Fluxo became the sixth team eliminated from the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. Despite a heroic fight on Nuke and zevy’s best map of the entire tournament, the Brazilians couldn’t withstand the pressure on the decisive Mirage. FaZe, a team known for dramatic series, secured the crucial 2–1 victory and guaranteed themselves a spot in Stage 2.
Teams’ Road at the Tournament
Fluxo entered the Major in good form, but their run swung from bright victories to painful collapses. They won the opening map against GamerLegion, then took a map off fnatic and advanced into the 2–0 pool. But two consecutive losses to FlyQuest and NiP dropped them to 2–2, and although the team still had every chance to qualify, stability was missing. In key matches, Fluxo repeatedly collapsed in discipline and tempo, and in the decisive Bo3 against FaZe — despite a strong Nuke — they ultimately fell apart on Mirage.
Final result: 2–3 and elimination from Stage 1.
FaZe went through an unstable group stage: they started strong with a convincing win over Lynn Vision, but then lost to NiP and NRG. A victory against RED Canids brought them back into the race, though the team stood on the brink of elimination. In the 2–2 match, FaZe finally stabilized — structure returned on Nuke and Mirage, and Twistzz became the key star. This allowed the team to finish 3–2 and keep their playoff hopes alive.
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Inferno (13:6). FaZe crush Fluxo’s plan before it even forms
Inferno was a painful reminder for Fluxo of the gap between Tier-1 structure and a team relying on explosive, aggressive bursts.
FaZe seized control of the map from the very first seconds: frozen shut down early Banana pressure, broky consistently punished every attempt by Fluxo to squeeze CTs in early duels, and karrigan read one-and-a-half fakes per round.
Fluxo tried to impose fast hits, but even when tempo shifted their way, FaZe were one step ahead. At 8–2 it became clear the Brazilians needed something extraordinary, but FaZe remained unshakeable: every retake was coordinated, every trade instant.
13–6 — a full demonstration of control.
Nuke (13:7). Fluxo come alive, playing their best CS of the year
Everything changed on Nuke. Fluxo suddenly raised their level to what once let them beat top-tier teams at international events.
zevy played brilliantly — fearless duels, perfect timing, clean peaks. kye and arT applied so much pressure on upper site that FaZe lost track of rotations multiple times.
FaZe felt the pace slipping away, while Fluxo grew more confident. The Brazilians won key rounds on both halves, built a comfortable lead, and closed the map 13–7.
The series gained real intrigue.
Mirage (13:10). FaZe win through experience and cold blood
Mirage turned into the climax of the showdown. Fluxo started boldly, taking mid control and catching FaZe off-guard several times. At 6–4, it looked like the Brazilians had everything needed for an upset.
Then the FaZe survival mode activated: a timeout from karrigan, and the team completely changed their approach.
They started squeezing Fluxo into their own areas, forcing them to execute without information. Twistzz delivered several crucial multi-kills on A, broky won two clutches in rounds that should have gone to Fluxo.
The final stretch after 9–9 was flawless from FaZe: no unnecessary aggression — just discipline, structure, and perfect positioning.
13–10 — and FaZe advance.
Player stats for the match
MVP of the Match — Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken
- 1.30 rating (3 maps)
- 86.6 ADR
- 75.8% KAST
- crucial multi-kills on Inferno and Mirage
- key stability in all clutch-sensitive rounds
Twistzz delivered every moment when FaZe needed a hero.
TEAM PLAY: Style, Tempo, Decisions, Mentality
FaZe — a team that wins not through stats, but through character and macro-structure
This was a classic FaZe victory — not pretty, not perfect, but deeply professional.
- They controlled most of the important rounds, denying Fluxo any momentum.
- They held the pace: even on Nuke, they kept the map within reach.
- They adapted faster: the Mirage adjustments after the timeout were one of the defining moments of Stage 1.
- Twistzz, broky, and frozen stepped up in turns, building the foundation that once again lifts FaZe into the top tier.
Fluxo — a team of moments, but not a team of endurance
Fluxo were brilliant on Nuke and at times dangerous on Mirage — but that is not enough in a 2–2 elimination series at a Major.
- Their peaks worked, but not their structured rounds.
- Their aggression worked, but not their resilience.
- Their individual form worked, but not collective discipline.
Fluxo had a real opportunity to take the lead on Mirage, but they gave away every critical round after 9–9 — and that became the decisive difference.
VRS Changes
- FaZe: +13 pt (1549 → 1562), remain at #17
- Fluxo: –6 pt (1310 → 1304), drop from #36 to #39
For FaZe, this strengthens their Stage 2 seeding. For Fluxo, it’s a painful drop that will affect 2026 invitational cycles.
Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge
Running alongside the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — an interactive feature where fans predict match results, choose advancing teams, and earn points throughout the tournament. By making accurate picks, participants unlock rewards ranging from premium skins to rare gloves and knives, with the ultimate prize being the iconic AWP | Dragon Lore.
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FaZe advance to Stage 2, Fluxo exit the tournament
FaZe move forward and join the teams continuing the fight for the playoffs. Fluxo finish the Major 2–3, once again falling at the most important step and leaving behind a sense of unrealized potential. Ahead — the final 2–2 matches, which will determine the eight teams advancing to Stage 2 and open the next chapter in the battle for the legendary Budapest trophy.
