Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 turned into a major test for newcomers. It also gave underrated teams a chance to prove their potential. While most viewers focused on teams fighting for a Stage 2 spot, the real spotlight fell on the individual player rankings. According to HLTV Rating 3.0, the top 10 players of the opening stage were led by Vexite from FlyQuest. His incredible 1.64 rating made him the most impactful player of Stage 1.
Vexite (FlyQuest) — 1.64 Rating | 4 Maps
Australian AWPer Vexite became the biggest surprise of Stage 1. He played only four maps, yet each one looked polished and confident. He posted +20 K-D, a 1.42 K/D, and strong influence in almost every round. Moreover, his accuracy and aggressive style with the AWP pushed FlyQuest to a clean 3–0 finish.
read more
xKacpersky (Ninjas in Pyjamas) — 1.46 Rating | 5 Maps
Young NiP talent xKacpersky proved that his potential is real. He delivered a 1.46 rating and +38 K-D, becoming the main driving force for NiP. His 1.78 K/D was also the highest among players with more than five maps. Furthermore, his calm aim and strong angle control helped NiP win key matches against Lynn Vision and FaZe.
npl (B8) — 1.35 Rating | 5 Maps
Ukrainian rifler npl reminded everyone why he was considered a top CIS prospect. He had one of his strongest tournaments since 2023: 1.30 K/D, +21 K-D, and reliable performances in pistol rounds and retakes. As a result, his anchoring on Inferno and Ancient helped B8 qualify with a 3–1 record.
kensizor (B8) — 1.34 Rating | 5 Maps
B8 secured another top-10 spot thanks to kensizor. He once again showed stable form next to npl. With +23 K-D and 1.28 K/D, he became B8’s main offensive contributor. In addition, his domination on Mirage in the match against Legacy played a key role in the team’s success.
regali (FlyQuest) — 1.33 Rating | 4 Maps
Together with Vexite, regali formed one of the strongest duos in Stage 1. His 1.33 rating and spectacular 2.04 K/D set a new efficiency bar for snipers. In every match, he remained consistent with 20+ frags, showing complete control on Inferno.
Lake (M80) — 1.33 Rating | 4 Maps
American rifler Lake became one of the main discoveries of the event. He symbolized the “new M80” — composed, structured, and sharp. His 1.33 rating, +16 K-D, and confident entries made him essential to the team’s victories.
Swisher (M80) — 1.28 Rating | 4 Maps
Alongside Lake, Swisher also showed stable form. His 1.28 rating came from structured gameplay, clean retakes, and very few mistakes in clutch situations. As a result, M80 looked much stronger than in previous tournaments.
latto (Legacy) — 1.27 Rating | 8 Maps
Latto was the only player in the top 10 who played more than eight maps and still stayed highly effective. He remained consistent with +27 K-D and 1.25 K/D, delivering key rounds against Rare Atom and RED Canids. Although Legacy struggled, latto kept the team competitive throughout Stage 1.
frozen (FaZe) — 1.27 Rating | 9 Maps
Experience and discipline define frozen. He stayed flexible in difficult situations and saved several rounds with smart positioning. In addition, his 1.27 rating across 198 rounds proved his endurance at the highest level.
blameF (Fnatic) — 1.27 Rating | 6 Maps
Fnatic’s leader showed that individual skill remains high even when the team underperforms. He posted a 1.27 rating, +22 K-D, and several clutch 1v3 wins against Imperial. Therefore, blameF restored his image as one of the most reliable riflers on the scene.
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.
read more
Conclusion
Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 highlighted a wide mix of regions and rising talent:
- FlyQuest dominated thanks to the Vexite–regali duo.
- B8 impressed Eastern Europe with two players in the top four.
- M80 confirmed their position as North America’s best squad.
- FaZe and Fnatic proved that veteran leadership still matters.
Most importantly, young players outshined many veterans — which is why Stage 1 is already known as the “breakthrough stage” of the Budapest Major.
