TL;DR
- Stage 2 of the CS2 Budapest Main options eight groups from Stage 1 and eight direct invitations
- FaZe Clan and NAVI went on a flawless run with a 3-0 standing, whereas FlyQuest and MIBR exited with no wins in any respect
- PARIVISION, Imperial, B8, Liquid, Ardour UA, and 3DMAX additionally safe spots in Stage 3
- Aurora Gaming didn’t make one other Main playoffs as they had been eradicated
Stage 2 of the CS2 Budapest Main served because the mid-point gauntlet. It’s the true check of whether or not these eight groups that made it via Stage 1 need to play within the huge leagues.
For longtime followers of Counter-Strike esports, Stage 2’s roster is bittersweet. Many of those groups might as soon as have thought of themselves the high staff on the planet, however are actually preventing one another for an opportunity at redemption. Nonetheless, these are the stakes that make this stage far more emotionally charged.
That is the battleground of former Main champions, and it’s heavy with historical past. By the tip of Stage 2, solely eight groups can show that they belong in Hungary.
Budapest Main certified groups
FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere dominate Stage 2
FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere had been at totally different factors thought of the very best groups in CS2, with the previous reaching two Main finals and the latter profitable one simply final yr. Nonetheless, 2025 would show to be a humbling expertise for each contenders, who underwent roster adjustments to adapt.
For FaZe Clan, they’d a tough starting, barely qualifying from Stage 1 with a 3-2 report. Now they’re again with a vengeance in Stage 2 to earn a flawless 3-0 standing, but it surely shouldn’t be ignored that each FaZe Clan recreation appeared shaky and had questionable moments, particularly with that recreation in opposition to Aurora.
In the meantime, NAVI had a extra dominant run in Stage 2, beating FlyQuest 13-2, Imperial 13-10, and 2-0 B8 to safe its spot. B1t and w0nderful had been key gamers in all these matches, with each gamers scoring excessive frags and clutches when it mattered essentially the most.
Twistzz and jcobbb have lastly discovered their stride with FaZe Clan, whereas the jury remains to be out on whether or not NAVI’s makazze offered extra worth than benching jL. Each of those groups had a beautiful Stage 2, however the actual check lies within the subsequent stage, in opposition to groups they’ve gone up in opposition to and failed a number of occasions all year long.
Rising groups and newcomers qualify for the following stage
PARIVISION, Imperial, and B8 all carved their means via powerful competitors to finish the stage with a 3-1 report.
PARIVISION is among the latest groups within the event, stuffed with 4 Main rookies led by Main winner Jame (Outsiders, Rio Main 2022). After shedding to Tyloo in its first recreation, PARIVISION defeated Liquid, had an in depth win in opposition to Aurora, and received 2-0 in opposition to Ninjas in Pyjamas, bringing each video games within the collection to extra time.
PARIVISION is the underdog of the event, and its unorthodox playstyle can catch one of many Stage 3 groups off guard.
Brazilian/Argentinian Imperial Esports and Ukrainian B8 each misplaced in opposition to NAVI, however in any other case had a clean sail to Stage 3. On B8s BO3 in opposition to 3DMAX, they dropped the ball laborious within the first map, Prepare, shedding 3-13. Whereas the remainder of the collection might go both means, B8’s npl and kensizor locked in and pulled a life recreation, incomes a 2.0 and a pair of.06 ranking respectively in video games 2 and three.
Crew Liquid, Ardour UA, and 3DMAX survived the ultimate gauntlet
Crew Liquid, Ardour UA, and 3DMAX clawed their approach to the following stage with a 3-2 standing, eliminating Astralis, M80, and Ninjas in Pyjamas, respectively, to get there.
Sadly, Crew Liquid needed to go in opposition to Atralis as a result of each groups had an excellent probability of constructing it to Stage 3. Of their collection, Liquid’s final was on fireplace, scoring 24 kills in Nuke and a 1.49 ranking on Mirage.
Then again, Astralis noticed glimpses of greatness after including HooXi and Magisk to the roster. They had been pivotal of their earlier video games, particularly Magisk, who appeared means higher than his type within the Falcons. Nonetheless, they had been absent of their final collection, highlighting simply how heavy their supposed star AWPer system has develop into within the event.
