With Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major finished, it’s time to lock in our Pick’em choices for Stage 2. In Stage 2 some big teams enter the competition, while some others come in hot from Stage 1. Other teams barely With Stage 1 of the StarLadder Budapest Major finished, it is time to lock in our Pick’em choices for Stage 2.
In this stage some of the biggest teams in Counter-Strike join the competition, while others arrive hot from their Stage 1 runs. A few squads barely scraped through the chaos of the opening stage, and for them the pressure should be lifted from their shoulders going forward.
The goal in this stage is to predict which teams will stand out or stumble:
Two teams to go 3-0: Teams that win all three matches and advance flawlessly.
Six teams to finish 3-1 or 3-2: Teams that reach three wins with one or two losses.
Two teams to go 0-3: Teams that lose three straight and are eliminated early.
You need at least five correct picks to upgrade your coin, which makes first round matchups especially important for your 3-0 and 0-3 predictions. Below are our suggested picks with a brief breakdown of each team and why we believe these selections will get you through Stage 2.
Our suggested picks
- 3-0: Aurora, 3DMAX
- To advance: NAVI, Liquid, Astralis, FlyQuest, MIBR, B8
- 0-3: TYLOO, Imperial
Find the reasoning for each pick down below.
Why these picks?
3-0 picks (undefeated teams)
Aurora
Aurora enter Stage 2 without having played an official match since November 1st, when they lifted the trophy at PGL Masters Bucharest after beating Legacy. The break has given them time for a focused bootcamp, a full reset, and deeper preparation than most teams in this pool. The roster has outrageous firepower across the board and even if MAJ3R is not the ideal IGL fit long-term, the sheer aim advantage they hold over most Stage 2 opponents should carry them through a short Swiss stage. If they start hot, they can easily storm to 3-0.
3DMAX
This is the wildcard pick and one that separates casual predictions from those willing to take a calculated risk. Their most recent tournament outings have been disappointing, but this is still the same team that reached the final of the CS Asia Championships in October. They have shown they can tactically squeeze out wins and they have the firepower to compete in Bo3s when the pressure hits. If their recent struggles served as a wakeup call, this is the kind of team that rebound sharply.
Teams to advance (3-1 or 3-2)
NAVI
NAVI could easily have been a 3-0 pick, since the mix of veteran leadership and raw firepower makes them one of the most threatening teams in Stage 2. Their issue is consistency. They are known for having one off-map or one sudden collapse that ruins a clean run, which makes them risky in Bo1s. Across a full stage they still have too much experience and skill to fail. They should qualify comfortably, but expecting perfection is a stretch.
Liquid
Liquid with EliGE have played only 34 maps together before this Major, and that low number tells a clear story. This roster needed time to gel, settle roles, and build confidence after a mid-season change. The break between tournaments should help them more than almost any other team. On paper they are well-balanced, with star power, structure and a stable core. If the prep has been good, this is a team that should reach Stage 3 without too much trouble.
Astralis
Astralis return to the Major after missing out since Antwerp 2022, and the motivation alone will be enormous. The cadiaN removal and the signing of HooXi is a positive shift, and the roster has enough veterans to stay calm in high-pressure games. Their results in recent months have hovered in the 6th–8th range at big events, which is roughly the level needed to qualify through this stage. As long as their experienced players step up, they should make it to Stage 3.
FlyQuest
FlyQuest enter Stage 2 as one of the hottest teams in the entire event after a clean 3-0 run. They faced almost no real danger in Stage 1 and confidence is sky-high. Historically, many Major underdog runs have come from teams that start in earlier stages, since they play more matches and settle into tournament form earlier than the big orgs. FlyQuest look sharp, structured and fearless — all traits that translate well into a second straight deep run.
MIBR
MIBR surprised many by copying FURIA’s old formula and adding two non-Brazilian players in kl1m and Qikert. The result has been clear improvement, especially in their mid-round play and consistency. The big question is whether they can manage the pressure of the Major, but insani and kl1m are an explosive duo capable of carrying them over the line. If they stay calm, they have enough quality to reach Stage 3.
B8
B8 recovered from a close 13–11 loss to M80 and then won three straight matches to push themselves into Stage 2. They are one of the teams playing with pure confidence right now, and npl is performing like a star capable of matching the best players in this stage. Their structure is solid, their energy is high, and they feel like a team that thrives in momentum-based formats. If their individuals stay hot, they should make it through.
0-3 picks (winless teams)
TYLOO
TYLOO arrive in Stage 2 with six straight Bo3 losses and only three map wins in that entire stretch. Their qualification largely came from a strong run at FISSURE early in the Fall season, not from recent form. Right now they look outmatched in both tactics and firepower. This is not a stage where they are expected to compete.
Imperial
Imperial reached Stage 2 through the Swiss system after beating Rare Atom, The Huns and NRG. Not exactly three teams that instill confidence in the fans. Even without pressure, they lack the consistency and depth needed to compete with the teams waiting for them now. A quick 0-3 exit feels very realistic.
