In a statement-making start to StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, Team Spirit overcame Team Liquid in a dominant 13–8 win on Train, thanks largely to an explosive performance from donk.
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Spirit vs Liquid: Full Match Stats and Ratings from Budapest
From the pistol round onward, donk was on fire. He opened the match with an ACE and ended it with 30 kills in 21 rounds, posting a stunning 137.2 ADR, a +11.72% round-swing, 90.5% KAST, and a jaw-dropping 2.38 HLTV rating.
By halftime, Spirit had already built a strong 8-4 CT lead – donk himself was sitting at 22 kills and an incredible 174 ADR. Even when Liquid attempted a comeback (stringing together three rounds after the switch), donk’s consistency and sharp aim ensured Spirit never lost control.
Despite donk’s modest post-match words – claiming a “matured mentality” beyond simply chasing kills – the numbers speak for themselves. On this night, he carried Spirit almost single-handedly.
Team Spirit’s Strong Group Stage Jump
With this convincing opener, Spirit begins their Stage 3 journey with a 1–0 record – putting them in a comfortable position in the Swiss system.
Support came from teammates as well, most notably Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov, who ended the match at 24–9 with a 1.52 rating – a solid secondary performance that complemented donk’s fireworks.
If Spirit maintains this form – a star rifler in donk, reliable firepower around him, and strategic clarity – they could become one of the dark horses of the Major.
What This Dominant Win Means for Team Spirit and donk
donk didn’t just win a game – he made a statement. For Team Spirit, this result could mark the beginning of a deep run at Budapest. For the CS2 scene, it’s another sign that donk remains one of the most dangerous, high-impact riflers alive today – especially on the big stage.
