StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 begins with a matchup between Aurora and M80 — both teams start with a 0:0 score in the Swiss system. The winner immediately gains a 1:0 advantage and takes the first step toward reaching Stage 3, while the loser drops into the less favorable 0:1 bracket. Both teams have shown strong character on their way to this stage, so this opening match could be crucial for their further tournament path.
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 — a time to separate strengths
The stage will take place from November 29 to December 2 in Budapest. Sixteen teams will compete for places in Stage 3, including top-tier lineups such as NAVI, FaZe, Astralis, Liquid, NiP, as well as Aurora and M80 — who arrived through different routes from RMR and Stage 1.
Format: Bo1 in regular matches and Bo3 in decisive matches for advancement or elimination. There is no room for error: one lost round in a Bo1 can ruin the entire plan. Aurora vs M80 is a key opening match, where both teams will try to impose their tempo on the tournament right away.
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Head-to-head — no direct advantage
The teams have not faced each other officially in their current lineups. This adds intrigue: no historical context and no familiar patterns of play.
Current rankings:
- Aurora — #8 in the world
- M80 — #24 in the world
Aurora enter Stage 2 as favorites, but M80 have shown steady progress and can challenge even top opponents.
Current form
- Aurora — aggression, experience and stability
Aurora are in excellent form with a four-match win streak. The team claimed victory at PGL Masters Bucharest 2025, defeating GamerLegion, Astralis, and Legacy. High individual skill and discipline allow Aurora to confidently close out important rounds. XANTARES and woxic remain the primary driving forces behind the team’s success.
Aurora are one of the strongest teams in Stage 2 based on current performance level.
- M80 — new potential on the international stage
M80 come into this match with positive momentum — three consecutive wins in Stage 1, including key victories over PARIVISION and B8. The team continues building confidence through improved structure and the rise of young riflers.
However, the match against Aurora is their first major test of Stage 2.
Map Pool & Veto
Statistics over the last 3 months (Aurora | M80):
- Dust2: 70% | 67%
- Mirage: 46% | 100%
- Inferno: 38% | 56%
- Nuke: 55% | —
- Train: 62% | 60%
- Overpass: 62% | 0%
- Ancient: — | 62%
Expected veto:
- Aurora remove Mirage — the only map with a 100% win rate for M80
- M80 remove Overpass — Aurora possess excellent map control there
Likely picks:
- Aurora: Dust2 or Train — both maps empower their star riflers
- M80: Ancient — their strongest chance against a favorite
Decider: Nuke — Aurora hold a structural advantage
Key duels
- XANTARES vs Lake — firepower dominance and impact in opening duels
- woxic vs s1n — information control and decision-making accuracy
- jottAAA vs Swisher — role-based impact in clutch scenarios
Prediction
Aurora enter with confidence, stronger international experience and a stable macro-structure, which is crucial in Bo1. M80 may create a close fight, but the gap in quality and map discipline remains noticeable.
Predicted result: Aurora 1–0 M80
