recent head-to-head record leans toward B8. Over the last two months, the teams played six maps, and B8 won four. B8 consistently claimed Ancient and Train, using disciplined pacing, strong CT setups, and positional fundamentals. Meanwhile, Legacy dominated Dust2 twice, benefiting from their aim-heavy style and fast mid-round decisions. Because all these games happened on LAN or large online stages, the data is directly relevant for the Major.
Map Pool & Veto Analysis
Winrates (3 months)
- Dust2: B8 20% | Legacy 64%
- Mirage: B8 67% | Legacy 38%
- Inferno: B8 44% | Legacy 53%
- Nuke: B8 — | Legacy 62%
- Train: B8 50% | Legacy 33%
- Overpass: B8 50% | Legacy —
- Ancient: B8 58% | Legacy 40%
Likely Bans
- B8 remove Dust2.
Legacy hold a 64% winrate and previously overpowered B8 twice on this map, making the ban inevitable.
- Legacy remove Overpass.
B8 use this map to slow the pace and build structured rounds, while Legacy avoid long, positional battles.
Likely Picks
- B8 pick Ancient – Their most reliable map versus Legacy:
- Legacy pick Nuke. Their strongest map (62% WR), where B8 lack experience. Legacy also run more disciplined Nuke protocols than most Brazilian teams.
Most Probable Decider Mirage
The map offers balanced mid control and room for tactical depth. However, the numbers lean toward B8: Mirage becomes a battleground where B8 can earn a real strategic advantage.
Key Duels
- npl vs latto — a clash of the two most stable performers.
- dumau vs headtr1ck — improvisation against structured AWP fundamentals.
- lux vs kensizor — entry vs entry, shaping the tempo of each half.
VRS Impact — who risks more
B8 (#16, 1555 pt)
- +29 pt if win
- –9 pt if lose
Legacy (#7, 1739 pt)
- +7 pt if win
- –22 pt if lose
Legacy fight to maintain their top-10 global status, while B8 chase a historic breakthrough to Stage 2.
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Prediction
B8 and Legacy represent two opposite identities: structure versus tempo, late-round control versus explosive dueling, LAN discipline versus Brazilian improvisation. Legacy possess stronger individuals and a deeper tactical playbook. Even so, B8 have beaten them twice on crucial maps, and the Mirage decider strongly favors the Europeans. However, Legacy’s superior trading quality, latto’s consistency, and their overall depth should eventually give them the edge.
Expected Score: Legacy 2–1 B8
