With Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major almost over, it’s time for another round of exhilarating 2-2 matches.
There will be no shortage of high-octane Counter-Strike action with massive names like Team Liquid and Astralis in the mix.
Here’s our preview of the final three Stage 2 games.
M80 poised to make it through another stage. Credit: © M80
The first game of the day is almost an NA vs. NA matchup, as Passion UA will be taking on M80. Many people had Passion UA as their 0-3 pick in the CS2 Major Pick’ems, but the former core of Complexity, with the addition of Vladyslav “Kvem” Korol, put together a couple of solid wins during their Stage 2 run.
M80 came in from the previous stage after rolling through the competition and qualifying with a 3-0 record. Up until the third day of this stage, their Stage 2 performances looked equally impressive, beating Astralis and TYLOO while losing to Aurora.
However, on day three, they fell short in a qualification best-of-three game against Imperial while being the heavy favorites. Losing out against a weaker opponent in such an important game is a real concern.
Although the last time these cores of players met, it was the Complexity guys who came out on top at the Shanghai Major, today should be a different story. M80 are more complete as a team and should advance to Stage 3 on their second attempt.
Score prediction:
Odds:
Odds courtesy of Stake. Odds are subject to change.
NAF is hoping to avenge his former 2019 self. Credit: © Team Liquid
Today’s blockbuster matchup is undoubtedly the bout between Liquid and Astralis. 2019’s biggest rivalry will come back to life for a brief few hours to determine which team will leave Budapest disappointed and frustrated with their performance.
Both teams have already faced elimination twice but fought through to end up in the 2-2 matchup. Liquid bested MIBR before grinding out an unlikely victory against TYLOO, which included a decider map comeback from 12-8 down.
Astralis shared a similar fate. The Danes first defeated FlyQuest and then narrowly came out on top in an intense BO3 battle against Aurora. One of the best performers for Astralis in this stage has surprisingly been their newest addition, Emil “Magisk” Reif, who historically plays very well against Liquid.
The most likely outcome of this game is akin to the infamous 2019 rivalry between the two teams, with Astralis besting Liquid. The Danish squad has looked much more solid overall, and if they play to the same level as they did against Aurora, they should advance to the next stage.
Score prediction:
Odds:
Odds courtesy of Stake. CS2 odds are subject to change.
Third time’s the charm for NIP (maybe). Credit: © StarLadder
The final game of Stage 3 is also the most difficult to call. Both Ninjas in Pyjamas and 3DMAX have looked strong and fragile on different occasions. NIP began their Stage 2 campaign with an excellent 2-0 start but had little luck in the BO3s, losing four straight maps in overtime to find themselves in the 2-2 matchups.
On the other hand, 3DMAX’s performances have been much more up-and-down, almost taking turns between dominating the opponent and getting dominated. The French roster hasn’t been performing up to the standards they set for themselves across 2025.
While both teams have a good shot at taking the other out, we think 3DMAX have more solidity within their ranks to overcome the challenge of NIP. Additionally, NIP’s star players seem to have cooled down, which should allow 3DMAX’s tactical prowess to shine through in the end.
Score prediction:
Odds:
Odds courtesy of Stake. Odds are subject to change.
Feature image credit: © Team Liquid
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