With Stage 1 officially completed and eight teams already knocked out, the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 now enters the pressure-packed Stage 2. Sixteen squads, half invited, half survivors, will battle for the eight coveted Stage 3 slots.
Here’s a full breakdown of the teams entering Stage 2 via direct invitation and how they stack up heading into the next round.
Aurora – CS2’s Most Dangerous Dark Horse
No team has adapted to CS2 as explosively as Aurora. The fast-paced, aggressive nature of the new game fuels their strengths, and their 2025 trajectory shows it. Although their tactics can occasionally unravel, the firepower duo of XANTARES and Wicadia remains one of the scariest in the event.
If their stars activate early, Aurora could carve a surprisingly smooth path into Stage 3.
NAVI – Still Searching for Stability
After an incredible 2024, Natus Vincere has spent most of 2025 trying to rediscover stability. With no consistent superstar and inconsistent firepower across the roster, they enter Stage 2 with both promise and risk.
A 3-0 progression is possible, but only if w0nderful and iM hit form immediately. A slow start could put NAVI in upset danger.
MIBR – International Gamble, Uncertain Payoff
MIBR continues rebuilding in search of a breakthrough. With the top Brazilian talents locked down elsewhere, the org shifted toward an international mix, adding kl1m and Qikert.
While not as flashy as some of FURIA’s recent moves, kl1m is a developing prospect worth watching. Paired with insani, MIBR has long-term potential, but for Budapest specifically, they still look a step behind the deepest squads in the field.
Astralis – Solid Foundation Led by HooXi
Astralis is no longer the titan of old, but the team remains structurally sound under HooXi’s leadership. Their fundamentals are clean, but questions remain around roster fit, particularly the decision to bring in Magisk.
Astralis should be competitive, but without consistent star-level fragging, they risk being overtaken by more explosive teams.
3DMAX – Tactical Threat With Upset Potential
Perhaps the most tactically disciplined team in Stage 2, 3DMAX thrives on structure, coordination, and punishing opponents’ mistakes. Their approach mirrors the early rise of Heretics/DBL Poney, relying on drilled systems rather than raw talent.
However, their lack of star power may show against elite opposition. Expect them to anchor themselves to Dust2 and Inferno, where they are most dangerous.
Passion UA – NA-Boosted Hybrid with Real Upside
Passion UA’s surprising North American pivot has injected the squad with newfound potential. JT brings strong IGL fundamentals, while Kvem provides serious firepower.
With this new balance, Passion UA now sits comfortably among the mid-tier contenders. They aren’t favorites, but they’re a genuine threat to push deeper than many expect.
Team Liquid – The Eternal Wildcard
Team Liquid enters Budapest after narrowly scraping through qualification. The return of EliGE gives them a welcome dose of confidence and firepower, but their Achilles’ heel remains unchanged: they struggle to close out winnable matches.
Against sharpened Stage 1 teams, that weakness could be lethal. Still, if Liquid stabilizes their mid-rounds, they have enough talent to make things interesting.
What to Expect in Stage 2
With eight spots available and sixteen teams chasing them, Stage 2 promises volatility, upsets, and dramatic momentum swings. The invited teams have the advantage of preparation, but the Stage 1 survivors enter warmed up and tested under pressure.
Who rises and who collapses will shape the path to the MVM Dome in Stage 3.
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