After a shaky start at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, FaZe Clan have done what few teams manage – clawed their way back from the edge of elimination and punched their ticket to the playoffs. Their clean 2-0 win over Passion UA marks their fifth consecutive CS2 Major playoffs appearance, and continues their streak of “perfect Major qualifications.”
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Passing the Pressure-Test: FaZe vs Passion UA
FaZe and Passion UA first clashed in Stage 2, with a tight BO1 on Dust2. The result was a narrow but telling 13-10 win for FaZe, setting the tone for what would come.
Later, in the elimination best-of-three that decided their playoff destiny, FaZe held their nerve. They closed the series 2-0 with identical 13-11 map scores on Overpass and Mirage.
Particularly notable was the performance from rising star Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski — he delivered consistent rifling and crucial entries when it mattered most.
Veteran presence also helped: Helvijs “broky” Saukants looked revitalised, posting his best Big-Event rating since BLAST Fall Final 2024, bringing both firepower and composure.
Passion UA pushed until the end, their challenge included a Deagle triple kill from Vladyslav “Kvem” Korol and a clutch ace by Johnny “JT” Theodosiou – but ultimately FaZe’s experience and edge in execution carried them through.
From Inconsistency to Resolve: What Changed for FaZe
At the start of the Major, FaZe looked unsteady: losses against NRG and Ninjas in Pyjamas, and a near-elimination vs RED Canids had fans questioning if they’d even make it out of Stage 1.
But the shift was real – the team tightened up. Improved coordination, clutch-round composure, and breakout individual form (especially from jcobbb and broky) turned them from unstable to unshakable at the Major.
As FaZe in-game leader Finn “karrigan” Andersen said after the win: if someone had told him during their earlier struggles that they’d end up in the playoffs, he would’ve laughed. Now, here they are.
What FaZe’s Run Tells Us Moving Forward
FaZe Clan’s journey at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is not just another playoff qualification. It’s a story of grit, evolution, and redemption. From slipping in Stage 1 to grinding through intense matches to earn their spot, FaZe have shown that momentum, belief, and clutch-time performances still matter.