Who was eradicated in Stage 2 of the CS2 Budapest Main?
Aurora Gaming misses the playoffs
Aurora has at all times been a darkish horse in each event they’ve joined in CS2. The Turkish squad is sizzling off its win at PGL Masters Bucharest, a second-place end at EWC, and a third-place end at PGL Astana. But, the inconsistent staff couldn’t deliver its firepower to the Main playoffs, very similar to in Austin.
They began robust with a 13-6 opener in opposition to M80, then misplaced 10-13 in opposition to FaZe, 11-13 in opposition to PARIVISION, and choked so laborious in opposition to Astralis in its collection that they made them appear to be a powerful staff. Aurora has constantly made the playoffs in most tournaments all year long, however one thing main has to alter to offer them an edge.
Stage 2 eliminations had been principally anticipated
The true upsets of Stage 2 had been Aurora Gaming and Liquid/Astralis, however except for that, the outcomes had been pretty predictable.
Though the Chinese language roster TYLOO has had respectable outcomes all year long and has shortly gained tons of supporters for his or her humorous interviews, they’ve didn’t discover a high end ever since their win in FISSURE Playground #1. The staff’s match 3 extra time defeat in opposition to Crew Liquid was one of the vital heartbreaking moments within the Budapest Main.
FlyQuest and MIBR exit Stage 2 with none wins. FlyQuest started the event with a dominant 3-0 efficiency throughout the first stage, however had a really disappointing efficiency on this part. They misplaced 2-13 in opposition to NAVI, 7-3 to 3DMAX, and 0-2 in opposition to Astralis, solely scoring 5 rounds within the first map.
Fnatic, Astralis, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and M80 are additionally becoming a member of the underside eight to punch their ticket again house.
Should watch matches of Budapest Main Stage 2
CS2 Budapest Main 2025 Stage 2 was stuffed with as many chokes as clutches. Legacy groups and new contenders struggle with all the things they’ve bought, creating these memorable matches.
- FaZe vs NIP — Qualification collection with each video games going to extra time. This recreation options clutches from either side and a heartbreaking denial from karrigan to finish the map on Nuke.
- Crew Liquid vs TYLOO — An intense 2-1 collection the place each groups crushed one another within the first two maps, however had been shut throughout the last map in Inferno. The third recreation was stuffed with clutch performs from totally different gamers from each groups.
- Astralis vs Aurora — Each groups are concurrently at their finest and at their worst. Magisk channels his time throughout prime Astralis and carries all three video games. Wicadia hits a few of the cleanest AWP multikills you’ll ever see.
Conclusion
Stage 2 of the CS2 Budapest Main gave us a wealthy preview of what normally occurs in a Main. Previous outcomes don’t matter, the hole between favourites and underdogs grows ever nearer, and each play is a chance to choke or clutch.
We noticed historically robust groups like FaZe and NAVI shoot their shot for an additional probability at redemption, whereas constant groups like Aurora and (Liquid/Astralis) didn’t reduce it.
With Stage 3 quick approaching, the gloves are off as these eight groups need to go up in opposition to the very best groups in CS2. Do any of those groups stand an opportunity in opposition to the likes of Vitality, Furia, Spirit, and MongolZ? It’s the Counter-Strike Main, and also you’ll by no means know what upsets are across the nook.
FAQs
Who’re the favourites to win the CS2 Budapest Main 2025?
The favourites to win the CS2 Budapest Main 2025 are all ready in Stage 3 of the event. FURIA has been on a sizzling streak in latest tournaments, whereas Vitality is the defending Main champion from Austin’s event.
When does stage 3 of the CS2 Budapest Main 2025 begin?
Stage 3 of the CS2 Budapest Main 2025 takes place from December 4 to December 7. After that, the ultimate eight groups are shifting on to the playoffs.
Easy methods to watch the CS2 Budapest Main 2025
When you’re not travelling to Hungary to observe the occasion reside, you may watch the CS2 Budapest Main 2025 on StarLadder’s official Twitch and YouTube stream.
