In Round 4 every matchup is a best-of-three, which means the momentum wins from the Bo1 days are gone. And with how shaky some of the teams have looked, Round 4 will show who can hold their level for more than a map, and who goes full panic-mode if a half goes wrong.

High Matches (2-1)

The winners of these matches go through to the Playoff Stage – losers go to Round 5.

NAVI vs Vitality

Vitality settled fast after their loss to FaZe in the opening game – they started playing the type of CS you’d expect from them. NAVI also stacked some wins, but they keep letting teams hang around in rounds they should close. And that won’t fly here. If Vitality show up with the same confidence they had today, and if they start strong early, NAVI could struggle to keep up.

Prediction: Favoring Vitality.

MOUZ vs Falcons

Falcons looked a bit rough in the opening game, but in rounds 2 and 3 showed their true star power, completely annihilating Passion UA and Imperial. MOUZ are as solid as ever, but they’ve been way too passive when things get a bit messy, and that pace is basically Falcons’ sweet spot, especially in a Bo3. If Falcons bring the game they showed today and not let MOUZ snowball early, they’ll absolutely take control of the game.

Prediction: Lean Falcons.

G2 vs The MongolZ

The MongolZ have shown they can be dangerous even without Senzu, but they’re streaky – if their first few rounds don’t land, they become very predictable. G2 on the other hand, despite today’s loss to MOUZ, are looking a bit steadier, and in a best-of-three they have the room to settle in and control the match. G2’s structure and map pool make them the safer pick.

Prediction: G2, but MongolZ will put up a fight.

Low Matches (1-2)

Winners keep their StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 run going to Round 5, the losers are sent packing.

B8 vs paiN

Even though they’re the youngest team here, B8 have looked sharper in late tournament pressure than paiN, and that matters greatly in a Bo3. Although paiN are more than capable to push the tempo early and go full Brazilian pace, their form has dipped every time the match goes long. Their previous matchup was a little more than a month ago at PGL Masters Bucharest, and paiN edged it 2-0 – but all things considered, B8 are playing better CS at this Major.

Prediction: Slight lean towards B8.

Passion UA vs Imperial

Passion UA are looking much better in a Bo3 than a Bo1 – they get time to settle into the game, and they’ve shown they don’t mentally fold easily after dropping a map. Imperial on the other hand are not short on experience – they’re short on consistency when a match goes the distance. If Passion UA avoid letting Imperial snowball early rounds, they can absolutely grind this one out. In a Bo3 form, they’re the more unpredictable and dangerous team.

Prediction: Passion UA in 3.

3DMAX vs FaZe

3DMAX are absolutely capable of pushing FaZe in a Bo1, but Bo3 is where FaZe’s veterans should take over – even with their recent inconsistencies. FaZe have players who can carry maps on their own, and that becomes a massive advantage if series extend. 3DMAX are disciplined and good at punishing mistakes, but they rarely stay consistent across multiple maps, and I think the pressure of elimination will get to them. They can do damage, but FaZe simply have the better clutch factor when series get long.

Prediction: FaZe in 2.