FaZe Clan and NAVI Advance to Stage 3 at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, Valve’s second CS2 showpiece with a $1.25 million prize pool, is delivering early entertainment in Stage 2. After a grueling Stage 1 that saw underdogs like FlyQuest shine and more experienced teams struggle, the Swiss system’s second act kicked off with FaZe Clan and NAVI wasting no time. Both squads stormed to a perfect 3-0 record, locking in Stage 3 berths, the single elimination playoffs where the real glory awaits. FaZe’s resurrection from Stage 1 elimination was impressive, while NAVI’s precision play cements their status as legitimate contenders.
This Hungarian showdown, hosted at Budapest’s László Papp Arena from November 25 to December 8, combining high stakes strategy with raw talent across 32 teams. Stage 2’s Swiss format ensures no easy paths, pitting 1-2 teams against each other in a bid to climb or crash out.
Stage 2 Showdowns: Decisive Victories
FaZe Clan’s turnaround was nothing short of spectacular. After dropping out of Stage 1, the Finn “karrigan” Andersen led crew dismantled Aurora Gaming 13-10 on Nuke in round two, then stared down Ninjas in Pyjamas in a round three thriller. Inferno and Nuke both pushed to overtime, but FaZe’s firepower led by rain’s surgical AWP work sealed the deal, making them the tournament’s first 3-0 qualifiers. “We’re back where we belong,” karrigan stated post match, eyeing revenge on past Major heartbreaks.
NAVI had a heated 2-0 sweep over B8. Train fell 13-6 in a clinic of site executes, while Mirage saw B8 claw back to a nail biting finish, NAVI held firm 13-8. Star AWPer Mihai “iM” Ivan topped the frag charts, his 40 kills underscoring NAVI’s dominance. “This one’s for home,” iM said.
Elsewhere, Danish dynasty Astralis crushed FlyQuest 2-0, halting the Aussies Cinderella run with device led masterclasses on Mirage and Inferno. Team Liquid survived a marathon against MIBR, rallying from double OT on Mirage after a Inferno opener for a gritty 2-0. Best of one skirmishes saw M80, 3DMAX, Parivision and Imperial Esports notch 2-1 records, while TYLOO, Passion UA, Fnatic, and Aurora Gaming stumbled to 1-2, teetering on the brink.
Current Standings and What’s Next
With FaZe and NAVI through, Stage 2’s landscape is set for chaos:3-0 (Qualified): FaZe Clan, NAVI
2-0 (Round 4 bound): Astralis, Team Liquid
2-1: M80, 3DMAX, Parivision, Imperial Esports
1-2 (Elimination risk): TYLOO, Passion UA, Fnatic, Aurora Gaming
Round four on December 1 promises fireworks, best of 3 deciders for three more Stage 3 slots and three brutal eliminations. Will Vitality or G2 join the elite? Or will a dark horse like Parivision crash the party? As the Major locks there sights toward its December 8 finale.
Since: October 29, 2025
