NRG and Imperial are approaching a decisive moment at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 — a match for qualification to Stage 2 with a 2:2 scoreline. The winner will advance to the next phase of the Major, while the loser will end their run for the trophy. Both teams have gone through a difficult path in the Swiss Stage, making the tension and expectations for this Bo3 series extremely high.
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 — the battle for survival
The tournament takes place in Budapest, Hungary, from November 24 to 27, and determines only two teams that will continue their Major journey. The competition features 16 teams — including FaZe, fnatic, Legacy, M80, NRG, Imperial, PARIVISION, RED Canids, and others from Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
The format is Swiss with Bo1 in early rounds, but qualification and elimination matches are Bo3 — radically changing the nature of play. NRG and Imperial have reached exactly this type of showdown.
This is one of the key series of the final round — both teams are standing right on the brink of elimination.
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Head-to-head — first official meeting
NRG and Imperial have never faced each other in an official match before, so this will be their debut encounter. The lack of a direct rivalry opens opportunities for tactical surprises and makes the result less predictable.
In the global ranking, the teams are close: NRG — #35, Imperial — #42. This confirms nearly equal chances before the start.
Current form
- NRG — power with gaps
NRG (#35 HLTV) show inconsistent results — bright wins alternate with unexpected failures. In recent matches the team defeated FaZe, Liquid, and SkinRave, but lost to fnatic and M80. Individually the players show strong form, but execution under pressure sometimes fails them.
Key player — br0, who often sets the pace of the game. Together with Jeorge, he takes responsibility for initiative in attack and trades on defense.
NRG prefer aggressive early-round pressure, but sometimes lose map control in mid-round situations.
- Imperial — experience that delivers
Imperial (#42 HLTV) arrived at the Major in stable form, securing strong victories over The Huns, FlyQuest, and Rare Atom.
The team has a structured system and disciplined approach. try remains central to their success, providing high individual impact and securing round-defining picks with the sniper rifle.
Imperial play more cautiously, and their mid-round decisions often determine outcomes.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics from the last 3 months (NRG | Imperial):
- Dust2: 67% | 57%
- Mirage: 80% | 67%
- Inferno: 78% | 57%
- Nuke: 56% | 58%
- Train: 71% | 50%
- Overpass: 60% | 75%
- Ancient: — | —
Expected veto:
- NRG remove Ancient — the map they do not play and try to avoid in every series.
- Imperial remove Train — the strongest option for NRG, where the North American team relies on aggressive executes.
Likely picks:
- NRG: Mirage — a stable pick with high tempo and strong early-round duels.
- Imperial: Overpass — their tactical and disciplined defense gives them an edge in crucial rounds.
Decider: Inferno — a map where both teams have experience, equal chances, and a strong balance between offensive and defensive solutions.
Key duels
- br0 vs try — AWP battle defining control over crucial zones.
- Sonic vs VINI — struggle for mid-round adaptation and tactical depth.
- Jeorge vs chelo — entry duels that can instantly shift momentum.
Whoever claims first blood more often will gain a massive advantage in this series.
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Prediction
NRG have higher individual peaks, but they crumble under pressure — and this match will be filled with high-pressure moments. Imperial showcase composure, read opponents better, and capitalize on every opportunity.
The Brazilian lineup has the stronger chance to win the Bo3 due to their stability and experience.
Predicted score: NRG 1–2 Imperial
