StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2: Format, Teams & Favorites

With Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 in the books, the spotlight now shifts to Stage 2, kicking off on November 29 and running until December 2. Sixteen teams will battle for eight coveted spots in Stage 3.
This stage marks the entry of heavyweights like Natus Vincere, Aurora, and Team Liquid, each hungry to reclaim or cement their status among the world’s best. But with pressure at its peak and every team giving their all, nothing will come easy.

Below, we break down the format, participating teams, and our analysis of the favorites, dark horses, and underdogs heading into Stage 2.

StarLadder Budapest Major Stage 2 Format

• 16 Team Swiss System
• Rounds 2 to 5 are seeded using the Buchholz system & teams’ initial seeds
• Elimination and Advancement matches are Bo3
• All other matches are Bo1
• Top 8 Teams proceed to Stage 3
• Bottom 8 Teams are eliminated

StarLadder Budapest Major Stage 2 Teams

Stage 2 Invited Teams

Qualified From Stage 1 Teams

StarLadder Budapest Major Stage 2 Favorites & Underdogs

Favorites

The highest-ranked and most proven squads in this stage are:
Aurora, Natus Vincere, FaZe Clan, 3DMAX, Astralis, and Team Liquid.

Aurora

Aurora have made several deep playoff runs throughout the year and recently lifted the PGL Masters Bucharest trophy, reinforcing their status as one of the most consistent teams in 2025.

Natus Vincere

After being crowned Team of the Year in 2024, NaVi struggled following several roster changes. 2025 has been a rebuild year, but Stage 2 of the Major offers the perfect chance to reestablish themselves ahead of the season’s end.

FaZe Clan & Team Liquid

Both FaZe and Liquid have undergone major roster overhauls and have lacked championship results in recent years. However, their experience, veteran cores, and ability to beat any opponent on a good day keep them firmly among the favorites.

Astralis & 3DMAX

Astralis and 3DMAX have shown competitive form against top-tier opposition. With balanced rosters featuring a mix of experience, firepower, and structure, both lineups have what it takes to secure a Stage 3 spot.

Dark Horses: Potential Breakthrough Teams

Passion UA, M80, PARIVISION, B8, TYLOO, Lynn Vision, and FlyQuest have all shown moments of promise throughout the season. Whether it’s taking maps off top-tier opponents or pulling off unexpected upsets, each of these squads has demonstrated they can compete above their ranking when momentum is on their side.
However, inconsistency and limited experience on elite stages often hold them back from making deeper runs. If any of these teams manage to hit their stride early in the Swiss stage, they have the tools and firepower to shake up the standings and send a favorite home early.

Underdogs: Teams Fighting Against the Odds

Fnatic, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and Imperial enter Stage 2 with the lowest expectations. Despite the legacy and veteran presence within these lineups, 2025 has been a difficult year marked by roster instability and underperformance against tier-one opposition.
None of these squads have produced meaningful results this season, and finding cohesion has been a recurring issue. Still, in a Major setting, experience counts – and if they manage to stabilize and build confidence early, they could defy expectations. But on paper, they remain the most vulnerable teams in the field.

StarLadder Budapest Major Opening Matches Schedule

November 29

• Astralis vs. Ninjas in Pyjamas and 3DMAX vs. Fnatic starting at 13:00 CET
• Passion UA vs. FaZe and PARIVISION vs. TYLOO starting at 14:00 CET
• Natus Vincere vs. FlyQuest and Aurora vs. M80 starting at 15:00 CET
• MIBR vs. Imperial and Liquid vs. B8 starting at 16:00 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

StarLadder Budapest Major Stage 2: The Fight for Survival

With top contenders joining the fray and ambitious underdogs eager to break through, Stage 2 is set to deliver high-pressure CS at its finest. Only eight teams will move on – every round matters. Budapest is about to witness some of the best Counter-Strike of the year.