After a dramatic and unpredictable Stage 3, the Major now moves into the playoff phase. Eight teams survived the pressure of the Swiss format and are ready for decisive battles. Below are all quarterfinal pairs and a brief look at how each contender reached the Top 8.
The #BudapestMajor Playoffs bracket reveal:@Team__Spirit vs. @FalconsEsport@TeamVitalityCS vs. @1mongolz @mousesports vs. @FaZeEsports @FURIA vs. @natusvincere pic.twitter.com/0cqmRhzCpT
— StarLadder CS2 (@StarLadder_CS) December 7, 2025
Team Spirit vs Falcons
Spirit enter the playoffs as one of the most stable teams of Stage 3. They crushed FaZe and later controlled their match against Liquid. Their structure held firm, and the team dictated the pace in every round.
Falcons, however, followed a very different path. They started poorly but then produced one of the loudest comebacks of the event. The team climbed from 1–1 to 3–2 and eliminated G2 in a high-pressure decider. Their rise was fueled by the explosive aim of kyosuke and m0NESY, who carried key moments. As a result, this matchup becomes a duel of contrasts: Spirit bring discipline and calm, while Falcons rely on speed, emotion, and pure momentum.
Vitality vs The MongolZ
Vitality closed Stage 3 with confidence and strength. They defeated 3DMAX and NAVI and looked like a true title contender again. The team played with structure and balance. ZywOo, as always, lifted the level of the entire roster.
Meanwhile, The MongolZ created one of the biggest stories of the Major. Their wins over FaZe and G2 proved they can handle pressure and break favorites through real tactical play, not randomness. They look dangerous and confident, and their current form allows them to challenge anyone. Therefore, their match against Vitality promises a clash between European experience and the strongest Asian roster of the season.
MOUZ vs FaZe
MOUZ played Stage 3 cleanly and calmly. There was no panic and no drama. They beat B8 and Falcons and showed strong team stability. Their system works at every level and does not rely on one star.
FaZe, in contrast, experienced a rough stage. Losses to Spirit and Vitality pushed them close to elimination. However, their win against 3DMAX once again proved they can recover when the pressure grows. This matchup highlights two different styles: MOUZ bring youth and structure, while FaZe rely on experience, individuality, and deep tournament mentality.
FURIA vs NAVI
FURIA enter the playoffs as the most dominant team of Stage 3. They crushed Imperial, destroyed NAVI 13–2, and later overpowered G2. Their pace and aggression were overwhelming, even for top-tier opponents. The team looks confident and unified.
NAVI, on the other hand, had a mixed run. They defeated PARIVISION and paiN but suffered a painful loss to Vitality. This inconsistency remains a concern. Even so, NAVI now have a chance to redeem themselves for that 2–13 defeat — one of the most discussed results of the stage. The key question is which style will prevail first: FURIA’s relentless aggression or NAVI’s controlled European approach.
Playoffs Outlook
The quarterfinals offer a strong mix of styles and storylines. Spirit face a revitalized Falcons, while Vitality must overcome the rising MongolZ. MOUZ challenge the legendary FaZe lineup, and FURIA meet NAVI in a high-stakes rematch. The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 now enters its hottest phase, and any of these clashes may become historic.
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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.
