FaZe Clan enters the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 with a strong history in Counter-Strike, yet their participation from the opening stage reflects how competitive the scene has become. At the same time, the roster representing Legacy continues to earn respect in the CS2 landscape, shaping a path built on consistency and confident gameplay.
Both teams begin the Major as clear favorites to progress, but the early rounds remain unpredictable. Stage 1 often highlights determined challengers eager to upset established names. The opening phase’s Swiss System format provides a balanced view of performance and strategy, offering fans a chance to witness fresh tactics, close matches, and the sparks of new contenders rising in Budapest.
How to Watch CS2 Budapest Major Stage 1: Stream
Fans can catch every Stage 1 match of the CS2 Budapest Major 2025 live through StarLadder’s official Twitch and YouTube channels. Both platforms offer full coverage of the event, including commentary and analysis from the tournament’s casting lineup.
Viewers can switch between the primary broadcast and Stream B, which runs parallel matches for additional coverage. Each stream displays real-time scoreboards, round updates, and player stats to keep fans informed.
A dedicated broadcast team manages the main feed, while Stream B focuses on simultaneous matches. This format allows fans to follow specific teams or moments without missing other key games.
Match Timetable for Stage 1 at the Budapest Major 2025
Stage 1 runs from November 24 to November 27, with several matches each day. Early rounds feature initial seeding battles, while later matches decide advancement or elimination. The schedule adjusts based on day‑to‑day results.
| Approx. Start Time | Stream A | Stream B (Watch Here) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 p.m. CET / 9 a.m. ET | B8 vs M80 | Imperial Esports vs Rare Atom |
| 3 p.m. CET / 9 a.m. ET | Legacy vs FlyQuest | PARIVISION vs The Huns Esports |
| 4 p.m. CET / 10 a.m. ET | Ninjas in Pyjamas vs NRG | GamerLegion vs Fluxo |
| 6 p.m. CET / 12 p.m. ET | FaZe vs Lynn Vision | Fnatic vs RED Canids |
| 7 p.m. CET / 1 p.m. ET | TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
| 8 p.m. CET / 2 p.m. ET | TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
| 9 p.m. CET / 3 p.m. ET | TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
Stage 1 results at the Budapest Major: Swiss System brackets and details on each round
Teams in the first stage of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 competed through a Swiss System layout, where each squad needed three match wins to move forward. Five rounds structured this phase, balancing advancement and elimination paths while ensuring every team faced opponents with similar records.
Round 1
Stage 1 began with best-of-one matchups that determined the early momentum of each roster. The round took place across two main broadcast streams. A mixture of regional favorites and global contenders set the opening tone of the event.
| Matchups | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| B8 vs M80 | Imperial Esports vs Rare Atom | Legacy vs FlyQuest | PARIVISION vs The Huns Esports |
| Ninjas in Pyjamas vs NRG | GamerLegion vs Fluxo | FaZe vs Lynn Vision | Fnatic vs RED Canids |
These initial pairings helped shape the upper and lower halves of the brackets for the following rounds.
Round 2
Teams were split into 1–0 and 0–1 record groups after the opening battles. Winners faced others on the same scoreline, while those who lost sought recovery to stay in contention.
| Group (1–0) | Group (0–1) |
|---|---|
| TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
Round 2 informed which lineups would next play for early advancement or face elimination pressure.
Round 3
By this stage, some teams approached qualification, while others risked elimination. The format shifted to best-of-three series to better determine consistent performance. Two teams advanced to Stage 2 with clean records, while two exited the tournament after three losses.
| 2–0 Matches | 1–1 Matches | 0–2 Matches |
|---|---|---|
| TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD vs TBD | ||
| TBD vs TBD |
Round 4
Round 4 placed high-performing squads under qualification tension. Teams at 2–1 aimed to secure their final advancement win, while those at 1–2 attempted to avoid elimination. The competition intensified as each result carried heavier implications.
| 2–1 Matches | 1–2 Matches |
|---|---|
| TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
| TBD vs TBD | TBD vs TBD |
Round 5
The final Swiss round acted as the closing filter for Stage 1. Three remaining matchups decided who progressed to Stage 2 and who left the event. Every game was decisive, leaving no room for recovery.
| 2–2 Matches |
|---|
| TBD vs TBD |
| TBD vs TBD |
| TBD vs TBD |
The outcomes finalized the roster of teams advancing in the Budapest Major 2025, concluding an evenly matched and systematically structured opening stage.
Stage 1 Preview: Experiencing the Intensity of Counter-Strike in Budapest
Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major offers a pure and balanced glimpse of Counter-Strike 2 competition. Without the overwhelming pressure of the later stages, every round feels focused on the fundamentals—strategy, mechanics, and quick decision-making. The matches feature high-caliber gameplay but carry a lighter emotional load for spectators who watch without strong team allegiances.
Fans still bring excitement through their Pick’Em predictions, tracking each upset or clutch moment as it shifts potential outcomes. The stage creates a unique environment for viewers who appreciate the game’s technical mastery more than the tournament’s emotional stakes. Precision shots, smart utility use, and individual brilliance often define the first impressions of the event.
Teams to watch in Stage 1 include:
- FaZe Clan – seasoned lineup with proven Major experience
- Legacy – disciplined team with solid group-play structure
- B8 – rising roster known for bold tactical choices
- GamerLegion – consistent mid-tier performer capable of surprises
- Ninjas in Pyjamas – classic organization with a reputation for calculated play
- FlyQuest – new entry bringing fresh energy
- Fnatic – historically strong brand aiming to re-establish presence
| Phase | Number of Teams | Days Active | Advancement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 16 | Nov 24–27 | Top 8 proceed to Stage 2 |
| Stage 2 | 16 | Nov 28–Dec 8 | Determines Playoff participants |
| Playoffs | 8 | Dec 9–14 | Final champions decided |
The leading squads from Stage 1 move on to tougher opposition in Stage 2, where the competition intensifies and the stakes grow higher.