NAVI, FaZe, and G2 Battle for Playoff Spots in Budapest Major Stage 3 Round 5
In the thrilling conclusion to Stage 3 at the Counter-Strike 2 Budapest Major 2025, six squads are battling it out for the last three spots in the playoffs. Powerhouses NAVI and FaZe find themselves in unfamiliar underdog positions, but victory seems likely barring major upsets. Meanwhile, G2 Esports and Team Falcons prepare for a intense showdown.
B8 vs. NAVI
NAVI are in firm control of their advancement match against B8, leading 1-0 after beating the Ukrainian squad 13-4 on Ancient (B8’s pick). Train (NAVI’s pick) is currently in progress as Map 2, with Mirage left as the potential decider.
The two sides met earlier in Stage 2, where NAVI swept B8 3-0 in the Swiss system. Despite recent stumbles , including a humiliating 2-13 loss to FURIA. NAVI remain overwhelming favourites. B8 reached this stage by upsetting Team Falcons in Round 1 and eliminating paiN Gaming, but they’ve looked outclassed against top tier opposition.
FaZe Clan vs. Passion UA
FaZe Clan take on Passion UA in the second advancement series of the day (scheduled for 16:30 CET). Map veto and scores are still TBD.
After a shaky Stage 1, FaZe stormed through Stage 2 undefeated and opened Stage 3 with a victory over Vitality. Losses to Spirit and The MongolZ forced them into Round 4, but they dispatched 3DMAX comfortably. Passion UA have been the surprise package, knocking out M80, Liquid, and Imperial, yet losses to G2 and Falcons suggest the ceiling against elite teams. Anything short of a complete FaZe collapse would be a shock.
G2 Esports vs. Team Falcons
The most anticipated matchup of Round 5 sees G2 Esports face Team Falcons in a winner takes all Bo3 (scheduled for later today, exact time TBD).
G2 started Stage 3 on fire with 2-0 wins over Passion UA and paiN but were stopped by FURIA and The MongolZ. Falcons, still haunted by their early Austin major exit, recovered from a Round 1 loss to B8 with wins over Passion UA and Imperial, only to fall to MOUZ yesterday. This clash between two of the world’s top rosters is completely open and could go either way.
Playoff Bracket Almost Complete
FURIA, Team Spirit, The MongolZ, Team Vitality, and MOUZ have already secured their spots. The winners of today’s three series will join them in the eight team single elimination playoff bracket, which begins December 11 and runs through the Grand Final on December 14.
Since: October 29, 2025
