Stage 2 kicks off, and knowing that the level of play jumps fast with each following stage, the room for mistakes shrinks fast. Round 1 of the 2nd stage should give us a quick read on who’s actually in form and ready to do a deep run at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.

Astralis vs Ninjas in Pyjamas

Astralis get their first test against NiP, and this game looks pretty even on paper for a best-of-one. NiP most definitely has the firepower to swing on momentum, but Astralis relies on a more structured gameplay and not panicking if rounds get messy early. If Astralis slows the pace since start, they should edge this one out. If they let NiP run loose, the match can flip fast for them.

Prediction: Slight edge to Astralis.

3DMAX vs fnatic

Both teams are not in their greatest form right now, so this one should come down to who will settle into the game first. Fnatic are the team that relies more on individual performances and tempo shifts, but their lows are really low. So, if fnatic starts hot, they’ll make this one uncomfortable, but I don’t think 3DMAX will allow that in a Bo1.

Prediction: Leaning 3DMAX.

Passion UA vs FaZe Clan

FaZe has the clear firepower and experience advantage, but they can often troll and underestimate their opponent – and in a Bo1, there’s no takebacks. Passion UA might lack stamina for longer series, but they sure got it for a one-map punch. If FaZe keep thing calm and professional, they should close this without sweat.

Prediction: FaZe, unless they manage to self-sabotage.

PARIVISION vs TYLOO

PARIVISION thrive in slow, life-draining rounds – TYLOO likes to pace it up. This one should come down to whoever sets the game up at their comfortable speed. If TYLOO start fast and get that early confidence, they’re capable of closing a Bo1 easily. But if the game slows down to a suffocating Jame-style tempo, PARIVISION secures this one.

Prediction: PARIVISION in a tight one.

Natus Vincere vs FlyQuest

NAVI have the experience and cleaner rounds, but FlyQuest are coming in hot out of Stage 1, and they for sure can hit hard early. If NAVI handle early rounds without major slip-ups, they should remain in control for the rest of the game. But if they get caught by aggression with their pants down, FlyQuest proved they can snowball.

Prediction: NAVI, but I don’t it’ll be pretty.

Aurora vs M80

In spite of the fact that Aurora is the better team on paper, they are also starting their Major run with a confidence boost, after winning PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 less than a month ago. M80 on the other hand, even though they 3-0’d the Stage 1 run, I don’t really think they can upset here, Aurora are just looking more superior at this moment.

Prediction: Heavily favoring Aurora.

MIBR vs Imperial

This Brazilian derby should be an interesting game to watch. Both MIBR and Imperial are unpredictable teams, with unpredictable playstyle. This matchup feels like two teams that can’t really be trusted enough to play a clean map, which makes it way more difficult to make a clean call. Both teams have good individuals with solid aim, but neither team has a firm baseline to rely on, so I feel like it will be messy game from start to finish.

Prediction: Slightly leaning towards Imperial, although this one can go both ways.

Liquid vs B8

Liquid come into the matchup with more stable and experienced roster, so they shouldn’t drop this one unless they let the game become way too messy. B8 has the firepower to upset, but given this is the biggest LAN stage I don’t really think they can shake Liquid’s composure. But again, this is a best-of-one, so anything is possible.

Prediction: Liquid get it done.