StarLadder Budapest Major 2025: Playoff Stage Breakdown

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Playoffs kicks off this Thursday, November 11, and the battlefield is stacked with star power. FURIA enters blazing after a dominant group stage run, Vitality looks to fight for back-to-back Major titles, and donk continues to shock the world with his unstoppable form.

In this article, we break down the playoff format, the teams, the key favorites and dark horses, and what to expect from the high-stakes matches ahead.

Playoff Stage Format

• Single-Elimination Bracket
• Quarterfinals & Semifinals: Best-of-3
• Grand Final: Best-of-5

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025: Playoff Stage Teams

Favorites and Contenders of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

FURIA – The Main Favorite

FURIA enters the playoffs as the strongest title contender. They have reached several Grand Finals recently and won three big international events, showing exceptional consistency. Their 3-0 run through the Budapest group stage further proves that they are currently in peak form.

Vitality – Defending Major Champions

Vitality arrives as the reigning BLAST.tv Austin Major winners. Although their recent form has been inconsistent, they remain one of the world’s top teams. With nine trophies this year, the most of any team, they are still one of the strongest favorites to lift the trophy.

Dark Horses of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

Spirit

Spirit has struggled with consistency following their roster changes, but at Budapest, they were the first team to secure their place in the playoffs. Spirit’s Young star donk is dominating once again, leading the tournament with an outstanding 1.73 rating, proving his status as one of the best riflers in CS2.

MOUZ

MOUZ remains one of the most stable international rosters of the year, consistently reaching playoff stages and posing a threat to any team on their way. Their structured gameplay, strong individual talent, and great team chemistry are what make them a formidable opponent for anyone.

TheMongolZ

TheMongolZ have been one of the strongest teams at several points this year and notably won the Esports World Cup 2025, defeating top-tier opponents on the way. Their performance may hinge on how well controlez fills the spot of the benched star Senzu.

Falcons

Falcons haven’t secured a trophy yet this year, but they have reached multiple playoff stages and field one of the most individually talented rosters, featuring m0NESY, kyousuke, and NiKo. Their ceiling remains one of the highest in the tournament.

Underdogs of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

FaZe

Despite their vast experience, FaZe enter the playoffs as slight underdogs. Their run through the earlier stages was shaky at one point, they nearly were eliminated. Even their in-game leader, karrigan expressed surprise at their progress. Still, their veteran core can never be underestimated on a big stage.

Natus Vincere

Natus Vincere has yet to face elite-level opponents in Budapest, raising questions about how they will perform against top teams. Their biggest problem this year has been consistency, especially when facing the top-tier teams. The playoffs of the Budapest Major will be the real test for them, which may even decide whether they will make any roster changes mid-season.

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025: Playoff Stage Bracket & Schedule

November 11

• Spirit vs. Falcons starting at 17:00 CET
• Vitality vs. TheMongolZ starting at 20:00 CET

November 12

• MOUZ vs. FaZe starting at 17:00 CET
• FURIA vs. Natus Vincere starting at 20:00 CET

November 13

• Semi-final #1 starting at 17:00 CET
• Semi-final #2 starting at 20:00 CET

November 14

• The Grand Final starts at 18:00 CET

How to Watch StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

Fans around the world can follow every StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 match live, whether at home, at work, or on the go. All matches will be streamed on the official broadcast channels, with additional coverage provided by partner platforms and regional streams.

• StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Official Twitch Stream
• StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Official YouTube Stream
• StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Official K1CK  Stream

The Battle for Budapest Begins

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Playoff Stage promises to bring fans four days of world-class CS2 esports, unforgettable storylines, and highlight moments. With no surprise underdogs in the mix, every team entering the arena has the experience, talent, and firepower to make a championship run.

Whether FURIA continues their dominant form, Vitality defends their Major title, or one of the dark horses rises to the occasion, fans are guaranteed a thrilling finale to one of the biggest events of the year. As the pressure rises and the stakes reach their peak, only one team will lift the trophy on November 14 – and the road to the Grand Final begins now.