Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major is nearly over, with six teams still left with a chance to join FlyQuest, M80, Ninjas in Pyjamas, B8, and fnatic in the next stage. The remaining squads will battle it out in the 2-2 games to determine who will advance further into the competition.
Among the teams in action today are three Brazilian teams – Fluxo, Imperial, and Legacy. While Fluxo and Imperial were considered some of the weaker teams in the whole Major, Legacy were on paper the strongest team in Stage 1, so it’s a big surprise to see them having to battle through the 2-2 matchups.
The other three teams connecting to the server today are FaZe Clan, PARIVISION, and NRG. FaZe stick out like a sore thumb in this lineup, but unfortunately, their performances merit their 2-2 record thus far. That said, here’s our preview for today’s games.
Last chance for FaZe to get it done. Credit: © FaZe
Some people might think that it’s weird that FaZe are having trouble in Stage 1 of the Major, and that they should already be preparing for their Stage 2 games. However, it’s a miracle that they are still at the tournament, as they saved five match points in their 1-2 game against Red Canids, barely scraping through in a best-of-three against objectively one of the worst teams at the Major.
Fluxo, on the other hand, are in a polar opposite situation. Many people had them as their 0-3 pick, but they over-performed, beating two solid European teams in GamerLegion and fnatic to find themselves on the verge of advancing to the next stage. Although their BO3 performances were absolutely shocking, as they amassed a total of 14 rounds in four maps of play against FlyQuest and NIP.
Despite FaZe’s obvious shortcomings and terrible form, they should have what it takes to get past Fluxo in today’s game. Hopefully, their narrow win against Red Canids serves as a wake-up call and awakens the sleeping giant.
Score prediction:
Odds:
Odds courtesy of Stake. Odds are subject to change.
daps’ still got it. Credit: © StarLadder
Not many people had much faith in NRG advancing to Stage 2 anyway, but after hearing the news that Nick “nitr0” Canella will not be attending the Major, most fans changed around their Pick’ems to put NRG in the 0-3 bracket. That’s why it’s such a shock that they are fighting for qualification in the 2-2 games, especially considering they were 2-0 after beating NIP and FaZe.
The team’s coach, Damian “daps” Steele, has done a wonderful job stepping in for his captain. He could be the reason NRG join their North American compatriots M80 in Stage 2.
Even though they have their full roster, Imperial haven’t been as impressive as NRG at the Major. Their wins came against weaker opposition, Rare Atom and The Huns, and their losses were very uninspiring. With that in mind, we have NRG completing their miraculous run and advancing to Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major with a stand-in.
Score prediction:
Odds:
Odds courtesy of Stake. Odds are subject to change.
Can Jame get his band of rookies over the line? Credit: © StarLadder
PARIVISION vs. Legacy has all the makings of a classic Major 2-2 game. PARIVISION have been quietly putting in solid performances over the past couple of days. They grinded out wins over The Huns and GamerLegion, and suffered close losses to M80 and B8. Most importantly, they put up a good fight in each game they played.
Legacy’s results are rather similar. The Brazilians also lost out against B8, and another 3-0 team in FlyQuest. However, the level of their performances has been a step below what we’ve come to expect of the CAC 2025 champions.
Both teams have a decent shot at making it through to the next stage. The question is who will show up on the day. With their recent experience in high-pressure games, we’ve got Legacy coming out on top.
Score prediction:
Odds:
Odds courtesy of Stake. CS2 odds are subject to change.
Feature image credit: © StarLadder
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