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StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 Pick’Em Challenge Guide
Despite the hiccups, the Stage 1 of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has concluded pretty much as expected. FaZe Clan did give a heart attack to their fans, but they made it through.
We now introduce eight new teams to the mix, these higher seeded teams will take on the Stage 1 teams thriving on momentum, for another set of Swiss bracket and eight Stage 3 spots.
If you are still in it for the Diamond coin, or just want to secure that Gold, let’s take a look at what the second stage of competition has in store for us.
Check out our guide on how to play the Pick’Em Challenge [here].
Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 Pick’Ems
The eight teams that will most probably make it out of the second stage are:
That said, our picks for Stage 2 are:
Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 Pick'Em Challenge. (Credit: Valve)3-0:
Aurora Gaming: Aurora is likely the strongest contender to go 3-0 based on their mechanics alone. Unless they meet someone like Natus Vincere or 3DMAX on a bad day, they very much coast through Stage 2.
Team Liquid: While not the strongest team going into the stage, choosing Team Liquid as a 3-0 team is hedging the bets because while their core is strong, them completely imploding and not making it out is also a possibility.
3-1/3-2:
3DMAX: The gatekeepers of Tier 1 CS, 3DMAX has made some changes since the last time we saw them at the Major and hopefully that propels them through the gate this time. In any case, Stage 2 should be something they can handle.
Astralis: The Danish CS giant has been on the upswing for months now, and the Major is the perfect opportunity to display skills. That said, inconsistency still plagues the squad and hence they should go through, but not 3-0 in our opinion.
FaZe Clan: Yes, this is a bias. FaZe Clan, objectively, should not make it out of Stage 2. But that applied to Stage 1 too, they were 0.456 seconds away from elimination, and yet here they are. This is FaZe Magic and We BELIEVE!!
FlyQuest: Easily the strongest team from Stage 1, the Australian squad with AZR has impressed everyone watching them and we are no different. They are a solid 3-0 contender yet again, but their opening game against NAVI is a strong 50-50.
Natus Vincere: They are a strong team and, similar to their opening game competitor, a strong 3-0 contender. But, the game being a 50-50, we cannot put them in the 3-0 bracket. Nonetheless they make it with ease.
Ninjas in Pyjamas: Seeing an old guard regain their footing has been a treat for long time CS enjoyers. And this NIP is no joke, backed by XIZT, they dismantled FaZe Clan in Stage 1 and will look to do that to many teams in Stage 2.
0-3:
Imperial: The first 0-3 pick comes down to which team wins the opening game between MIBR and Imperial.
TYLOO: Asian Counter-Strike has been on the rise in 2025, but the Budapest summit is still too steep for them. Moreover, TYLOO is much weaker than the remaining teams who won’t make it.
Other Notable Teams:
Amongst the remaining eight teams, B8 and MIBR have a strong chance to qualify. We chose our picks based on how we think the bracket plays out. You can simulate it [here] and make your own choices.
The Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 kicks off tomorrow, November 29 at 01:30 pm CET. Check out our How to follow the Budapest Major cheat sheet [here].
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