FaZe, a team that was on the brink of elimination in Stage 1, now finds itself in the semi-finals of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 after beating one of the tournament favorites MOUZ. Standing in their way is another surprise contender – Natus Vincere, who stunned the Counter-Strike 2 world by eliminating FURIA, currently considered the best team in the world.
The last time these two teams faced each other was at BLAST Open London 2025, where FaZe secured a convincing 2-0 victory. This time, however, both squads arrive in vastly different forms, making this semi-final one of the most unpredictable matchups of the tournament.
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Contents
- 1 Previous Encounter & Player Stats – FaZe vs. Natus Vincere
- 2 Team Form & Key Players Ahead of the Semi-final
- 3 FaZe Clan – From Elimination Scare to Title Contenders
- 4 Natus Vincere – A Resurgence Fueled by Preparation and Fearless Rookies
- 5 Na’Vi iM seems happy with the result
- 6 FaZe vs. Natus Vincere – Semi-final Match Prediction
Previous Encounter & Player Stats – FaZe vs. Natus Vincere


Team Form & Key Players Ahead of the Semi-final
FaZe Clan – From Elimination Scare to Title Contenders
Even FaZe’s in-game leader, karrigan admitted he didn’t expect the team to make it this far, especially after their nail-biting Stage 1 elimination match against underdogs RED Canids. Since then, FaZe have transformed into a completely different beast.
broky delivered a standout performance in the quarter-finals, dismantling tournament favorites MOUZ with a dominant showing. Close behind him were frozen and Twistzz, both proving they are ready to take on any opponent at this stage of the tournament.
Despite being the youngest and least experienced player on the roster, jcobbb showed remarkable composure, looking confident even in his first appearance on such a massive stage.
From near elimination to looking like legitimate title contenders, FaZe are peaking at the perfect moment and appear capable of beating any team left in the competition.
Natus Vincere – A Resurgence Fueled by Preparation and Fearless Rookies
Natus Vincere’s run to the semi-finals has been nothing short of remarkable. Their quarter-final victory over FURIA, the world’s top-ranked team, was something few, even the most dedicated Na’Vi fans, saw coming.
w0nderful, b1t, and makazze all delivered exceptional performances, with makazze stealing the spotlight. Competing in his first major event, the rookie emerged as the best player of the match, showcasing incredible composure under pressure.
iM followed closely as the second-best performer, continuing his impressive consistency throughout the year. Meanwhile, Aleksib displayed masterful in-game leadership, successfully reading FURIA’s every move. His preparation, combined with the guidance of legendary coach B1ad3, is clearly paying off.
Just like FaZe, Natus Vincere are running hot – and in this form, they are a threat to any team.
Na’Vi iM seems happy with the result
FaZe vs. Natus Vincere – Semi-final Match Prediction
This is arguably the most unexpected semi-final matchup of the entire Major. Both teams have defied expectations, eliminating tournament favorites and arriving with momentum on their side.
FaZe seem to have both confidence and a bit of luck working in their favor, while Natus Vincere look fully reinvigorated and prepared — as if this deep Major run has been their goal all year long.
With the matchup appearing evenly balanced, the deciding factor may come down to odds. Given FaZe’s higher payout and current momentum, the value lies with them.
Prediction: FaZe to win.
Who will become the ultimate underdog and secure a place in the grand final of the season’s biggest tournament?
Will it be FaZe, completing a miracle run, or Natus Vincere, executing what looks like a year-long plan?
We’ll find out this Saturday at 20:00 CET.
If you don’t know where to bet on this match, you can check out our list of top betting sites.
