Stage 2 delivers the biggest surprise of the day. Imperial, a team few considered a real contender for advancement, secured the most crucial victory. M80 will now have to fight for survival in the decisive 2:2 match, where any loss means elimination from the Major.
Tournament context
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the main CS2 event of the season, taking place in the Hungarian capital from November 29 to December 2, 2025. Stage 2 features 16 teams, but only eight will qualify for the final stage of the championship. Format — Swiss System Bo3: three wins = progress, three losses = elimination. Every match affects the VRS rating, and therefore the chances to qualify for the next Major.
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How the match unfolded — Imperial vs M80
A shocking result in Budapest. The Brazilian squad silenced the critics and destroyed most expert Pick’Em predictions.
- Mirage (M80 pick) — 13:11
M80 chose their comfortable map, but Imperial quickly shut down their attacks thanks to excellent reads on positioning. - Dust2 (Imperial pick) — 2:13
Dominance from the Americans. M80 controlled every aspect of the game and left no chances for the Brazilians. - Train (decider) — 13:11
A map of decisive duels. Through chelo’s clutches, important entries from noway, and a stable defense, Imperial sealed a historic victory.
Player of the Match — Kaiky “noway” Santos
He was the driving force behind Imperial’s success — consistent round impact and crucial gunfights won.
O escolhido por vocês pro MVIMP by @gamdom foi o nosso: @nowaycs2 💪 pic.twitter.com/Tqd0F7QYiG
— Gamdom Imperial (@imperialesports) December 1, 2025
VRS results
- Imperial: +27 pt (1369 → 1396) — rise to #29
- M80: –18 pt (1468 → 1450) — drop to #24
What’s next for the teams
- Imperial have already secured their place in Stage 3 of the Major. A huge achievement for a lineup that most analysts never placed within the top 8.
- M80 enter their final chance tomorrow in the 2:2 match. Their fate is clear: victory — progress to Stage 3, defeat — elimination from the Major and loss of VRS points.
Match summary
The intrigue of Stage 2 only grows stronger. Imperial delivered one of the biggest upsets of the day, proving their resilience under maximum pressure. M80 now find themselves on the brink — the upcoming match gives them no room for error.
You can check the full list of teams that qualified for Stage 3, along with a breakdown of the key matches, in our recap StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — Stage 2.
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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.
