StarLadder Budapest Major 2025: NAVI and FaZe Clan perfect in Stage 2, Astralis and Liquid cling on

It’s nonstop action at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, and Stage 2 is already delivering the goods in terms of drama and storylines. Two teams are already through, while two have already packed their bags following an early elimination. Following day two of the Counter-Strike Major action, it’s time to check out the narratives that the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 has offered up so far.

FaZe and NAVI keep it clean to qualify 3:0

After qualifying by the skin of their teeth at the end of Stage 1, FaZe Clan have made things a lot more comfortable this time around by rushing to a 3:0 qualification. It’s hard to believe that just a few days ago, this looked like a team that could barely put together a coherent round, and has come into Stage 2 against superior opposition and made a mockery of it all.

Their match in the 2:0 qualification bracket against Ninjas in Pyjamas required consecutive overtimes, but in both, FaZe were flawless from that point onward. The most significant catalyst for their change in fortunes is arguably the form of jcobbb. In Stage 1, the young Polish rifler was among the worst players at the event. Totally out of his depth, or so it seemed. But he has massively stepped up his game in Stage 2. Is it a sign of things to come, or simply an example of the natural inconsistencies present in young players? I’d suggest the latter – regardless, we’re getting at least three more series with FaZe and jcobbb, and their form in Stage 2 could transform expectations next time out.

Later in the day, NAVI saved our StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Ems by battering a much younger and more inexperienced B8 team. After surviving the challenge of best-of-ones yesterday, NAVI came into today’s match with the intention of making their Stage 2 journey as quick as possible. No messing around – get the win, reach Stage 3, and spend the next few days watching the rest of Stage 2 without worry.

I’ve been pretty impressed by B8 throughout the Major, but the 2:0 win for NAVI doesn’t come as a surprise here. They are simply on different levels, and although NAVI have their share of inconsistent matches, they should always be winning any three-map affair between these two teams. NAVI’s hero here was w0nderful, who looked more consistent here than he has been in a while. If he can keep this up, NAVI’s ceiling is undoubtedly higher than the upcoming Stage 3.

Astralis and Liquid cling to life amid already-low expectations

Both Astralis and Liquid are teams with rich Major history, but they found themselves on the verge of elimination following day one of Stage 2 at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. Had they bombed out today, it would have been a particularly disastrous result for Astralis, who have waited years to play at a Major once again.

But when the pressure was really on, Astralis held firm, keeping their cool against a FlyQuest lineup that looked a shadow of the team that went 3:0 in Stage 1. The Danes were left unfazed by anything FlyQuest had to throw at them, and considering the stakes, it felt like a bit of an anticlimax. Four-time Major winners Astralis live to fight another day, but they have the misfortune of facing Aurora in the fight for their Major lives. If they can overcome that challenge, maybe I’ll start believing in Astralis again.

Liquid managed to stay afloat, too, despite their own best efforts. They found themselves up against an MIBR team without a series win in seven, and they actually managed to put together a comprehensive Inferno to go one up. But on Mirage, they needed double overtime to see the series out, during which it devolved to a bit of a clown car on Liquid’s side. Mistake after mistake. They won, sure, but they impressed absolutely no one, and MIBR will be kicking themselves that they couldn’t at least drag it to a decider.

Liquid’s main concern at the moment has to be siuhy. 19 kills across two maps (54 rounds played) here tells the story best. Of course, you expect your IGL to bottom-frag. This is Counter-Strike. But when you’re a round-upon-round liability, it becomes impossible to really gain any consistency. Liquid are alive for now, but they’re not long for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 unless their skipper can start finding some real impact on the server.

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 Bracket and fixtures

Following day two of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2, the brackets and fixtures stand as follows:

3:0 (Qualified)

• FaZe Clan
• NAVI

2:1

• B8 vs. 3DMAX
• Ninjas in Pyjamas vs. PARIVISION
• M80 vs. Imperial

1:2

• Aurora vs. Astralis
• TYLOO vs. Team Liquid
• Fnatic vs. Passion UA

0:3 (Eliminated)

• FlyQuest
• MIBR